How to travel from Motueka to Russell, New Zealand
The distance between Motueka and Russell is around 786km (488 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take a ferry which takes around 3h 25m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Motueka to Russell by plane, ferry, taxi, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Russell → Motueka if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Ferry
Fly from Nelson (NSN) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato.
- Duration3h 25m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical costNZ$395($240)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
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 Papakura then take the bus to Paihia then take a ferry to Russell.
- Duration21h 55m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$535($325)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Russell.
- Duration16h 50m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$360($220)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Motueka and Russell
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Motueka to Russell by plane, ferry, taxi, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$360 ($220) and will take around 16h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take a ferry and arrive in approximately 3h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$395 ($240).
The distance between Motueka and Russell is around 786km (488 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 658km (409 miles)
It takes around 3h 25m to get from Motueka and Russell by plane and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Motueka to Russell is to fly and then take a ferry which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$395 ($240).
The cheapest way to travel between Motueka and Russell is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$360 ($220) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Motueka and Russell. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Motueka and Russell. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Motueka to Russell. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
The closest major airport to Russell is Kerikeri Airport (KKE) (KKE) which is approximately 19km (12 miles) from Russell. Whangarei Airport (WRE) (WRE) 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 Motueka to Russell. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Kerikeri (KKE) then take a ferry to Okiato. instead which will take 3h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Motueka to Russell is to fly and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$395 ($240).
Compare travel optionsbetween Motueka and Russell
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Ferry + 1 similar | 3h 25m | NZ$395($240) | every 10 mins | 786km (488 miles) |
| Taxi, Bus, Plane and Ferry | 5hrs | NZ$390($240) | 4 times a week | 908km (564 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train | 21h 55m | NZ$535($325) | 3 times a week | 1,199km (745 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 16h 50m | NZ$360($220) | every 20 mins | 1,146km (712 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Motueka and Russell
Ferry operators
Fullers GreatSights
Explore Group
Train operators
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Airports near Russell
The following major airports near Russell offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Kerikeri Airport (KKE)
- Distance
- 19km (12 miles) from Russell
Whangarei Airport (WRE)
- Distance
- 60km (37 miles) from Russell
Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Distance
- 203km (126 miles) from Russell