Public transport
You can use your SuperGold Card to travel free on off-peak public transport services in many areas in New Zealand.
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Using your SuperGold Card on public transport
Free travel with the SuperGold Card
SuperGold Card holders can get FREE off-peak travel on public transport services in many areas around the country. In some areas, you need a smart card from the Regional Council to access the free off-peak public transport service. The table below shows the areas where this applies.
For most of the country, the off-peak hours are between 9am to 3pm and from 6:30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays.
In the Auckland region you can travel for FREE on Auckland's scheduled public transport services after 9am weekdays, all day weekends and public holidays.
SuperGold access to public transport services by region
| Region | Card type | Cost | Off-peak hours | Other details | More information |
| Auckland | AT HOP (gold) | $10 fee to get a card, plus you need to load a minimum of $5 credit. | After 9am weekdays, all day weekends and public holidays | You will need to have some money loaded on your AT HOP card if you want to travel during peak hours. | AT HOP |
| Dunedin and Queenstown | GoCard | $5 fee to get a card, plus a minimum of $10 deposit on the card. | 9am to 3pm and from 6:30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays |
|
Otago Regional Council |
| Invercargill | Bus Smart | $5 fee to get a card. | 9am to 3pm and from 6:30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays | You will need to have some money loaded on your Bus Smart card if you want to travel during peak hours. | Invercargill City Council |
| Rest of New Zealand | SuperGold | Free of charge | 9am to 3pm and from 6:30pm to the end of service on weekdays, and any time on weekends and public holidays | You need to show your SuperGold Card to access the free off-peak concession. |
Please take care to ensure your card is not misused on these services. Read the conditions for using your card.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use my SuperGold Card to travel for free?
Present your SuperGold Card to the bus driver, train staff or other transport operator.
Note: This may differ within regions, for example in some areas such as Otago you also need to show a GoCard. Check the table above to see what applies in your area.
Can I use free off-peak travel in other regions?
Yes. You are entitled to free off-peak travel on participating public transport services throughout New Zealand.
What happens if I want to travel during peak times outside SuperGold hours?
You will pay the standard adult fare.
Do international pensioners receive this concession?
No. This is for New Zealand residents who hold a SuperGold Card.
Do I need to present ID to get a smart card?
The identification requirements vary from region to region, so visit the appropriate website for more information. See the table above for the website links.
Apart from accessing public transport, how else can I use my SuperGold Card?
There are now thousands of SuperGold participating businesses around the country with many more places where you can use your card for a wide range of discounts and concessions, as well as services and discounts from your local council.
To get the most out of your card:
- Take your card with you everywhere you go.
- Search the online directory for the latest discounts.
- Look for the "SuperGold Cards Welcome" stickers displayed by participating businesses.
- Look for the SuperGold Card logo on advertising from participating businesses.
- Show your card to receive your discount/concession.
- Shop around and compare prices. The SuperGold Card does not guarantee you the best price.
- Check the SuperGold Card special offers on the SuperSeniors website.
