How to travel from Rotorua to Franz Josef, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Franz Josef is around 977km (607 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 20m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Rotorua to Franz Josef by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Franz Josef → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Hokitika (HKK) then take the bus to Franz Josef YHA.
- Duration5h 20m
- Flight time2h 40m
- Typical costNZ$255($155)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Franz Josef / Waiau.
- Duration15h 10m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$280($170)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Rotorua and Franz Josef
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Franz Josef by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the bus which costs around NZ$255 ($155) and will take around 5h 20m.
The distance between Rotorua and Franz Josef is around 977km (607 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 776km (482 miles)
It takes around 5h 20m to get from Rotorua and Franz Josef by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Franz Josef is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 20m and will set you back approx NZ$255 ($155).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Franz Josef is to fly and then take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$255 ($155) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Hokitika (HKK) then take the bus to Franz Josef YHA. instead which will take 5h 20m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Hokitika (HKK) then take the bus to Franz Josef YHA. instead which will take 5h 20m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Rotorua to Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Hokitika (HKK) then take the bus to Franz Josef YHA. instead which will take 5h 20m.
The closest major airport to Franz Josef is Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) which is approximately 99km (62 miles) from Franz Josef. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) 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 Franz Josef. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Hokitika (HKK) then take the bus to Franz Josef YHA. instead which will take 5h 20m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Franz Josef is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 5h 20m and will usually cost around NZ$255 ($155).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Franz Josef
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus | 5h 20m | NZ$255($155) | 3 times a week | 977km (607 miles) |
Car and Ferry + 1 similar | 15h 10m | NZ$280($170) | 4 times a day | 1,071km (666 miles) |
| Bus, Train, Ferry and Car | 24h 40m | NZ$435($265) | 3 times a week | 1,390km (864 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Franz Josef
Bus companies
GreatSights
Airlines
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airports near Franz Josef
The following major airports near Franz Josef offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 99km (62 miles) from Franz Josef
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 191km (118 miles) from Franz Josef
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 215km (134 miles) from Franz Josef