How to travel from Mount Maunganui to Motueka, New Zealand
The distance between Mount Maunganui and Motueka is around 604km (375 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 40m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Mount Maunganui to Motueka by plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Motueka → Mount Maunganui if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN).
- Duration2h 40m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical costNZ$355($220)
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Atawhai.
- Duration17h 35m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$345($210)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Motueka.
- Duration11h 55m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$265($160)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Mount Maunganui and Motueka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Mount Maunganui to Motueka by plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$265 ($160) and will take around 11h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$355 ($220).
The distance between Mount Maunganui and Motueka is around 604km (375 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 473km (294 miles)
It takes around 2h 40m to get from Mount Maunganui and Motueka by plane.
The quickest way to get from Mount Maunganui to Motueka is to fly which takes around 2h 40m and will set you back approx NZ$355 ($220).
The cheapest way to travel between Mount Maunganui and Motueka is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$265 ($160) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Mount Maunganui and Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 40m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Mount Maunganui and Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 40m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Mount Maunganui and Motueka. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and arrive at Nelson (NSN) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 2hrs.
There is no direct flight from Mount Maunganui to Motueka. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 2h 40m (not including layover time).
The flight from Mount Maunganui to Motueka typically takes around 2hrs. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and and arrive into Nelson (NSN).
The closest major airport to Motueka is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 27km (17 miles) from Motueka. Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) and Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) 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 Mount Maunganui to Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 40m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Mount Maunganui to Motueka is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 40m and will usually cost around NZ$355 ($220).
Compare travel optionsbetween Mount Maunganui and Motueka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 2h 40m | NZ$355($220) | on demand | 604km (375 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 5m | NZ$360($220) | 4 times a week | 663km (412 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 17h 35m | NZ$345($210) | 4 times a week | 861km (535 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 11h 55m | NZ$265($160) | 4 times a day | 776km (482 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Mount Maunganui and Motueka
Airlines
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Airports near Motueka
The following major airports near Motueka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 27km (17 miles) from Motueka
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 153km (95 miles) from Motueka
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 237km (147 miles) from Motueka