How to travel from Christchurch to Russell, New Zealand
The distance between Christchurch and Russell is around 1,003km (623 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take a ferry which takes around 3h 25m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Christchurch to Russell by plane, ferry, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Russell → Christchurch if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Ferry
Fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato.
- Duration3h 25m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$280($170)
Multiple operators
Train to Picton, ferry and bus
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the train to Auckland Strand then take the bus to Paihia then take a ferry to Russell.
- Duration1 day 1h
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$500($305)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the bus to Auckland - Central and then to Paihia then take a ferry to Russell.
- Duration1 day 1h
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$260($160)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Russell.
- Duration18h 55m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$420($260)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Christchurch and Russell
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Christchurch to Russell by plane, ferry, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$260 ($160) and will take around 1 day 1h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take a ferry and arrive in approximately 3h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$280 ($170).
The distance between Christchurch and Russell is around 1,003km (623 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 928km (577 miles)
It takes around 3h 25m to get from Christchurch and Russell by plane and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Christchurch to Russell is to fly and then take a ferry which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$280 ($170).
The cheapest way to travel between Christchurch and Russell is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$260 ($160) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Christchurch and Russell. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Christchurch and Russell. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Christchurch to Russell. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
The closest major airport to Russell is Kerikeri Airport (KKE) (KKE) which is approximately 19km (12 miles) from Russell. Whangarei Airport (WRE) (WRE) and Auckland Airport (AKL) (AKL) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Christchurch to Russell. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Christchurch to Russell is to fly and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$280 ($170).
Compare travel optionsbetween Christchurch and Russell
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Ferry | 3h 25m | NZ$280($170) | hourly | 1,003km (623 miles) |
Train to Picton, ferry and bus + 1 similar | 1 day 1h | NZ$500($305) | 3 times a week | 1,356km (842 miles) |
| Train, Ferry and Bus | 1 day 1h | NZ$370($225) | 4 times a week | 1,335km (830 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 1 day 1h | NZ$260($160) | once daily | 1,330km (826 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 18h 55m | NZ$420($260) | every 20 mins | 1,331km (827 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Christchurch and Russell
Ferry operators
Fullers GreatSights
Explore Group
Airports near Russell
The following major airports near Russell offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Kerikeri Airport (KKE)
- Distance
- 19km (12 miles) from Russell
Whangarei Airport (WRE)
- Distance
- 60km (37 miles) from Russell
Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Distance
- 203km (126 miles) from Russell