How to travel from Motueka to Ohakune, New Zealand
The distance between Motueka and Ohakune is around 470km (292 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 5h 45m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Motueka to Ohakune by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Ohakune → Motueka if you're planning a return trip.
Fly to Paraparaumu (PPQ), Train
Fly from Nelson (NSN) to Paraparaumu (PPQ) then take the train to Ohakune.
- Duration5h 45m
- Flight time45min
- Typical costNZ$420($260)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus, Ferry and Train
Take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the train to National Park.
- Duration12h 20m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$380($230)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Ohakune.
- Duration9h 25m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$200($120)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Motueka and Ohakune
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Motueka to Ohakune by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$200 ($120) and will take around 9h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 5h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$420 ($260).
The distance between Motueka and Ohakune is around 470km (292 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 277km (172 miles)
It takes around 12h 20m to get from Motueka and Ohakune by bus, ferry and train.
The quickest way to get from Motueka to Ohakune is to fly and then take the train which takes around 5h 45m and will set you back approx NZ$420 ($260).
The cheapest way to travel between Motueka and Ohakune is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$200 ($120) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Motueka and Ohakune. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Paraparaumu (PPQ) then take the train to Ohakune. instead which will take 5h 45m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Motueka and Ohakune. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Paraparaumu (PPQ) then take the train to Ohakune. instead which will take 5h 45m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Motueka to Ohakune. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Wellington (WLG) then take the train to Ohakune. instead which will take 6h 30m.
The closest major airport to Ohakune is Taupo Airport (TUO) (TUO) which is approximately 95km (59 miles) from Ohakune. Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) and New Plymouth Airport (NPL) (NPL) 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 Motueka to Ohakune. We recommend that you take the bus to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then take the train to National Park. instead which will take 12h 20m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Motueka to Ohakune is to take the bus, then take a ferry and then take the train which takes, on average, 12h 20m and will usually cost around NZ$380 ($230).
Compare travel optionsbetween Motueka and Ohakune
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly to Paraparaumu (PPQ), Train + 2 similar | 5h 45m | NZ$420($260) | 3 times a week | 470km (292 miles) |
| Plane and Train | 6h 30m | NZ$445($270) | 3 times a week | 501km (311 miles) |
| Fly to Wellington Airport, Train | 6h 55m | NZ$535($325) | 3 times a week | 568km (353 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train | 12h 20m | NZ$380($230) | 3 times a week | 668km (415 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 9h 25m | NZ$200($120) | every 20 mins | 539km (335 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Motueka and Ohakune
Airlines
Sounds Air
Golden Bay Air
Airports near Ohakune
The following major airports near Ohakune offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Taupo Airport (TUO)
- Distance
- 95km (59 miles) from Ohakune
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 103km (64 miles) from Ohakune
New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
- Distance
- 114km (71 miles) from Ohakune