How to travel from Christchurch to Tauranga, New Zealand
The distance between Christchurch and Tauranga is around 733km (455 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 25m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Christchurch to Tauranga by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Tauranga → Christchurch if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Tauranga (TRG).
- Duration2h 25m
- Flight time1h 50m
- Typical costNZ$345($210)
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 - Central then take the bus to Tauranga.
- Duration20h 15m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$195($120)
Multiple operators
Train to Picton, ferry and bus
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Hamilton then take the bus to Tauranga.
- Duration19h 25m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$485($295)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Tauranga.
- Duration14h 10m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$250($155)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Christchurch and Tauranga
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Christchurch to Tauranga by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$195 ($120) and will take around 20h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$345 ($210).
The distance between Christchurch and Tauranga is around 733km (455 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 715km (444 miles)
It takes around 2h 25m to get from Christchurch and Tauranga by plane.
The quickest way to get from Christchurch to Tauranga is to fly which takes around 2h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$345 ($210).
The cheapest way to travel between Christchurch and Tauranga is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$195 ($120) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Christchurch and Tauranga. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Tauranga (TRG). instead which will take 2h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Christchurch and Tauranga. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Tauranga (TRG). instead which will take 2h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Christchurch and Tauranga. Flights depart from Christchurch (CHC) and arrive at Tauranga (TRG). The flight takes around 1h 50m.
Yes there is a direct flight between Christchurch and Tauranga with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 1h 50m.
Air New Zealand fly between Christchurch and Tauranga. Flights depart from Christchurch (CHC) and and arrive into Tauranga (TRG). These flights usually take around 1h 50m.
The flight from Christchurch to Tauranga typically takes around 1h 50m. Flights depart from Christchurch (CHC) and and arrive into Tauranga (TRG).
The closest major airport to Tauranga is Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) which is approximately 3km (2 miles) from Tauranga. Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) and Hamilton International Airport (HLZ) (HLZ) 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 Tauranga. We recommend that you fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Tauranga (TRG). instead which will take 2h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Christchurch to Tauranga is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$345 ($210).
Compare travel optionsbetween Christchurch and Tauranga
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 2h 25m | NZ$345($210) | hourly | 733km (455 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 3h 40m | NZ$345($210) | once daily | 761km (473 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 20h 15m | NZ$195($120) | once daily | 999km (621 miles) |
Train to Picton, ferry and bus + 1 similar | 19h 25m | NZ$485($295) | 3 times a week | 1,092km (679 miles) |
| Train, Ferry and Bus | 20hrs | NZ$300($185) | 4 times a week | 1,005km (624 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14h 10m | NZ$250($155) | every 20 mins | 950km (590 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Christchurch and Tauranga
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Tauranga
The following major airports near Tauranga offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 3km (2 miles) from Tauranga
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 49km (30 miles) from Tauranga
Hamilton International Airport (HLZ)
- Distance
- 76km (47 miles) from Tauranga