How to travel from Paihia to Wanaka, New Zealand
The distance between Paihia and Wanaka is around 1,284km (798 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 35m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Paihia 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 → Paihia if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Wanaka (WKA).
- Duration3h 35m
- Flight time3h 10m
- Typical costNZ$465($285)
+ 1 others3 similiar routes
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.
- Duration22h 50m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$525($320)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Paihia and Wanaka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Paihia to Wanaka by plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then fly which costs around NZ$360 ($220) and will take around 5h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$465 ($285).
The distance between Paihia and Wanaka is around 1,284km (798 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,128km (701 miles)
It takes around 4h 50m to get from Paihia and Wanaka by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Paihia to Wanaka is to fly which takes around 3h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$465 ($285).
The cheapest way to travel between Paihia and Wanaka is to take the bus and then fly which will typically cost around NZ$360 ($220) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Paihia and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Wanaka (WKA). instead which will take 3h 35m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Paihia and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Wanaka (WKA). instead which will take 3h 35m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Paihia and Wanaka. Flights depart from Kerikeri (KKE) and arrive at Wanaka (WKA) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 3h 10m.
There is no direct flight from Paihia to Wanaka. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC). This services will take at least 3h 35m (not including layover time).
The flight from Paihia to Wanaka typically takes around 3h 10m. Flights depart from Kerikeri (KKE) 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 Paihia to Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 50m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Paihia to Wanaka is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 50m and will usually cost around NZ$360 ($220).
Compare travel optionsbetween Paihia and Wanaka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 3h 35m | NZ$465($285) | on demand | 1,284km (798 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 50m | NZ$360($220) | once daily | 1,365km (848 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 5h 40m | NZ$360($220) | once daily | 1,354km (841 miles) |
| Fly to Dunedin (DUD), bus | 6h 30m | NZ$410($250) | 3 times a week | 1,548km (962 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 22h 50m | NZ$525($320) | 4 times a day | 1,725km (1,072 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Paihia and Wanaka
Bus companies
Ritchies Transport
GreatSights
Airlines
Sounds Air
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