How to travel from Gisborne to Whakatane, New Zealand

The distance between Gisborne and Whakatane is around 184km (114 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 10m.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Gisborne to Whakatane by bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out WhakataneGisborne if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Whakatane.

  • Duration3h 25m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    NZ$38($23)
🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Whakatāne.

  • Duration2h 10m
  • Distance184km (114 miles)
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Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Gisborne and Whakatane

There are several options for getting from Gisborne to Whakatane by bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$38 ($23) and will take around 3h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$41 ($25).

The distance between Gisborne and Whakatane is around 184km (114 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 119km (74 miles)

It takes around 3h 25m to get from Gisborne and Whakatane by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Gisborne to Whakatane is to drive which takes around 2h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$41 ($25).

The cheapest way to travel between Gisborne and Whakatane, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$38 ($23) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Gisborne and Whakatane. We recommend that you drive to Whakatāne. instead which will take 2h 10m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Gisborne and Whakatane. It typically takes around 3h 25m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Gisborne and Whakatane with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 3h 25m.

InterCity run regular bus services between Gisborne and Whakatane. Buses run once daily and take around 3h 25m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Gisborne to Whakatane. We recommend that you take the bus to Whakatane. instead which will take 3h 25m.

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

Yes it is possible to drive from Gisborne and Whakatane. The distance is around 184km (114 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Gisborne to Whakatane is to take the bus which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$38 ($23).

How do I get from Gisborne to Whakatane

Compare travel optionsbetween Gisborne and Whakatane

Transport options from Gisborne to Whakatane
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
3h 25m
NZ$38($23)
once daily185km (115 miles)
Drive
2h 10m
NZ$41($25)
on demand184km (114 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Gisborne and Whakatane

Bus companies

Airports near Whakatane

The following major airports near Whakatane offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.

ROT
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
International Airport
Distance
62km (38 miles) from Whakatane
TRG
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
Domestic Airport
Distance
77km (48 miles) from Whakatane
GIS
Gisborne Airport (GIS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
117km (73 miles) from Whakatane