The distance between Oamaru and Kaikoura is around 423km (263 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 5h 15m.
We've found 4 different ways to get from Oamaru to Kaikoura by bus, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Kaikoura → Oamaru if you're planning a return trip.
Take the bus to Dunedin Airport then fly from Dunedin (DUD) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Kaikoura.
Multiple operators
Take the bus to Christchurch and then to Kaikoura.
Take the bus to Christchurch then take the train to Kaikoura.
Multiple operators
There are several options for getting from Oamaru to Kaikoura by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$79 ($48) and will take around 6h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 5h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$120 ($73).
The distance between Oamaru and Kaikoura is around 423km (263 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 383km (238 miles)
It takes around 6h 55m to get from Oamaru and Kaikoura by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 15m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Oamaru to Kaikoura is to drive which takes around 5h 15m and will set you back approx NZ$120 ($73).
The cheapest way to travel between Oamaru and Kaikoura, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$79 ($48) for a standard one-way ticket.
There is no train service that runs between Oamaru and Kaikoura. We recommend that you drive to Kaikōura. instead which will take 5h 15m.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Oamaru and Kaikoura. It typically takes around 6h 55m and departs once daily.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Oamaru to Kaikoura. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 6h 55m.
InterCity and Atomic Travel run regular bus services between Oamaru and Kaikoura. Buses run once daily and take around 6h 55m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Oamaru to Kaikoura. We recommend that you take the bus to Dunedin Airport then fly from Dunedin (DUD) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Kaikoura. instead which will take 6h 10m.
The closest major airport to Kaikoura is Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) which is approximately 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura. Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Oamaru and Kaikoura. The distance is around 423km (263 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 15m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Oamaru to Kaikoura is to take the bus which takes, on average, 6h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$79 ($48).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bus and Plane | 6h 10m | NZ$195($120) | 3 times a week | 654km (407 miles) |
Bus | 6h 55m | NZ$79($48) | once daily | 431km (268 miles) |
Bus and Train | 7hrs | NZ$120($73) | 4 times a week | 442km (275 miles) |
Drive | 5h 15m | NZ$120($73) | on demand | 423km (263 miles) |
Atomic Travel
The following major airports near Kaikoura offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.