How to travel from Motueka to Tauranga, New Zealand
The distance between Motueka and Tauranga is around 629km (391 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 55m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Motueka to Tauranga by plane, bus, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Tauranga → Motueka if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Nelson (NSN) to Tauranga (TRG).
- Duration2h 55m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical costNZ$275($165)
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Tauranga.
- Duration12hrs
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$210($130)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Motueka and Tauranga
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Motueka to Tauranga by plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$210 ($130) and will take around 12hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$275 ($165).
The distance between Motueka and Tauranga is around 629km (391 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 468km (291 miles)
It takes around 2h 55m to get from Motueka and Tauranga by plane.
The quickest way to get from Motueka to Tauranga is to fly which takes around 2h 55m and will set you back approx NZ$275 ($165).
The cheapest way to travel between Motueka and Tauranga is to drive 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 Motueka and Tauranga. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Tauranga (TRG). instead which will take 2h 55m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Motueka and Tauranga. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Tauranga (TRG). instead which will take 2h 55m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Motueka and Tauranga. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and arrive at Tauranga (TRG) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2hrs.
There is no direct flight from Motueka to Tauranga. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 2h 55m (not including layover time).
The flight from Motueka to Tauranga typically takes around 2hrs. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and and arrive into Tauranga (TRG).
The closest major airport to Tauranga is Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) which is approximately 3km (2 miles) from Tauranga. Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) 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 Motueka to Tauranga. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Tauranga (TRG). instead which will take 2h 55m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Motueka to Tauranga is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$275 ($165).
Compare travel optionsbetween Motueka and Tauranga
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 2h 55m | NZ$275($165) | twice a week | 690km (429 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 3h 55m | NZ$270($165) | twice a week | 629km (391 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 4h 25m | NZ$320($195) | twice a week | 668km (415 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 12hrs | NZ$210($130) | every 20 mins | 765km (475 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Motueka and Tauranga
Airlines
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Airports near Tauranga
The following major airports near Tauranga offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 3km (2 miles) from Tauranga
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 49km (30 miles) from Tauranga
Hamilton International Airport (HLZ)
- Distance
- 76km (47 miles) from Tauranga