Nelson Tasman Settlement Support

A Partnership between Department of Labour and Nelson City Council

Transport

Nelson city has developed into a hub, with many commuters travelling from Richmond and further out of town to work each day. Current roading networks can be slow during peak times.

For some who are transport disadvantaged, accessing community services and recreation can be difficult. Public transport is a solution to many transport hassles, encouraging cycling is another positive step, and work is under way to enhance the roading links into the city as well as increasing the cycleway network.

Getting around when you first arrive

A good map is essential to find your way around a new region, whether walking, driving or cycling. Maps can be obtained from Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, any i-SITE Centre, bookshops and petrol stations.

Buses

Buses operate throughout the region. For information on local bus routes, timetables and fares visit the main bus terminal in Wakatu Square on Bridge Street, Nelson, Tel: 548 3290. Information on regional bus services can also be obtained from i-SITE visitor centres.

The BUS

A public transport bus service operates on four main routes around Nelson from Monday to Saturday:

  • Toi Toi / Hospital
  • Atawhai
  • Brook / Maitai
  • Washington Valley / Port Hills

The main city terminus is in Wakatu Square - between Ajax Avenue and Bridge Street. Stops are marked along the routes but drivers will collect anyone who waves them down as long as it is safe to do so. The service is operated by the Suburban Bus Lines (SBL) Group.

For more info

Phone 03 548 3290
www.nelsoncoaches.co.nz

Nelson to Richmond by bus

SBL operates regular bus services between Nelson, Stoke and Richmond seven days a week via Tahunanui, and Monday to Friday via Waimea Road and Bishopdale. The main terminus is in Wakatu Square off Bridge Street.

For more info

Phone 03 548 3290
www.nelsoncoaches.co.nz

The Late Late Bus

Safe and affordable transport between Nelson and Richmond on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 3am, leaving Trafalgar Street on the hour. The outbound service travels via Tahunanui and stops as required at designated, well-lit stops. The inbound service leaves Richmond on the half hour and travels into the city via Bishopdale. There is no midnight service. The fare is $3.

Taxis

Taxis can be ordered by phoning Taxis as found in the yellow pages or hailed at taxi stands.

Driving

Everyone in a car must wear a seat belt and children under five must be in a special car seat.

You must have a driver licence to drive in New Zealand and you must carry it whenever you are driving. If your overseas licence is not in English, the New Zealand government recommends that you carry a translation with you. You can use your international driver licence for up to 12 months.

You need to know the road rules. The rules are explained in a book called the ROAD CODE, available at libraries and book shops.

Getting a driver licence

You must replace your international driver licence with a New Zealand one after 12 months. You will have to pass a theory test and possibly a practical driving test. The government agency responsible for driving and licencing drivers in New Zealand is the Land Transport Safety Authority.

More information on driving in New Zealand and licencing

Visit the Land Transport Safety Authority’s website, www.ltsa.govt.nz, or call 0800 822 422.

Buying a car

For official information on owning and driving a car see the Land Transport Safety Authority’s website, www.ltsa.govt.nz.

Buying on ‘hire purchase’

Get advice before buying a car on ‘hire purchase’, as to the finance rate and the car’s value.

Buying a second hand car privately

The car should have current registration and a warrant of fitness. Is there any money owed on the vehicle? You must notify Land Transport New Zealand of the purchase of the vehicle by lodging an MR 13B form within seven days of the purchase date. This can be done at any post office. For more advice go to: www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/buying.html#buying

Insure the car

It is recommended that you insure your car, locate insurance companies and their offices in the yellow pages.

Transport in the Future

A successful transport system is a prerequisite to ensuring Nelson continues to be a healthy and successful community. Nelson’s Regional Land Transport Strategy identifies future transport needs and sets out a plan for ensuring access for users to the places, people and activities that are important to them, and that services are provided for moving goods into, out of and around the region.

All indications point to the continued growth of freight volumes, more people seeking to visit and live here, and a general increase in economic prosperity. The strategy recognises this will lead to a likely increase in vehicle numbers, particularly private motor vehicles. More on the Regional Land Transport Strategy.