How to travel from Christchurch to Whitianga, New Zealand
The distance between Christchurch and Whitianga is around 1,093km (679 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 15h 45m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Christchurch to Whitianga by train, ferry, car and bus. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Whitianga → Christchurch if you're planning a return trip.
Train, Ferry and Car
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga.
- Duration20h 55m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$475($290)
Multiple operators
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the bus to Manukau City and then to Thames.
- Duration22h 50m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$255($155)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whitianga.
- Duration15h 45m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$355($215)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Christchurch and Whitianga
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Christchurch to Whitianga by train, ferry, car and bus. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$255 ($155) and will take around 22h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and then take a ferry and arrive in approximately 15h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$355 ($215).
The distance between Christchurch and Whitianga is around 1,093km (679 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 789km (490 miles)
It takes around 20h 55m to get from Christchurch and Whitianga by train, ferry and car.
The quickest way to get from Christchurch to Whitianga is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 15h 45m and will set you back approx NZ$355 ($215).
The cheapest way to travel between Christchurch and Whitianga is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$255 ($155) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Christchurch and Whitianga. We recommend that you drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 15h 45m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Christchurch and Whitianga. We recommend that you drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 15h 45m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Christchurch to Whitianga. We recommend that you take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 20h 55m.
The closest major airport to Whitianga is Auckland Airport (AKL) (AKL) which is approximately 84km (52 miles) from Whitianga. Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) 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 Whitianga. We recommend that you take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 20h 55m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Christchurch to Whitianga is to take the train, then take a ferry and then drive which takes, on average, 20h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$475 ($290).
Compare travel optionsbetween Christchurch and Whitianga
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train, Ferry and Car | 20h 55m | NZ$475($290) | 3 times a week | 1,253km (779 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 22h 50m | NZ$255($155) | once daily | 1,257km (781 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 15h 45m | NZ$355($215) | every 20 mins | 1,093km (679 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Christchurch and Whitianga
Airlines
Train operators
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Airports near Whitianga
The following major airports near Whitianga offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Distance
- 84km (52 miles) from Whitianga
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 103km (64 miles) from Whitianga
Hamilton International Airport (HLZ)
- Distance
- 119km (74 miles) from Whitianga