How to travel from Milford Sound to Taupo, New Zealand
The distance between Milford Sound and Taupo is around 1,124km (698 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 25m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Milford Sound to Taupo by 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 Taupo → Milford Sound if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Milford Sound Airport,Queenstown (ZQN) to Queenstown Airport and then to Taupo (TUO).
- Duration3h 25m
- Flight time3h 15m
- Typical costNZ$810($495)
Multiple plane operators
3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Frankton Bus Interchange then Christchurch and then to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Taupo.
- Duration1 day 3h
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$315($195)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Taupō.
- Duration21h 5m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Milford Sound and Taupo
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Milford Sound to Taupo by plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$315 ($195) and will take around 1 day 3h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$810 ($495).
The distance between Milford Sound and Taupo is around 1,124km (698 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 941km (585 miles)
It takes around 3h 25m to get from Milford Sound and Taupo by plane.
The quickest way to get from Milford Sound to Taupo is to fly which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$810 ($495).
The cheapest way to travel between Milford Sound and Taupo is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$315 ($195) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Milford Sound and Taupo. We recommend that you fly from Milford Sound Airport,Queenstown (ZQN) to Queenstown Airport and then to Taupo (TUO). instead which will take 3h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Milford Sound and Taupo. We recommend that you fly from Milford Sound Airport,Queenstown (ZQN) to Queenstown Airport and then to Taupo (TUO). instead which will take 3h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Milford Sound and Taupo. Flights depart from Milford Sound Airport and arrive at Queenstown Airport. The flight takes around 35min.
There is no direct flight from Milford Sound to Taupo. There is however a flight that goes via . This services will take at least 3h 25m (not including layover time).
The flight from Milford Sound to Taupo typically takes around 35min. Flights depart from Milford Sound Airport and and arrive into Queenstown Airport.
The closest major airport to Taupo is Taupo Airport (TUO) (TUO) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Taupo. Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) and Hawkes Bay Airport (NPE) (NPE) 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 Milford Sound to Taupo. We recommend that you fly from Milford Sound Airport,Queenstown (ZQN) to Queenstown Airport and then to Taupo (TUO). instead which will take 3h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Milford Sound to Taupo is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$810 ($495).
Compare travel optionsbetween Milford Sound and Taupo
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 3h 25m | NZ$810($495) | every 20 mins | 1,332km (828 miles) |
| Fly to Queenstown Airport, bus | 4h 20m | NZ$685($420) | once daily | 1,187km (738 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 5h 10m | NZ$785($480) | once daily | 1,124km (698 miles) |
| Fly to Queenstown Airport, bus | 7h 20m | NZ$750($460) | twice daily | 1,369km (851 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 1 day 3h | NZ$315($195) | 4 times a week | 1,578km (981 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 21h 5m | NZ$385($235) | every 20 mins | 1,558km (968 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Milford Sound and Taupo
Airlines
Air Milford
Glenorchy Air
Sounds Air
Bus companies
awesomeNZ
Ferry operators
Airports near Taupo
The following major airports near Taupo offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Taupo Airport (TUO)
- Distance
- 7km (4 miles) from Taupo
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 79km (49 miles) from Taupo
Hawkes Bay Airport (NPE)
- Distance
- 99km (62 miles) from Taupo