At Catch a Bus South, your safety, comfort, and confidence are our top priorities. We believe that when you travel with us, you should know you’re choosing a transport provider that operates to the highest professional standards.
Our team is proud to maintain the licences, certifications, and partnerships that ensure we deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality passenger transport across the lower South Island.
Legal Requirements
Small Passenger Service License
Waka Kotahi NZTA
Catch a Bus South operates under the Passenger Service Licence (PSL) issued by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
This licence confirms that we meet New Zealand’s strict safety and compliance requirements for passenger transport providers, including vehicle standards, operational procedures, and driver qualifications.
Passenger Endorsement
Waka Kotahi NZTA
All of our drivers hold the required P Endorsement issued through Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, which certifies them to safely carry fare-paying passengers.
This endorsement requires:
• Police vetting
• Medical certification
• Professional driving standards
• Ongoing compliance checks
A High Level of Safety & Compliance Standards
We operate under strict vehicle safety and maintenance standards to ensure every journey is reliable and comfortable.
Our vehicles are:
• Regularly inspected and maintained
• Fully compliant with New Zealand transport regulations
• Commercially insured for passenger transport
Partnerships
Bus and Coach Association New Zealand
Being part of the Bus and Coach Association helps ensure we stay connected with industry developments, regulatory changes, and best practices so we can continue delivering the best possible service to our customers.
Membership reflects our commitment to:
• Maintaining high industry standards
• Following best practice for passenger transport operations
• Supporting the growth and sustainability of New Zealand’s transport and tourism sectors
• Providing safe and reliable services for our passengers
Supporting Local Tourism
Catch a Bus South proudly supports regional tourism and works alongside tourism operators to help visitors experience the lower South Island.
We frequently transport travellers between destinations including Invercargill, Queenstown, Dunedin, and Bluff, connecting visitors with accommodation providers, tour operators, and local attractions.
Our services help improve regional connectivity and make it easier for both domestic and international visitors to explore the regions.
Department of Conservation Permits
Many of New Zealand’s destinations are located on protected public conservation land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Where required, Catch a Bus South holds the appropriate DOC permits to operate within these protected areas. These permits allow us to legally and responsibly transport visitors to some of the region’s most iconic natural environments.
Holding DOC permits means our business has been approved to operate in accordance with conservation regulations designed to protect landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Our commitment to working within these guidelines helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the incredible places that make Aotearoa so unique.
Awards
Qualmark Silver Accreditation
Qualmark is New Zealand’s official tourism quality assurance organization, recognising businesses that meet high standards of customer service, sustainability, and visitor experience.
Catch a Bus South is proud to hold a Qualmark Silver Award.
Travellers’ Choice Award 2025
At Catch a Bus South, we’re proud to receive positive feedback from passengers who have experienced our services firsthand. Reviews from our passengers help new customers book with confidence and reflect our commitment to friendly service, reliability, and safe transport.
Travellers’ Choice Award 2024
We value every review we receive and are grateful to the passengers who take the time to share their experience. Your feedback helps us continually improve and maintain the high standard of service we aim to deliver on every journey.
