How to travel from Christchurch to Kaikoura, New Zealand

There are several options for getting from Christchurch to Kaikoura by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$38 ($23) and will take around 2h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$41 ($25).

The distance between Christchurch and Kaikoura is around 181km (113 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 164km (102 miles)

It takes around 2h 50m to get from Christchurch and Kaikoura by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Christchurch to Kaikoura is to drive which takes around 2h 20m and will set you back approx NZ$41 ($25).

The cheapest way to travel between Christchurch and Kaikoura, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$38 ($23) for a standard one-way ticket.

Yes there is a train service that runs between Christchurch and Kaikoura. It typically takes around 2h 50m and departs 4 times a week.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Christchurch and Kaikoura with no changeovers required. The train runs 4 times a week and takes 2h 50m.

KiwiRail run train services between Christchurch and Kaikoura. Trains depart 4 times a week and will take around 2h 50m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Christchurch and Kaikoura. It typically takes around 2h 50m and departs twice daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Christchurch and Kaikoura with no changeovers required. The bus runs twice daily and takes 2h 50m.

InterCity run regular bus services between Christchurch and Kaikoura. Buses run twice daily and take around 2h 50m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Christchurch to Kaikoura. We recommend that you take the bus to Kaikoura. instead which will take 2h 50m.

The closest major airport to Kaikoura is Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) which is approximately 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura. Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Yes it is possible to drive from Christchurch and Kaikoura. The distance is around 181km (113 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Christchurch to Kaikoura is to take the bus which takes, on average, 2h 50m and will usually cost around NZ$38 ($23).