New Zealand Transport with its Rocky Geographical Features and a Comparatively Low Population has gone through a number of changes. However, The Transportation System Of New Zealand is currently one of the best in its class.
The majority of population of New Zealand lives close to its Extensive Shoreline. Prior to the advent of the Europeans, Maoris (The Native or Endemic Polynesian People of New Zealand), used their feet to move from one place to another or utilized vessels on rivers or beside the Beaches. Europeans had a key role behind introducing other means of transport such as Air, Water, Road and Rail. Both commodities and people were transported from one location to another. Currently, the major forms of transport in New Zealand are Air and Road. Rail Transport and Coastal Shipping are used for Bulk Shipment or Cargo. There are endeavors to launch Public Transportation as the principal means of transport in regions with bigger population.
The mainstay of Road Transport System in New Zealand is the State Highway Network. The State Highway Network of New Zealand is regulated by the New Zealand Transport Agency. Most of the highways and lanes are supervised by District or City Councils in New Zealand. These councils are territorial authorities of New Zealand. The New Zealand Department of Conservation, Port Authorities and Airport Authorities look after some roads in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, the Left Hand Traffic System is followed and there are many Cars and Campervans Rental Companies which allows you to take the feel of the Extensive State Highway Network through a Self Drive Tour.
The State Highway Network of New Zealand spans 10,895 Kms. Since August 2006, 5,974 Kms in the North Island and 4,921 Kms in the South Island comes under The State Highway Network. Out of this, 170 Kms are expressways. These roads connect to regional thoroughfares spanning 82,000 Kms both Concrete and Non-Concrete. The highest permissible speed limit on open roads in New Zealand is 100 Km/Hr. The usual limit is 50 Km/Hr in suburban localities.
The principal means of Public Transport in New Zealand are Bus Services and Taxis. The famous vehicles in New Zealand are Toyota, Holden and Ford
Cycling in the country is performed for Traveling, Amusement and Competitions.
The Length of Railway Lines in New Zealand is 4,128 Kms and these lines have been constructed as Narrow Gauge Lines (1067 mm). Electrification has been performed to 506 Kms. KiwiRail Network, a division of New Zealand Railways Corporation, is the owner of the countrywide Railways Network. New Zealand Railways Corporation is a state-owned enterprise. The countrywide network comprises 7 Secondary Main Lines, 3 Main Trunk Lines and about 90 Branch Lines. The Railways Industry of New Zealand went through a significant revamp between 1980 and 1990. In 1982, the name of New Zealand Railways Department was changed to New Zealand Railways Corporation. There was a split in 1990 and the name of the company was changed to Tranz Rail in 1995. In 2001, a separate company was formed with the name of Tranz Scenic to run long distance commuter services. Toll Holdings, an Australian cargo firm took over Tranz Rail in 2003 and the name of the company was changed to Toll NZ.
The only other major Non-Heritage Railways service provider in New Zealand is Taieri Gorge Railway based in Otago. Bulk Cargo reign supreme, specifically Lumbers, Coal & Timber Products, Manure, Milk & Milk Products, Steel, Containers and Automobiles.
TranzMetro is a subsidiary of KiwiRail and offers suburban railway services in Wellington. It started its operations in 1985 and uses Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) for transporting passengers.
There are 3 Rail Transport Routes in New Zealand and they are as follows :
Metropolitan (City) Railway Services are available in Auckland and Wellington. Interurban Railway Services are available in the following areas :
The history of Coastal Shipping and International Shipping in New Zealand is quite extensive. The length of passable Inland Watercourses in New Zealand is 1,609 Kms. Nevertheless, these are no more major transportation means. International Shipping Activities are carried out from Auckland and Lyttleton ports. A lot of dredging was done to ensure higher efficiency in Shipping Transportation. Ferry Services are available in the following areas :
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Principal Ferry Operators are Interisland Line, Challenger (Kaitaki) and Strait Shipping Limited.
Given below are the important ports and harbors in New Zealand :
At present, there are 113 Airports in the country. The most important airport is Auckland Airport. Other major airports are Wellington Airport and Christchurch Airport. There is 1 Heliport in Mechanics Bay, Auckland. There are 46 Airports with Concrete Runways and 67 with Non-Concrete Runways.
New Zealand also has Pipelines for the following Products and Services :
