SuperGold cardholders are eligible for free travel on Metro bus and ferry services during SuperGold hours.
SuperGold Cardholders free travel period
SuperGold customers can currently travel free on any Metro bus and ferry services in Greater Christchurch after 9am weekdays, all weekend and on public holidays.
Changes to SuperGold hours from 23 November 2026
As part of the rollout of Motu Move, the national public transport payment system, our SuperGold free travel hours will be changing to match the nationally funded SuperGold hours.
This means travel between 3pm and 6:30pm on weekdays will no longer be free for SuperGold customers from 23 November 2026.
SuperGold cardholders will continue to travel free on weekdays between 9.00am and 3.00pm and after 6.30pm, as well as all day on weekends and public holidays, across Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn.
To find out more about why these hours are changing, please see our media release.
How to use your SuperGold travel concession
As we roll out Motu Move, our new payment system, SuperGold customers will also need to choose a new way to pay, even when boarding Metro services during SuperGold hours — don't worry, you won't be charged!
You'll need to create a Motu Move account at motumove.govt.nz and link your SuperGold concession to one of the following:
- Contactless debit or credit card
- Phone or smartwatch
- Prepaid Motu Move card
Motu Move cards are currently available at no cost for a limited time from selected Motu Move retailers and only require a first top-up of $5. See our Motu Move cards page for more information.
Keep an eye out for our Motu Move ambassador team if you'd like some in-help with setting up your Motu Move way to pay. We'll have more information about where our Motu Move teams will be from October.
→ Find out more about linking concessions
Can I still show my SuperGold card to the driver?
Up until 22 November you can still show your SuperGold Card to the driver or staff member when boarding the bus or ferry to receive free travel.
If you've chosen your Motu Move way to pay and linked your concession, you no longer need to present your SuperGold card. The system will apply your free travel automatically.
From 23 November, all customers will board Metro services with Motu Move, including SuperGold customers travelling during free times.
What if I'm travelling outside of SuperGold hours?
If you’re travelling outside of SuperGold hours you can tag on with the same payment method linked to your concession. You'll only be charged a fare outside of SuperGold hours.
What if I'm eligible for another concession outside of SuperGold hours?
You can link other concessions, such as a Community Services Card or Total Mobility concession, to the same payment method.
This means you can use the same card for both your SuperGold free travel and to pay your discounted fare outside of SuperGold hours.
→ Find out more about linking concessions
Can I present a digital version of my SuperGold card?
Please note that the physical card must be sighted by the driver. Unfortunately we cannot accept digital versions of the card as it increases the opportunity for fraudulent activity on our services.
Accessibility on buses
All of our buses are senior-friendly, with priority seating areas near the front of the bus.
All buses also have:
- Super-low floors and the ability to kneel to meet the kerb. Please ask the driver if you need the bus to kneel
- Ramps fitted to allow easy access for most mobility device users. The driver will manually fold these out.
Find out more about accessible travel.
If bus travel becomes challenging, the Total Mobility Scheme is another option to help people with impairments to access appropriate transport.
How to get a SuperGold Card
The SuperGold card is free for all eligible New Zealand residents aged 65 years or over and those under 65 who receive the New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension.
To apply for a card, or for further information on eligibility and discounts:
- Visit the SuperGold website
- Email information@supergold.govt.nz
- Call 0800 25 45 65
Happy travelling!