How to travel from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth, New Zealand
The distance between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth is around 820km (510 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 40m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth by bus, train, ferry, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out New Plymouth → Aoraki Mount Cook National Park if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Timaru (TIU) to New Plymouth (NPL).
- Duration4h 40m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$285($175)
Multiple plane operators
2 similiar routes
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 Palmerston North and then to New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY.
- Duration19h 25m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$235($145)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
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 New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY.
- Duration19h 25m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
Multiple operators
Ferry and Car
Take a ferry to Wellington then drive to New Plymouth.
- Duration16h 15m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$140($87)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth by bus, train, ferry, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then drive which costs around NZ$140 ($87) and will take around 16h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$285 ($175).
The distance between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth is around 820km (510 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 602km (374 miles)
It takes around 19h 25m to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth by bus, train and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth is to fly which takes around 4h 40m and will set you back approx NZ$285 ($175).
The cheapest way to travel between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth is to take a ferry and then drive which will typically cost around NZ$140 ($87) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth. We recommend that you fly from Timaru (TIU) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 4h 40m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth. We recommend that you fly from Timaru (TIU) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 4h 40m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth. Flights depart from Timaru (TIU) and arrive at New Plymouth (NPL) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 2h 10m.
There is no direct flight from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 4h 40m (not including layover time).
The flight from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth typically takes around 2h 10m. Flights depart from Timaru (TIU) and and arrive into New Plymouth (NPL).
The closest major airport to New Plymouth is New Plymouth Airport (NPL) (NPL) which is approximately 10km (6 miles) from New Plymouth. Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) and Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) 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 Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth. We recommend that you 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 New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY. instead which will take 19h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to New Plymouth is to take the bus, then take the train and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 19h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$385 ($235).
Compare travel optionsbetween Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 4h 40m | NZ$285($175) | on demand | 833km (517 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 5h 45m | NZ$260($160) | 3 times a week | 841km (523 miles) |
| Bus to Christchurch, Fly | 6h 45m | NZ$350($215) | 4 times a week | 820km (510 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 19h 25m | NZ$235($145) | 4 times a week | 1,099km (683 miles) |
| Bus to Greymouth, ferry | 22h 40m | NZ$255($155) | 3 times a week | 1,164km (723 miles) |
Bus, Train and Ferry | 19h 25m | NZ$385($235) | 4 times a week | 1,106km (687 miles) |
Ferry and Car | 16h 15m | NZ$140($87) | every 20 mins | 855km (531 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and New Plymouth
Bus companies
GreatSights
Train operators
Ferry operators
Airlines
Airports near New Plymouth
The following major airports near New Plymouth offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
- Distance
- 10km (6 miles) from New Plymouth
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 193km (120 miles) from New Plymouth
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 221km (137 miles) from New Plymouth