InterCity best way to get around New Zealand

InterCity COACHLINES the best way to get around New Zealand

TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION Not for publication until after 7am Monday 16 August

Up to 1,000 seats a day for $5 bucks! All Over New Zealand!

InterCity Coachlines "$5 Wicked Weekend of Travel" buys you a single sector ticket from only $5 to anywhere on its New Zealand wide coach network the weekend of August 27, 28 and 29. That's 95 services a day to 600 towns and cities across New Zealand from just $5.

You can go from Auckland to Wellington or Queenstown to Christchurch or heaps of other places from just $5! One or two sectors will get you most places but seats are limited. Save time and money - take the bus - check the timetable; the bus will likely have a stop nearby!

What do you get for your five bucks? Travel on a modern, full size, air conditioned coach, in a comfortable seat with heaps of legroom, regular rest stops, 2 pieces of checked luggage (max 25kg each) and a carry on bag. You can even take your bike or surf board for $10!

What don't you get? Any hidden ticket costs, the drive to the airport, expensive airport parking, the stress, the queues at check-in time and the wait for your bag at the other end, not to mention the fare!

For example, the coach ride from Auckland to Taupo is downtown to downtown, with enough time to settle in, enjoy the view, read a book, share a yarn and enjoy a Latte at the refreshment stops. There are three services a day in either direction, all going from $5 each way ($10). The cheapest return airfare is over $240* for the same weekend?? The year round Auckland to Taupo bus fares start from just $25 each way: Standard one way Adult $49, Saver $37, Super Saver $25.

How about the stretch between Dunedin and Christchurch? "Scarfy" coaches leave three times a day in each direction, and are priced from only $5 each way during the "Wicked Weekend!" The cheapest return airfare is over $250* for the same weekend. The year round Dunedin to Christchurch bus fares start at $21 each way: Standard one way Adult $42, Saver $32, Super Saver $21.

InterCity also offers regular special fare discounts off standard adult fares for children less than 12 years (33 % off standard fare and free up to two years old), students (20 % discount), backpackers (15% discount) and senior travellers (20% discount for travellers over the age of 60). They also have sixteen different Coach Passes linking all the major centres plus a raft of special discount fares.

Great savings can also be had with Saver and Super Saver fares with up to 50% discount off standard adult fares, if you book in advance. There are only a limited number of these fares available on each service, so it is recommended you plan your travel and make your bookings well in advance.

InterCity's National network reaches 600 towns and cities across New Zealand, with 120 daily services on both Islands, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So wherever you are heading, InterCity has New Zealand's widest reach to get you there.

To book your $5 Weekend, and for more information, call your local InterCity agent or phone Auckland 09 913 6100, Wellington 04 472 5111, Christchurch 03 379 9020, Dunedin 03 474 9600 or go to www.intercitycoach.co.nz. Or look for InterCity under "I" in the white pages.

* Airfares based on best fares found on the internet at the date of release.

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