How to travel from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka, New Zealand
The distance between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka is around 1,028km (639 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 10m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka 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 Wanaka → Mount Maunganui if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Wanaka (WKA).
- Duration3h 10m
- Flight time2h 55m
- Typical costNZ$315($195)
+ 1 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Wanaka.
- Duration18h 50m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$435($265)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka by plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around NZ$315 ($195) and will take around 3h 10m.
The distance between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka is around 1,028km (639 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 981km (609 miles)
It takes around 4h 30m to get from Mount Maunganui and Wanaka by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka is to fly which takes around 3h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$315 ($195).
The cheapest way to travel between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka is to fly which will typically cost around NZ$315 ($195) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Wanaka (WKA). instead which will take 3h 10m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Wanaka (WKA). instead which will take 3h 10m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Mount Maunganui and Wanaka. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and arrive at Wanaka (WKA) - via Christchurch (CHC). The flight takes around 2h 55m.
There is no direct flight from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka. There is however a flight that goes via Christchurch (CHC). This services will take at least 3h 10m (not including layover time).
The flight from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka typically takes around 2h 55m. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and and arrive into Wanaka (WKA).
The closest major airport to Wanaka is Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) and Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) 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 Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Mount Maunganui to Wanaka is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$340 ($210).
Compare travel optionsbetween Mount Maunganui and Wanaka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 3h 10m | NZ$315($195) | on demand | 1,028km (639 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 30m | NZ$340($210) | once daily | 1,284km (798 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 18h 50m | NZ$435($265) | 4 times a day | 1,379km (857 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Mount Maunganui and Wanaka
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Ritchies Transport
Ferry operators
Airports near Wanaka
The following major airports near Wanaka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 48km (30 miles) from Wanaka
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 160km (99 miles) from Wanaka