How to travel from Rotorua to Akaroa, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Akaroa is around 783km (487 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 15m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Rotorua to Akaroa by taxi, plane, bus, ferry, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Akaroa → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa.
- Duration5h 15m
- Flight time1h 55m
- Typical costNZ$465($285)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus, Ferry, Train and Taxi
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Christchurch then take a taxi to Akaroa.
- Duration17h 45m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$595($365)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch and then to Akaroa.
- Duration19h 35m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$215($130)
Multiple operators
1 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 Akaroa.
- Duration14hrs
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$310($190)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Rotorua and Akaroa
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Akaroa by taxi, plane, bus, ferry, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$215 ($130) and will take around 19h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 5h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$465 ($285).
The distance between Rotorua and Akaroa is around 783km (487 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 688km (427 miles)
It takes around 5h 55m to get from Rotorua and Akaroa by taxi, plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Akaroa is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 15m and will set you back approx NZ$465 ($285).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Akaroa is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$215 ($130) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Akaroa. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 5h 15m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Akaroa. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 5h 15m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Rotorua to Akaroa. We recommend that you take a taxi to Tauranga (TRG) then fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 5h 55m.
The closest major airport to Akaroa is Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) which is approximately 54km (33 miles) from Akaroa. Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) and Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) 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 Rotorua to Akaroa. We recommend that you take a taxi to Tauranga (TRG) then fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 5h 55m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Akaroa is to take a taxi, then fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 5h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$610 ($375).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Akaroa
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus + 1 similar | 5h 15m | NZ$465($285) | once daily | 783km (487 miles) |
| Taxi, Plane and Bus | 5h 55m | NZ$610($375) | once daily | 880km (547 miles) |
Bus, Ferry, Train and Taxi + 1 similar | 17h 45m | NZ$595($365) | 4 times a week | 999km (620 miles) |
| Bus, Train, Ferry and Taxi | 20h 40m | NZ$775($475) | 3 times a week | 1,208km (751 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 19h 35m | NZ$215($130) | once daily | 996km (619 miles) |
| Bus to Wellington - Central, ferry | 20h 60m | NZ$215($130) | once daily | 1,016km (631 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14hrs | NZ$310($190) | 4 times a day | 971km (603 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Akaroa
Bus companies
Akaroa French Connection
Airlines
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airports near Akaroa
The following major airports near Akaroa offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 54km (33 miles) from Akaroa
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 153km (95 miles) from Akaroa
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 206km (128 miles) from Akaroa