Is is possible to see the amazing scenery of New Zealand while relying on public transportaion? Are there short tours in some places which will supplement public transport?

Thanks!

Unless you have a specific reason for not wanting to drive, I would rent a car. We enjoyed the freedom of stopping when and where we wanted, and being able to leave on our own timetable. Mr. Pickle had never driven on the left side of the road and he did fine.

Lee Ann

www.intercity.co.nz

Also, you asked re short tours: in Queenstown you can buy day tours to Milford Sound; also Dart River rafting tours which will take you out to Glenorchy; etc. etc.

There is also Atomic Shuttle.

http://www.atomictravel.co.nz/timetable.aspx

There are some locations that are easier to do with public transit, eg around the Queenstown area where there are tours that pick you up from your accommodations. Also around Rotorua, and tours from Auckland and Dunedin.

Other places are easier with a car, such as the Catlins or the more remote corners.

It's also true that driving isn't that difficult outside of Auckland.

In terms of cost sometimes renting a car allows you to stay in the suburbs where accommodation is cheaper. OTOH gas is quite expensive.

I usually would mix and match, ie get a week with a car and then visit cities and use tours.

If you make it to Dunedin or Invercargill, you can use public transport to tour the Catlins (available only on some days). Here are some useful links:
http://travelheadfirst.com/catlins-coaster/index.html

http://www.tourism.net.nz/listings/n...ther-listings/

review of catlins coaster:
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/rev...ns-coaster.php

http://nakedbus.com/nz/bus/route