Bell Gully is a highly reputable transport practice with New Zealand’s most significant companies and operators such as Air New Zealand and Auckland Transport on its books. Wellingston based Andrew Beatson is a key figure in the resource management and infrastructure, having advised Port Marlborough and KiwiRail on a major proposed redevelopment of the Picton Ferry. Hugh Kettle focuses on major infrastructure projects and banking transactions, such as the Auckland Transport on the AMETI Eastern Busway Alliance. In Auckland, Natasha Garvan assists with environmental, policy and resource management.

Dentons Kensington Swan’ top full-service transport department is involved in major PPP projects, and is distinguished as the only law firm on both the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport panels. Auckland office managing partner and real estate specialists Matthew Ockleston  worked with Paul Buetow , Christina Sheard and Nicky McIndoe  in assisting NZ Transport Agency on the Northern Corridor Improvements Project, which connects State Highway 1 with State Highway 18, and involves the construction of an the extension of the Northern Busway and a network of shared walking and cycling. In Wellington, McIndoe leads the national environment and planning Team, and her work focuses on the Resource Management Act, heritage, conservation, public works, and local government legislation relevant to infrastructure.

Russell McVeagh’s team climbs the rankings owing to its breadth and depth in the transportation sector. The is regularly instructed by Advising Auckland International Airport on a planning, regulatory control provisions of the Commerce Act, and on process and methodologies for establishing airport landing charges. On the shipping side, the team have specialist maritime law expertise a history acting for port operators, with Ports of Auckland and Cook Straight ferry operator, InterIslander, being among its key clients, seeking advise on chartering and drydocking arrangements and ports / berths access. Key partners in Auckland include Daniel Minhinnick, the national chair of Environment, Planning and Natural Resources group and Allison Arthur-Young, who specialises in development and large-scale infrastructure projects, along with district and regional planning, and policy matters.

Leading Christchurch transport and logistics practice Anthony Harper advised global freight forwarder, Hellmann on its aircraft charter and block space purchase agreements with Air New Zealand for the carriage of freight, a novel arrangement introduced in response to COVID-19 lockdown and the lack of passenger aircraft for freight transport. Key contact Chris Dann 'provides very high quality advice' and is an expert in the logistics and shipping sector.  

Focusing on shipping and logistics, Hesketh Henry is a reputable firm for transactional and contentious matters, many of them with an international element. Clients praise its 'strength in NZ admiralty law and practice as well as admiralty law in other jurisdictions'. Dual qualified England and New Zealand maritime lawyer Simon Cartwright  is 'able to offer practical advice and solutions'; he works alongside Alan Sherlock, a specialist in marine insurance, and transactional lawyer Ruth Allcoat.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts have extensive expertise assisting constructors, developers and government bodies through all stages of the project lifecycle. Aviation, ports and maritime infrastructure are a core source of work, demonstrated by its work with Ports of Auckland on funding, procurement and construction of the Hydrogen Demonstration Facility, the first of its kind in the country. Key figures in the Auckland based team include Sarah Sinclair, Mark Forman, Tom Fail and senior associate James Dow, who is dual New Zealand and England and Wales qualified.