How to travel from Kaikoura to Whakatane, New Zealand
The distance between Kaikoura and Whakatane is around 700km (435 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 4h 35m.
8 routes found
We've found 8 different ways to get from Kaikoura to Whakatane 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 Whakatane → Kaikoura if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Plane
Take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whakatane (WHK).
- Duration4h 35m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$335($205)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train, Ferry and Bus
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Rotorua and then to Whakatane.
- Duration14h 45m
- 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.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Rotorua and then to Whakatane.
- Duration15h 55m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whakatāne.
- Duration12hrs
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$220($135)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kaikoura and Whakatane
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kaikoura to Whakatane by train, ferry, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$190 ($115) and will take around 15h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 4h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$335 ($205).
The distance between Kaikoura and Whakatane is around 700km (435 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 557km (346 miles)
It takes around 14h 45m to get from Kaikoura and Whakatane by train, ferry and bus.
The quickest way to get from Kaikoura to Whakatane is to take the train and then fly which takes around 4h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$335 ($205).
The cheapest way to travel between Kaikoura and Whakatane is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$190 ($115) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Kaikoura and Whakatane. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whakatane (WHK). instead which will take 4h 35m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Kaikoura and Whakatane. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whakatane (WHK). instead which will take 4h 35m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kaikoura to Whakatane. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Rotorua (ROT) then take the bus to Whakatane. instead which will take 5h 40m.
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
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Kaikoura to Whakatane. We recommend that you take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Rotorua and then to Whakatane. instead which will take 14h 45m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kaikoura to Whakatane is to take the train, then take a ferry and then take the bus which takes, on average, 14h 45m and will usually cost around NZ$205 ($125).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kaikoura and Whakatane
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Plane + 2 similar | 4h 35m | NZ$335($205) | 4 times a week | 865km (538 miles) |
| Train, Plane and Bus | 5h 40m | NZ$325($200) | 4 times a week | 700km (435 miles) |
| Train to Rangiora, plane and bus | 6h 60m | NZ$400($245) | 4 times a week | 980km (609 miles) |
Train, Ferry and Bus + 2 similar | 14h 45m | NZ$205($125) | 4 times a week | 827km (514 miles) |
| Train to Picton, ferry and bus | 17h 50m | NZ$385($235) | 3 times a week | 998km (620 miles) |
| Train to Picton, ferry and bus | 18h 15m | NZ$200($120) | 4 times a week | 875km (544 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 15h 55m | NZ$190($115) | once daily | 828km (515 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 12hrs | NZ$220($135) | every 20 mins | 786km (489 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kaikoura and Whakatane
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Air Chathams
Train operators
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Baybus
Airports near Whakatane
The following major airports near Whakatane offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 62km (38 miles) from Whakatane
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 77km (48 miles) from Whakatane
Gisborne Airport (GIS)
- Distance
- 117km (73 miles) from Whakatane