How to travel from Rotorua to Dunedin, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Dunedin is around 1,046km (650 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 50m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Rotorua to Dunedin by taxi, plane, 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 Dunedin → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Dunedin (DUD).
- Duration3h 50m
- Flight time3hrs
- Typical costNZ$235($145)
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 Dunedin.
- Duration23h 10m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$235($145)
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 Dunedin.
- Duration17h 25m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$315($195)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Rotorua and Dunedin
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Dunedin by taxi, plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around NZ$235 ($145) and will take around 3h 50m.
The distance between Rotorua and Dunedin is around 1,046km (650 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 982km (610 miles)
It takes around 4h 5m to get from Rotorua and Dunedin by taxi and plane.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Dunedin is to fly which takes around 3h 50m and will set you back approx NZ$235 ($145).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Dunedin is to fly which will typically cost around NZ$235 ($145) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Dunedin. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 3h 50m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Dunedin. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 3h 50m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Rotorua and Dunedin. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and arrive at Dunedin (DUD) - via Christchurch (CHC). The flight takes around 3hrs.
There is no direct flight from Rotorua to Dunedin. There is however a flight that goes via Christchurch (CHC). This services will take at least 3h 50m (not including layover time).
The flight from Rotorua to Dunedin typically takes around 3hrs. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and and arrive into Dunedin (DUD).
The closest major airport to Dunedin is Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) which is approximately 24km (15 miles) from Dunedin. Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) 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 Dunedin. We recommend that you take a taxi to Tauranga (TRG) then fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Dunedin (DUD). instead which will take 4h 5m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Dunedin is to take a taxi and then fly which takes, on average, 4h 5m and will usually cost around NZ$660 ($405).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Dunedin
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 3h 50m | NZ$235($145) | twice daily | 1,046km (650 miles) |
| Taxi and Plane | 4h 5m | NZ$660($405) | twice daily | 1,306km (812 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 23h 10m | NZ$235($145) | once daily | 1,275km (792 miles) |
| Bus to Wellington - Central, ferry | 24h 35m | NZ$250($155) | once daily | 1,293km (803 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 17h 25m | NZ$315($195) | 4 times a day | 1,241km (771 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Dunedin
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Atomic Travel
Ferry operators
Airports near Dunedin
The following major airports near Dunedin offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 24km (15 miles) from Dunedin
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 161km (100 miles) from Dunedin
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 167km (104 miles) from Dunedin