How to travel from Kaikoura to Twizel, New Zealand
The distance between Kaikoura and Twizel is around 458km (285 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 5h 30m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Kaikoura to Twizel by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Twizel → Kaikoura if you're planning a return trip.
Bus
Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Twizel.
- Duration7h 60m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$85($52)
Train and Bus
Take the train to Christchurch then take the bus to Tekapo and then to Twizel.
- Duration7h 25m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$145($88)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kaikoura and Twizel
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kaikoura to Twizel by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$85 ($52) and will take around 7h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 5h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$100 ($62).
The distance between Kaikoura and Twizel is around 458km (285 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 362km (225 miles)
It takes around 7h 60m to get from Kaikoura and Twizel by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 30m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Kaikoura to Twizel is to drive which takes around 5h 30m and will set you back approx NZ$100 ($62).
The cheapest way to travel between Kaikoura and Twizel, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$85 ($52) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Kaikoura and Twizel. We recommend that you drive to Twizel. instead which will take 5h 30m.
Bus travel
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Kaikoura and Twizel. It typically takes around 7h 60m and departs 4 times a week.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Kaikoura to Twizel. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 7h 60m.
InterCity run regular bus services between Kaikoura and Twizel. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 7h 60m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kaikoura to Twizel. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch and then to Twizel. instead which will take 7h 60m.
The closest major airport to Twizel is Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) which is approximately 85km (53 miles) from Twizel. Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) 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 Kaikoura and Twizel. The distance is around 458km (285 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 30m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kaikoura to Twizel is to take the bus which takes, on average, 7h 60m and will usually cost around NZ$85 ($52).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kaikoura and Twizel
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus | 7h 60m | NZ$85($52) | 4 times a week | 466km (289 miles) |
Train and Bus | 7h 25m | NZ$145($88) | 4 times a week | 478km (297 miles) |
Drive | 5h 30m | NZ$100($62) | on demand | 458km (285 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kaikoura and Twizel
Bus companies
Train operators
Airports near Twizel
The following major airports near Twizel offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 85km (53 miles) from Twizel
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 90km (56 miles) from Twizel
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 137km (85 miles) from Twizel