Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Bus or Air NZ between Napier and Auckland?

First, I apologize for another thread, I probably should've just made one: "Dcstudent's Questions for an upcoming NZ/OZ trip", but everytime I think all of my questions have been answered I come up with more! :eek:

Anywho, I need to leave Napier for Auckland on the 14th of August. I have a hotel in Auckland that night and an early flight on the 15th. Right now I have a ticket on InterCity coach that leaves Napier at 8:30AM, arriving Auckland at 3:50PM. I don't mind this so much as I'll get a chance to rest my laurels and see some of NZ from the ground. Cost: $42NZ all in. (I can get a 50% refund)

But today I see Air NewZealand Link has flights from $101US all in. Obviously the time is alot better (1hr), but my question is for a different reason.

How are the AT's and Q400's on that route?
Is InterCity reliable enough that I can count on my bus arriving, having space for me to get on, and making it to Auckland (it's the only direct, but there are two later buses that connect in Taupo)?
Sorry for my ignorance, but would weather conditions in August be such that there might be a reason the bus might be cancelled but not a plane?

Thanks for any help.

-Dcstudent

I see airfare for NZ$89. Are you looking up on www.airnz.co.nz or the US country site?

ATR is probably the most comfortable domestic a/c (excepting the shorthaul business seats on rare A320 flights, but these are only between AKL/WLG/CHC), although a/c is noisy. Overhead bin is also smaller than on 737, but okay size I think.

Q300 (NZ doesn't have the Q400) is much quieter a/c and also reasonably comfortable for a short flight.

I would fly, especially at that time of year in your circumstances. If snow falls on the Napier-Taupo highway (20% chance) the bus will not be able to run.

Thanks Kiwi Flyer ! I appreciate your opinion. I was looking at the US site. Can I book at the New Zealand site even though I have a US billing address?

Thanks Kiwi Flyer ! I appreciate your opinion. I was looking at the US site. Can I book at the New Zealand site even though I have a US billing address?

You dont have to enter a billing address on airnz.co.nz when your booking.
All you need is your and and a phone number(doesnt have to be a nz one) and a email address.

Thanks again. I have booked a ticket. First ride on a Q3000 for me.