How to travel from Dunedin to Whakatane, New Zealand
The distance between Dunedin and Whakatane is around 1,146km (712 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 25m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Dunedin to Whakatane by plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Whakatane → Dunedin if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Dunedin (DUD) to Whakatane (WHK).
- Duration3h 25m
- Flight time2h 35m
- Typical costNZ$390($240)
+ 1 others2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Christchurch Bus Interchange and then to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Rotorua and then to Whakatane.
- Duration1 day 1h
- Departsonce a week
- Typical costNZ$265($160)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whakatāne.
- Duration18h 40m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$335($205)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Dunedin and Whakatane
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Dunedin to Whakatane by plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$265 ($160) and will take around 1 day 1h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$390 ($240).
The distance between Dunedin and Whakatane is around 1,146km (712 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,031km (641 miles)
It takes around 4h 45m to get from Dunedin and Whakatane by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Dunedin to Whakatane is to fly which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$390 ($240).
The cheapest way to travel between Dunedin and Whakatane is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$265 ($160) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Dunedin and Whakatane. We recommend that you fly from Dunedin (DUD) to Whakatane (WHK). instead which will take 3h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Dunedin and Whakatane. We recommend that you fly from Dunedin (DUD) to Whakatane (WHK). instead which will take 3h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Dunedin and Whakatane. Flights depart from Dunedin (DUD) and arrive at Whakatane (WHK) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 35m.
There is no direct flight from Dunedin to Whakatane. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 3h 25m (not including layover time).
The flight from Dunedin to Whakatane typically takes around 2h 35m. Flights depart from Dunedin (DUD) and and arrive into Whakatane (WHK).
The closest major airport to Whakatane is Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) which is approximately 62km (38 miles) from Whakatane. Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) and Gisborne Airport (GIS) (GIS) 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 Dunedin to Whakatane. We recommend that you fly from Dunedin (DUD) to Rotorua (ROT) then take the bus to Whakatane. instead which will take 4h 45m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Dunedin to Whakatane is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 45m and will usually cost around NZ$395 ($240).
Compare travel optionsbetween Dunedin and Whakatane
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 3h 25m | NZ$390($240) | twice daily | 1,316km (818 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 45m | NZ$395($240) | once daily | 1,146km (712 miles) |
| Fly to Gisborne (GIS), Bus | 7hrs | NZ$355($215) | once daily | 1,251km (777 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 1 day 1h | NZ$265($160) | once a week | 1,371km (852 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 18h 40m | NZ$335($205) | every 20 mins | 1,322km (822 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Dunedin and Whakatane
Airlines
Air Chathams
Bus companies
Atomic Travel
Ferry operators
Airports near Whakatane
The following major airports near Whakatane offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 62km (38 miles) from Whakatane
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 77km (48 miles) from Whakatane
Gisborne Airport (GIS)
- Distance
- 117km (73 miles) from Whakatane