How to travel from Nelson to Rotorua, New Zealand
The distance between Nelson and Rotorua is around 530km (330 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 10m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Nelson to Rotorua by plane, taxi, 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 Rotorua → Nelson if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Nelson (NSN) to Rotorua (ROT).
- Duration2h 10m
- Flight time1h 45m
- Typical costNZ$280($170)
2 similiar routes
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 Rotorua.
- Duration12h 45m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$160($100)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Rotorua.
- Duration10h 40m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Nelson and Rotorua
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Nelson to Rotorua by plane, taxi, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$160 ($100) and will take around 12h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$280 ($170).
The distance between Nelson and Rotorua is around 530km (330 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 431km (268 miles)
It takes around 3h 5m to get from Nelson and Rotorua by plane and taxi.
The quickest way to get from Nelson to Rotorua is to fly which takes around 2h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$280 ($170).
The cheapest way to travel between Nelson and Rotorua is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$160 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Nelson and Rotorua. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Rotorua (ROT). instead which will take 2h 10m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Nelson and Rotorua. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Rotorua (ROT). instead which will take 2h 10m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Nelson and Rotorua. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and arrive at Rotorua (ROT) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 1h 45m.
There is no direct flight from Nelson to Rotorua. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 2h 10m (not including layover time).
The flight from Nelson to Rotorua typically takes around 1h 45m. Flights depart from Nelson (NSN) and and arrive into Rotorua (ROT).
The closest major airport to Rotorua is Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Rotorua. Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) and Taupo Airport (TUO) (TUO) 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 Rotorua. We recommend that you fly from Nelson (NSN) to Tauranga (TRG) then take a taxi to Rotorua. instead which will take 3h 5m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Nelson to Rotorua is to fly and then take a taxi which takes, on average, 3h 5m and will usually cost around NZ$540 ($330).
Compare travel optionsbetween Nelson and Rotorua
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 2h 10m | NZ$280($170) | every 2 hours | 530km (330 miles) |
| Plane and Taxi | 3h 5m | NZ$540($330) | on demand | 718km (446 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 3h 30m | NZ$260($160) | 4 times a week | 578km (359 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 12h 45m | NZ$160($100) | 4 times a week | 721km (448 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 10h 40m | NZ$190($115) | every 20 mins | 656km (408 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Nelson and Rotorua
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Ferry operators
Airports near Rotorua
The following major airports near Rotorua offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Rotorua
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 52km (32 miles) from Rotorua
Taupo Airport (TUO)
- Distance
- 69km (43 miles) from Rotorua