How to travel from Hastings to Kaikoura, New Zealand
The distance between Hastings and Kaikoura is around 509km (316 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4hrs.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Hastings to Kaikoura by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Kaikoura → Hastings if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Train
Fly from Napier (NPE) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration4hrs
- Flight time1h 30m
- Typical costNZ$350($215)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus, Train and Ferry
Take the bus to Palmerston North then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration10h 35m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$205($125)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Kaikoura.
- Duration11h 10m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$155($95)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Kaikōura.
- Duration9h 5m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$170($105)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Hastings and Kaikoura
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Hastings to Kaikoura by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$155 ($95) and will take around 11h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 4hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$350 ($215).
The distance between Hastings and Kaikoura is around 509km (316 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 396km (246 miles)
It takes around 11h 10m to get from Hastings and Kaikoura by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Hastings to Kaikoura is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4hrs and will set you back approx NZ$350 ($215).
The cheapest way to travel between Hastings and Kaikoura is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$155 ($95) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Hastings and Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Napier (NPE) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Hastings and Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Napier (NPE) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4hrs.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Hastings to Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Napier (NPE) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4hrs.
The closest major airport to Kaikoura is Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) which is approximately 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura. Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) 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 Hastings to Kaikoura. We recommend that you take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Kaikoura. instead which will take 11h 10m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Hastings to Kaikoura is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 11h 10m and will usually cost around NZ$155 ($95).
Compare travel optionsbetween Hastings and Kaikoura
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Train + 2 similar | 4hrs | NZ$350($215) | 4 times a week | 509km (316 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 30m | NZ$285($175) | 3 times a week | 781km (485 miles) |
| Plane, Bus and Train | 6h 10m | NZ$460($280) | twice a week | 675km (419 miles) |
Bus, Train and Ferry + 1 similar | 10h 35m | NZ$205($125) | 4 times a week | 568km (353 miles) |
| Bus, Ferry and Train | 11h 35m | NZ$160($100) | 4 times a week | 556km (345 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 11h 10m | NZ$155($95) | once daily | 572km (356 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 9h 5m | NZ$170($105) | 4 times a day | 560km (348 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Hastings and Kaikoura
Ferry operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Train operators
Airports near Kaikoura
The following major airports near Kaikoura offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 104km (64 miles) from Kaikoura
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 142km (88 miles) from Kaikoura