How to travel from Lake Tekapo to Napier, New Zealand
The distance between Lake Tekapo and Napier is around 822km (511 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 5h 50m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Lake Tekapo to Napier by bus, plane, train, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Napier → Lake Tekapo if you're planning a return trip.
Bus and Plane
Take the bus to Christchurch then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Napier (NPE).
- Duration5h 50m
- Flight time1h 35m
- Typical costNZ$305($185)
Multiple operators
Bus, Train and Ferry
Take the bus to Christchurch then take the train to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the train to Palmerston North then take the bus to Napier.
- Duration17h 35m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$380($230)
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 Christchurch and then to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Napier.
- Duration18h 35m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$210($130)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Napier.
- Duration14h 30m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$260($160)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Lake Tekapo and Napier
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Lake Tekapo to Napier by bus, plane, train, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$210 ($130) and will take around 18h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the bus and then fly and arrive in approximately 5h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$305 ($185).
The distance between Lake Tekapo and Napier is around 822km (511 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 721km (448 miles)
It takes around 5h 50m to get from Lake Tekapo and Napier by bus and plane.
The quickest way to get from Lake Tekapo to Napier is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 5h 50m and will set you back approx NZ$305 ($185).
The cheapest way to travel between Lake Tekapo and Napier is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$210 ($130) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Lake Tekapo and Napier. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Napier (NPE). instead which will take 5h 50m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Lake Tekapo and Napier. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Napier (NPE). instead which will take 5h 50m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Lake Tekapo to Napier. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Napier (NPE). instead which will take 5h 50m.
The closest major airport to Napier is Hawkes Bay Airport (NPE) (NPE) which is approximately 5km (3 miles) from Napier. Taupo Airport (TUO) (TUO) and Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) 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 Lake Tekapo to Napier. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch then fly from Christchurch (CHC) to Napier (NPE). instead which will take 5h 50m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Lake Tekapo to Napier is to take the bus and then fly which takes, on average, 5h 50m and will usually cost around NZ$305 ($185).
Compare travel optionsbetween Lake Tekapo and Napier
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus and Plane | 5h 50m | NZ$305($185) | 4 times a week | 822km (511 miles) |
Bus, Train and Ferry + 1 similar | 17h 35m | NZ$380($230) | 4 times a week | 999km (621 miles) |
| Bus to Christchurch, train and ferry | 19h 45m | NZ$320($195) | 4 times a week | 1,001km (622 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 18h 35m | NZ$210($130) | 4 times a week | 990km (615 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14h 30m | NZ$260($160) | every 20 mins | 983km (611 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Lake Tekapo and Napier
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Napier
The following major airports near Napier offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Hawkes Bay Airport (NPE)
- Distance
- 5km (3 miles) from Napier
Taupo Airport (TUO)
- Distance
- 111km (69 miles) from Napier
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 144km (89 miles) from Napier