How to travel from Kaikoura to Ohakune, New Zealand
The distance between Kaikoura and Ohakune is around 523km (325 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 7h 15m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Kaikoura to Ohakune by train, ferry, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Ohakune → Kaikoura if you're planning a return trip.
Train to Blenheim, plane
Take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Paraparaumu (PPQ) then take the train to Ohakune.
- Duration7h 15m
- Flight time35min
- Typical costNZ$265($165)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train and Ferry
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Ohakune.
- Duration10h 50m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$220($135)
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 Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Palmerston North and then to Ohakune.
- Duration11hrs
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$155($95)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Ohakune.
- Duration9h 10m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kaikoura and Ohakune
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kaikoura to Ohakune by train, ferry, bus, 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 11hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 7h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$265 ($165).
The distance between Kaikoura and Ohakune is around 523km (325 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 348km (216 miles)
It takes around 10h 50m to get from Kaikoura and Ohakune by train and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Kaikoura to Ohakune is to take the train and then fly which takes around 7h 15m and will set you back approx NZ$265 ($165).
The cheapest way to travel between Kaikoura and Ohakune 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 Kaikoura and Ohakune. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Paraparaumu (PPQ) then take the train to Ohakune. instead which will take 7h 15m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Kaikoura and Ohakune. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Paraparaumu (PPQ) then take the train to Ohakune. instead which will take 7h 15m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kaikoura to Ohakune. We recommend that you take the train to Rangiora then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Palmerston (PMR) then take the bus to Ohakune. instead which will take 8hrs.
The closest major airport to Ohakune is Taupo Airport (TUO) (TUO) which is approximately 95km (59 miles) from Ohakune. Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) and New Plymouth Airport (NPL) (NPL) 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 Ohakune. We recommend that you take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Ohakune. instead which will take 10h 50m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kaikoura to Ohakune is to take the train and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 10h 50m and will usually cost around NZ$220 ($135).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kaikoura and Ohakune
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train to Blenheim, plane + 2 similar | 7h 15m | NZ$265($165) | 3 times a week | 523km (325 miles) |
| Train and Plane | 8hrs | NZ$265($160) | 3 times a week | 541km (336 miles) |
| Train, Plane and Bus | 8hrs | NZ$440($270) | 4 times a week | 822km (510 miles) |
Train and Ferry + 1 similar | 10h 50m | NZ$220($135) | 3 times a week | 575km (357 miles) |
| Train to Picton, ferry | 12h 20m | NZ$200($120) | 3 times a week | 634km (394 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 11hrs | NZ$155($95) | 4 times a week | 583km (362 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 9h 10m | NZ$190($115) | every 20 mins | 541km (336 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kaikoura and Ohakune
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Airports near Ohakune
The following major airports near Ohakune offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Taupo Airport (TUO)
- Distance
- 95km (59 miles) from Ohakune
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 103km (64 miles) from Ohakune
New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
- Distance
- 114km (71 miles) from Ohakune