How to travel from Nelson to New Plymouth, New Zealand
The distance between Nelson and New Plymouth is around 416km (259 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 1h 50m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Nelson to New Plymouth 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 New Plymouth → Nelson if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Nelson (NSN) to New Plymouth (NPL).
- Duration1h 50m
- Flight time1h 30m
- Typical costNZ$285($175)
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus 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.
- Duration11h 30m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$170($105)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
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 New Plymouth.
- Duration9h 40m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$165($100)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Nelson and New Plymouth
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Nelson to New Plymouth by bus, ferry, car and plane. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$165 ($100) and will take around 9h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 1h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$285 ($175).
The distance between Nelson and New Plymouth is around 416km (259 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 255km (159 miles)
It takes around 11h 30m to get from Nelson and New Plymouth by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Nelson to New Plymouth is to fly which takes around 1h 50m and will set you back approx NZ$285 ($175).
The cheapest way to travel between Nelson and New Plymouth is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$165 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Nelson and New Plymouth. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 1h 50m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Nelson and New Plymouth. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to New Plymouth (NPL). instead which will take 1h 50m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Nelson and New Plymouth. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and arrive at New Plymouth (NPL) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 1h 30m.
There is no direct flight from Nelson to New Plymouth. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 1h 50m (not including layover time).
The flight from Nelson to New Plymouth typically takes around 1h 30m. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) 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 Nelson to New Plymouth. We recommend that you take the bus 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. instead which will take 11h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Nelson to New Plymouth is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 11h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$170 ($105).
Compare travel optionsbetween Nelson and New Plymouth
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 1h 50m | NZ$285($175) | on demand | 416km (259 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 4hrs | NZ$315($195) | 4 times a week | 856km (532 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 11h 30m | NZ$170($105) | 4 times a week | 626km (389 miles) |
| Bus to Picton, ferry | 11h 45m | NZ$170($105) | 4 times a week | 622km (386 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 9h 40m | NZ$165($100) | every 20 mins | 556km (345 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Nelson and New Plymouth
Ferry operators
Bus companies
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