How to travel from Rotorua to Nelson, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Nelson is around 532km (331 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 25m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Rotorua to Nelson by plane, taxi, 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 Nelson → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Nelson (NSN).
- Duration2h 25m
- Flight time1h 55m
- Typical costNZ$250($150)
2 similiar routes
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 Nelson.
- Duration13hrs
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$160($100)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson.
- Duration10h 25m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
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 Nelson
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Nelson by plane, taxi, bus, train, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$160 ($100) and will take around 13hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$250 ($150).
The distance between Rotorua and Nelson is around 532km (331 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 431km (268 miles)
It takes around 2h 25m to get from Rotorua and Nelson by plane.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Nelson is to fly which takes around 2h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$250 ($150).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Nelson is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$160 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Rotorua and Nelson. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and arrive at Nelson (NSN) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 1h 55m.
There is no direct flight from Rotorua to Nelson. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 2h 25m (not including layover time).
The flight from Rotorua to Nelson typically takes around 1h 55m. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and and arrive into Nelson (NSN).
The closest major airport to Nelson is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Nelson. Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) 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 Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Nelson is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$250 ($150).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Nelson
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 2h 25m | NZ$250($150) | twice a week | 532km (331 miles) |
| Taxi and Plane | 3h 10m | NZ$670($410) | twice a week | 633km (393 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 3h 35m | NZ$195($120) | 4 times a week | 579km (360 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 13hrs | NZ$160($100) | 4 times a week | 717km (445 miles) |
Car and Ferry + 1 similar | 10h 25m | NZ$190($115) | 4 times a day | 656km (408 miles) |
| Bus, Train, Ferry and Car | 15h 15m | NZ$355($220) | 3 times a week | 892km (554 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Nelson
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airports near Nelson
The following major airports near Nelson offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Nelson
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 56km (35 miles) from Nelson
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 128km (79 miles) from Nelson