How to travel from Gisborne to Franz Josef, New Zealand
The distance between Gisborne and Franz Josef is around 1,155km (718 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 11hrs.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Gisborne to Franz Josef 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 Franz Josef → Gisborne if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Gisborne (GIS) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Franz Josef.
- Duration11hrs
- Flight time3hrs
- Typical costNZ$485($295)
Multiple operators
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Napier and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson then Greymouth and then to Franz Josef YHA.
- Duration24h 35m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$265($160)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Franz Josef / Waiau.
- Duration16h 5m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$300($180)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Gisborne and Franz Josef
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Gisborne to Franz Josef 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 24h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 11hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$485 ($295).
The distance between Gisborne and Franz Josef is around 1,155km (718 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 841km (523 miles)
It takes around 11hrs to get from Gisborne and Franz Josef by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Gisborne to Franz Josef is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 11hrs and will set you back approx NZ$485 ($295).
The cheapest way to travel between Gisborne and Franz Josef 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 Gisborne and Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Gisborne (GIS) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Franz Josef. instead which will take 11hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Gisborne and Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Gisborne (GIS) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Franz Josef. instead which will take 11hrs.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Gisborne to Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Gisborne (GIS) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Franz Josef. instead which will take 11hrs.
The closest major airport to Franz Josef is Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) which is approximately 99km (62 miles) from Franz Josef. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) 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 Gisborne to Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Gisborne (GIS) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Franz Josef. instead which will take 11hrs.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Gisborne to Franz Josef is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 11hrs and will usually cost around NZ$485 ($295).
Compare travel optionsbetween Gisborne and Franz Josef
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus | 11hrs | NZ$485($295) | 3 times a week | 1,758km (1,092 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 24h 35m | NZ$265($160) | 3 times a week | 1,276km (793 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 16h 5m | NZ$300($180) | 4 times a day | 1,155km (718 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Gisborne and Franz Josef
Bus companies
GreatSights
Airlines
Ferry operators
Airports near Franz Josef
The following major airports near Franz Josef offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 99km (62 miles) from Franz Josef
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 191km (118 miles) from Franz Josef
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 215km (134 miles) from Franz Josef