How to travel from Akaroa to Picton, New Zealand
The distance between Akaroa and Picton is around 376km (233 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 3h 35m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Akaroa to Picton by taxi, train, bus, car, plane and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Picton → Akaroa if you're planning a return trip.
Bus to Rolleston Ave, Fly
Take the bus to Rolleston Ave then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Picton (PCN).
- Duration3h 35m
- Flight time1h 20m
- Typical costNZ$350($215)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus
Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Picton.
- Duration7h 40m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$83($51)
Multiple bus operators
Taxi and Train
Take a taxi to Christchurch then take the train to Picton.
- Duration6h 40m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$465($285)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Akaroa and Picton
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Akaroa to Picton by taxi, train, bus, car, plane and ferry. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$83 ($51) and will take around 7h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the bus and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$350 ($215).
The distance between Akaroa and Picton is around 376km (233 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 293km (182 miles)
It takes around 6h 40m to get from Akaroa and Picton by taxi and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 10m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Akaroa to Picton is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 3h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$350 ($215).
The cheapest way to travel between Akaroa and Picton, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$83 ($51) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Akaroa and Picton. We recommend that you take the bus to Rolleston Ave then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Picton (PCN). instead which will take 3h 35m.
Bus travel
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Akaroa and Picton. It typically takes around 7h 40m and departs once daily.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Akaroa to Picton. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 7h 40m.
Akaroa French Connection and InterCity run regular bus services between Akaroa and Picton. Buses run once daily and take around 7h 40m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Akaroa to Picton. We recommend that you take the bus to Rolleston Ave then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Blenheim (BHE). instead which will take 3h 40m.
The closest major airport to Picton is Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Picton. Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
Yes it is possible to drive from Akaroa and Picton. The distance is around 422km (262 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 10m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Akaroa to Picton is to take a taxi and then take the train which takes, on average, 6h 40m and will usually cost around NZ$465 ($285).
Compare travel optionsbetween Akaroa and Picton
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus to Rolleston Ave, Fly + 2 similar | 3h 35m | NZ$350($215) | 4 times a week | 477km (297 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 3h 40m | NZ$290($175) | 4 times a week | 376km (233 miles) |
| Bus, Plane and Ferry | 7h 5m | NZ$235($145) | once daily | 506km (315 miles) |
Bus | 7h 40m | NZ$83($51) | once daily | 423km (263 miles) |
Taxi and Train + 1 similar | 6h 40m | NZ$465($285) | 4 times a week | 424km (263 miles) |
| Bus and Train | 8h 15m | NZ$195($120) | 4 times a week | 436km (271 miles) |
Drive | 5h 10m | NZ$120($73) | on demand | 422km (262 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Akaroa and Picton
Airlines
Sounds Air
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Akaroa French Connection
Train operators
Airports near Picton
The following major airports near Picton offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 7km (4 miles) from Picton
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 28km (17 miles) from Picton
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 67km (42 miles) from Picton