How to travel from Kaikoura to New Plymouth, New Zealand
The distance between Kaikoura and New Plymouth is around 544km (338 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 4h 40m.
8 routes found
We've found 8 different ways to get from Kaikoura to New Plymouth 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 New Plymouth → Kaikoura if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Plane
Take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to New Plymouth (NPL).
- Duration4h 40m
- Flight time2h 15m
- Typical costNZ$350($215)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Palmerston North and then to New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY.
- Duration11h 30m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$170($105)
Multiple operators
Train, Ferry and Bus
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Palmerston North then take the bus to New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY.
- Duration11h 50m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$205($125)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to New Plymouth.
- Duration10hrs
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$180($110)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kaikoura and New Plymouth
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kaikoura to New Plymouth by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$170 ($105) and will take around 11h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 4h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$350 ($215).
The distance between Kaikoura and New Plymouth is around 544km (338 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 356km (221 miles)
It takes around 11h 30m to get from Kaikoura and New Plymouth by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Kaikoura to New Plymouth is to take the train and then fly which takes around 4h 40m and will set you back approx NZ$350 ($215).
The cheapest way to travel between Kaikoura and New Plymouth is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$170 ($105) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Kaikoura and New Plymouth. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 4h 40m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Kaikoura and New Plymouth. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 4h 40m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kaikoura to New Plymouth. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 4h 40m.
The closest major airport to New Plymouth is New Plymouth Airport (NPL) (NPL) which is approximately 10km (6 miles) from New Plymouth. Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) and Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) 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 Kaikoura to New Plymouth. We recommend that you take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Palmerston North and then to New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY. instead which will take 11h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kaikoura to New Plymouth is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 11h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$170 ($105).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kaikoura and New Plymouth
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Plane + 2 similar | 4h 40m | NZ$350($215) | 4 times a week | 884km (549 miles) |
| Train to Rangiora, Fly | 5hrs | NZ$360($220) | 4 times a week | 728km (452 miles) |
| Train, Ferry and Plane | 7h 40m | NZ$490($300) | 4 times a week | 544km (338 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 11h 30m | NZ$170($105) | 4 times a week | 639km (397 miles) |
Train, Ferry and Bus + 2 similar | 11h 50m | NZ$205($125) | 4 times a week | 635km (394 miles) |
| Train to Picton, ferry and bus | 12hrs | NZ$185($115) | 4 times a week | 639km (397 miles) |
| Train to Picton, ferry and bus | 12h 20m | NZ$190($115) | 4 times a week | 634km (394 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 10hrs | NZ$180($110) | every 20 mins | 605km (376 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kaikoura and New Plymouth
Ferry operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Train operators
Airports near New Plymouth
The following major airports near New Plymouth offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
- Distance
- 10km (6 miles) from New Plymouth
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 193km (120 miles) from New Plymouth
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 221km (137 miles) from New Plymouth