How to travel from Rotorua to Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Hanmer Springs is around 831km (516 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 12h 15m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Rotorua to Hanmer Springs by 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 Hanmer Springs → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Waipara and then to Hanmer Springs.
- Duration16h 30m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$175($110)
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 Hanmer Springs.
- Duration12h 15m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$225($140)
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 Hanmer Springs
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Hanmer Springs by bus, ferry, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$175 ($110) and will take around 16h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and then take a ferry and arrive in approximately 12h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$225 ($140).
The distance between Rotorua and Hanmer Springs is around 831km (516 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 567km (352 miles)
It takes around 16h 30m to get from Rotorua and Hanmer Springs by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Hanmer Springs is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 12h 15m and will set you back approx NZ$225 ($140).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Hanmer Springs is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$175 ($110) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Hanmer Springs. We recommend that you drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Hanmer Springs. instead which will take 12h 15m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Hanmer Springs. We recommend that you drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Hanmer Springs. instead which will take 12h 15m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Rotorua to Hanmer Springs. We recommend that you take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Waipara and then to Hanmer Springs. instead which will take 16h 30m.
The closest major airport to Hanmer Springs is Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) which is approximately 110km (68 miles) from Hanmer Springs. Westport Airport (WSZ) (WSZ) and Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) 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 Hanmer Springs. We recommend that you take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Waipara and then to Hanmer Springs. instead which will take 16h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Hanmer Springs is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 16h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$175 ($110).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Hanmer Springs
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 16h 30m | NZ$175($110) | once daily | 932km (579 miles) |
| Bus to Wellington - Central, ferry | 17h 55m | NZ$185($110) | once daily | 952km (591 miles) |
Car and Ferry + 1 similar | 12h 15m | NZ$225($140) | 4 times a day | 831km (516 miles) |
| Bus, Train, Ferry and Car | 17h 55m | NZ$410($250) | 3 times a week | 1,070km (665 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Hanmer Springs
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Hanmer Springs
The following major airports near Hanmer Springs offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 110km (68 miles) from Hanmer Springs
Westport Airport (WSZ)
- Distance
- 135km (84 miles) from Hanmer Springs
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 140km (87 miles) from Hanmer Springs