How to travel from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo, New Zealand
The distance between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo is around 872km (542 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 45m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo by bus, 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 Taupo → Aoraki Mount Cook National Park if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Timaru (TIU) to Taupo (TUO).
- Duration4h 45m
- Flight time2h 15m
- Typical costNZ$270($165)
Multiple plane operators
1 similiar route
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 Taupo.
- Duration19h 55m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$220($135)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Ferry and Car
Take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Taupō.
- Duration16h 20m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$145($89)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo by bus, ferry, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then drive which costs around NZ$145 ($89) and will take around 16h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$270 ($165).
The distance between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo is around 872km (542 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 730km (454 miles)
It takes around 19h 55m to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo is to fly which takes around 4h 45m and will set you back approx NZ$270 ($165).
The cheapest way to travel between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo is to take a ferry and then drive which will typically cost around NZ$145 ($89) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo. We recommend that you fly from Timaru (TIU) to Taupo (TUO). instead which will take 4h 45m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo. We recommend that you fly from Timaru (TIU) to Taupo (TUO). instead which will take 4h 45m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo. Flights depart from Timaru (TIU) and arrive at Taupo (TUO) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 2h 15m.
There is no direct flight from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 4h 45m (not including layover time).
The flight from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo typically takes around 2h 15m. Flights depart from Timaru (TIU) and and arrive into Taupo (TUO).
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 Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch and then to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington - Central then take the bus to Taupo. instead which will take 19h 55m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Taupo is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 19h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$220 ($135).
Compare travel optionsbetween Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 4h 45m | NZ$270($165) | on demand | 872km (542 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 7h 35m | NZ$400($245) | 4 times a week | 1,269km (789 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 19h 55m | NZ$220($135) | 4 times a week | 1,115km (693 miles) |
| Bus to Christchurch, ferry | 19h 60m | NZ$220($135) | 4 times a week | 1,094km (680 miles) |
Ferry and Car | 16h 20m | NZ$145($89) | every 20 mins | 876km (544 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Taupo
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Airlines
Sounds Air
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