How to travel from Kaikoura to Whitianga, New Zealand
The distance between Kaikoura and Whitianga is around 910km (565 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 13h 25m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Kaikoura to Whitianga by train, ferry, car and bus. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Whitianga → Kaikoura if you're planning a return trip.
Train, Ferry and Car
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga.
- Duration17h 55m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$365($225)
Multiple operators
Train, Ferry, Bus and Car
Take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the bus to Paraparaumu then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga.
- Duration18h 25m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$395($240)
Multiple operators
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Manukau City and then to Thames.
- Duration18h 55m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$220($135)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whitianga.
- Duration13h 25m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$295($180)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kaikoura and Whitianga
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Kaikoura to Whitianga by train, ferry, car and bus. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$220 ($135) and will take around 18h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and then take a ferry and arrive in approximately 13h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$295 ($180).
The distance between Kaikoura and Whitianga is around 910km (565 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 627km (390 miles)
It takes around 17h 55m to get from Kaikoura and Whitianga by train, ferry and car.
The quickest way to get from Kaikoura to Whitianga is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 13h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$295 ($180).
The cheapest way to travel between Kaikoura and Whitianga is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$220 ($135) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Kaikoura and Whitianga. We recommend that you drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 13h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Kaikoura and Whitianga. We recommend that you drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 13h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kaikoura to Whitianga. We recommend that you take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 17h 55m.
The closest major airport to Whitianga is Auckland Airport (AKL) (AKL) which is approximately 84km (52 miles) from Whitianga. Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) and Hamilton International Airport (HLZ) (HLZ) 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 Whitianga. We recommend that you take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Papakura then drive to Whitianga. instead which will take 17h 55m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kaikoura to Whitianga is to take the train, then take a ferry and then drive which takes, on average, 17h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$365 ($225).
Compare travel optionsbetween Kaikoura and Whitianga
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train, Ferry and Car | 17h 55m | NZ$365($225) | 3 times a week | 1,063km (661 miles) |
Train, Ferry, Bus and Car | 18h 25m | NZ$395($240) | 3 times a week | 1,062km (660 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 18h 55m | NZ$220($135) | once daily | 1,078km (670 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 13h 25m | NZ$295($180) | every 20 mins | 910km (565 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Kaikoura and Whitianga
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Whitianga
The following major airports near Whitianga offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Distance
- 84km (52 miles) from Whitianga
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 103km (64 miles) from Whitianga
Hamilton International Airport (HLZ)
- Distance
- 119km (74 miles) from Whitianga