Yes. New Zealand does have Uber.
If Uber is part of your everyday travels – no matter the time, season or destination, then this piece of information will come as a great relief. But how different or similar is it to take an Uber in New Zealand?
Is it available all around the country? Are there alternatives? These might be some of the concerns you have right now – so let’s hit the pedal and zoom right in!
Where In New Zealand Is Uber Available?
Uber is one of the most preferred modes of transport in New Zealand. Both by travellers and locals. It is also readily available in all the main cities in New Zealand (as of 2022, it is available and fully operational in 13 major cities in New Zealand).
Uber first launched operations in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga, Dunedin and Queenstown and then went on to become a solid mode of transportation for many in Rotorua, Taupō, Napier-Hastings, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Nelson.
And conveniently enough, big cities like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and even Tauranga have partnered up with Uber to offer locals and travellers alike, pick-ups and drop-offs to their main airports. (Yay!!)
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Uber Alternatives
If you have done your own little research (or haven’t, we don’t judge) a lot of the reviews from travellers and locals are positive – which is a good thing.
But if you are going to make a quick assumption that Uber is the only transportation/rideshare app available in New Zealand, you are wrong.
Zoomy
Zoomy, like Uber – is another ride-sharing app that’s readily available in New Zealand.
It’s New Zealand’s first locally owned transport-sharing service company, and If you’re planning to use this app just keep in mind that this app best works in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay. You can easily download it (for free) through the Apple and Google Play stores.
It’s affordable and easy to use. But unfortunately, it’s limited in accessibility compared to Uber.
Ola NZ
Ola NZ is another known ride-sharing app available in New Zealand. Again like Uber, this has an easy-to-use app, that can help you get your transportation sorted.
It’s another New Zealand-owned company. If you are in New Zealand, you can definitely try this app too. Payments can be made in cash as well as by card. The app is downloadable via Apple and Google Play stores.
However, there’re mixed reviews, some good some bad. So it will be up to you, and how adventurous you feel.
Other Modes Of Transport In New Zealand
Uber is not your only form of convenient travel in New Zealand. There are plenty of options other than app-based ones.
Taxis
There are many reputed cab companies and taxi services available in New Zealand – that are not just limited to the key cities in the country. Yes, these are your typical ‘hail and travel’ type of taxis, where no apps are used. But in most cases, these taxis are regulated, and they are quite safe.
So if you need one in an instant and have no time to book and wait for one through your app, then a traditional taxi/cab would do.
Buses
If you’re visiting New Zealand and looking forward to doing some city exploring, this is an ideal option. Yes, you’ll be sharing the space with more people. But, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the views as you are being driven.
It’s more cost-effective too, especially if you are travelling quite a distance. Make sure to do your research on which routes are the most ideal ones to take and the travel schedules so you can make the most out of your journey. The buses themselves are quite comfortable and well-maintained. All in all, it’s a unique experience to have.
Fun Fact: there’re coach companies that can adapt to your itinerary, and the drivers often can act as guides!
Trains
Unlike the road, the train trails can take you through a one-of-a-kind path that just shows the landscape from a completely different angle – it doesn’t matter if it’s through the city, the breathtakingly vast national parks, or the coastal trails. Spectacular sceneries, for a cost-effective price, are always guaranteed.
The Northern Explorer (links Auckland to Wellington), TranzAlpine (links Christchurch to Greymouth) and Coastal Pacific (Picton and Christchurch) are some of the most popular trains that travellers tend to use to see the beauty of New Zealand.
Ferries/Water Taxies
This is a recommended form of transport for all your travels between the North Island and South Island. Interislander and Bluebridge are the most reputed ferry service companies many recommend.
Apart from the incredible scenic views you will witness along these watery trails, you can even make arrangements to have your vehicles to be transferred (even your pets!) There are comfy seating areas and lounges, and if you’re doing a night – there is accommodation available in the form of cabins.
A Ferry ride can minimally cost approx. 55 Dollars (New Zealand dollars) on average, and it will increase more depending on the duration of your travels and what you are carrying across the waters with you.
Rental Cars/Bikes
If you’re confident enough to take the adventure into your own hands, then you can always rent a car or a bike and make your own paths to explore the incredible beauty New Zealand has to offer. This gives you all the space you need to take your own time and travel to where you like.
Depending on your preferred type of vehicle and travel plan the expenses will obviously change. It will cost more than using a bus or a coach.
So the bottom line is, Uber is available in New Zealand, along with alternatives. But as the saying goes, “It’s not the destination, It’s the journey.”