Cheapest way to travel around New Zealand

Hi,

I will be in New Zealand for 2 months and I'm trying to figure out the best budget option - either between flexipass, naked bus, some tour company (stray travel or magic) or other.

I would like to travel all around new zealand instead of just the main cities.

any advice would help.

thanks in advance!

Greetings
Have had many very enjoyable trips to NZ South Island. Usually, have the accommodation part of the prob beat - reckon I have about 1/2 million relatives there at last count! It seems to me that it's still reasonably cheap to pick up an older, smaller car in Christchurch and use backpacker and friendly native's occasional offers along the way. BP dormitory accommodation seems to work out around NZ$15 - 20 per night per person. Older smaller cars will cost you around NZ$25 per day upwards sometimes including insurance. Try Backpacker rentals at www.rentalz.co.nz - ask for Dean - he may even have a small wagon that you could sleep in if you have the basics. Also has little 4WD camper setups.
You've picked a beautiful country to travel to - great scenery, usually sane roads, friendly people. Was a 'best kept secret' until recent years but is still quite reasonable compared to say the UK. Have also travelled around in a Camper Van on several occasions (small ones from about NZ$90 a day) "free camping" off road - generally permitted provided you're not up against someone's house. I've also always found Sth Island quite safe and it's not difficult to find great overnight spots a little off the main roads. Just in case you're into fishing???? November to March is Salmon time in many of the South Island East Coast rivers - a ton of fun if you find it entertaining casting metal lures for a few hours! Lots of trout in NZ too.
Hope this is of some help
Ian of Oz

The cheapest bus option for city-to-city routes is usually NakedBus. The downside is that it's cheap for a reason - their service is almost 100% web based, so if there's any problem or concern you have no one to call except a pay hotline. And they have a weird fleet of old buses and little vans, quite a contrast to Intercity's big, cushy, though sometimes crowded coaches.

The FlexiPass is not necessary for Intercity. If you're going to stay in hostels at least 10 days during your trip, buy a BBH or YHA card; the backpacker discount on Intercity is equal to the per-trip savings of the pass, and you don't want too be stuck with Intercity when you have better options. The tour companies are far more expensive than regular buses and shuttles, and they don't really offer much you couldn't arrange yourself quite easily.

The cheapest way to get around, of course, is for free. Hitchhiking is an option for short distances, especially when departing a small town, and rideshares are often available and advertised on hostel bulletin boards. Hitching has its risks, but Kiwis are usually happy to give a stranger a lift.

depending on how you want to travel flexipass could be the best option for you. unlike the online fares you can change your mind 2 hours before the bus leaves and still get a refund. plus you don’t have to spend ages looking for a cheap deal or being tied to particular day of travel. there are a number of smaller operators around the country although the buses are pretty old and shabby. most locals seem to use intercity and they cover both islands

as for hitching, nz has had it's fair share of people who go missing after taking lifts from people, so beware!

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!