Buses and shuttle services are a useful way to skip New Zealand’s boring bits (yes, there are a few), saving your precious vacation days to cycle only the most stunning scenery.

Generally getting your bicycle on board isn’t a big deal, although in peak season it might be a good idea to try and book ahead because sometimes things do fill up and taking your bike is usually at the driver’s discretion. You’ll want to verify the schedules in any case, because in many smaller towns and villages there may only be one service a day and you won’t want to miss it!

Many buses have bike racks on the back of the bus, so hopefully you won’t need to worry about squeezing your trusty steed underneath in the luggage compartment.

Useful services to check out include:

• Atomic Shuttles – Runs between Picton and Christchurch and Christchurch-Wanaka-Queenstown.
• Naked Bus – Connects places like Wellington, Whangerei, Auckland, Dunedin, Rotorua, Taupo, Nelson and Christchurch
• Intercity Coachlines – NZ’s biggest bus network.
• Knightrider – Night bus services between Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
• Nelson Lakes Shuttles – Transport to the start of various tracks. Could be useful for the Rainbow Track or the Queen Charlotte Track.
• Canterbury Shuttles & Tours – In the Canterbury region of the South Island.