How to travel from Kaikoura to Whangārei, New Zealand
The distance between Kaikoura and Whangārei is around 793km (493 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 4h 30m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Kaikoura to Whangārei by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Whangārei → Kaikoura if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Plane
Take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whangarei (WRE).
- Duration4h 30m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical costNZ$280($170)
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 Auckland - Central and then to Whangarei.
- Duration19h 45m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$215($130)
Multiple operators
Train, Ferry and Bus
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the bus to Auckland - Central and then to Whangarei.
- Duration20h 35m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$230($140)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
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 Whangārei.
- Duration15hrs
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$275($170)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kaikoura and Whangārei
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kaikoura to Whangārei by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$215 ($130) and will take around 19h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 4h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$280 ($170).
The distance between Kaikoura and Whangārei is around 793km (493 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 726km (451 miles)
It takes around 4h 30m to get from Kaikoura and Whangārei by train and plane.
The quickest way to get from Kaikoura to Whangārei is to take the train and then fly which takes around 4h 30m and will set you back approx NZ$280 ($170).
The cheapest way to travel between Kaikoura and Whangārei is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$215 ($130) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Kaikoura and Whangārei. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whangarei (WRE). instead which will take 4h 30m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Kaikoura and Whangārei. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whangarei (WRE). instead which will take 4h 30m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kaikoura to Whangārei. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whangarei (WRE). instead which will take 4h 30m.
The closest major airport to Whangārei is Whangarei Airport (WRE) (WRE) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Whangārei. Kerikeri Airport (KKE) (KKE) and Auckland Airport (AKL) (AKL) 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 Whangārei. We recommend that you take the train to Blenheim then fly from Blenheim (BHE) to Whangarei (WRE). instead which will take 4h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kaikoura to Whangārei is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 4h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$280 ($170).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kaikoura and Whangārei
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Plane + 1 similar | 4h 30m | NZ$280($170) | 4 times a week | 793km (493 miles) |
| Train to Rangiora, Fly | 5h 45m | NZ$340($205) | 4 times a week | 1,096km (681 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 19h 45m | NZ$215($130) | once daily | 1,077km (670 miles) |
Train, Ferry and Bus + 1 similar | 20h 35m | NZ$230($140) | 4 times a week | 1,073km (666 miles) |
| Train to Picton, ferry and bus | 21h 50m | NZ$385($235) | 3 times a week | 1,115km (693 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 15hrs | NZ$275($170) | every 20 mins | 1,054km (655 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kaikoura and Whangārei
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Airports near Whangārei
The following major airports near Whangārei offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Whangarei Airport (WRE)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Whangārei
Kerikeri Airport (KKE)
- Distance
- 63km (39 miles) from Whangārei
Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Distance
- 148km (92 miles) from Whangārei