How to travel from Rotorua to Picton, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Picton is around 500km (311 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 35m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Rotorua to Picton by bus, ferry, train, car, plane and taxi. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Picton → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Blenheim (BHE).
- Duration2h 35m
- Flight time1h 40m
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus to Wellington - Central, Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton.
- Duration10h 50m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$130($79)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus, Train and Ferry
Take the bus to Hamilton - Central then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton.
- Duration13h 45m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$330($205)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton.
- Duration8h 50m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$165($100)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Rotorua and Picton
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Picton by bus, ferry, train, car, plane and taxi. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$130 ($79) and will take around 10h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$190 ($115).
The distance between Rotorua and Picton is around 500km (311 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 400km (248 miles)
It takes around 12h 15m to get from Rotorua and Picton by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Picton is to fly which takes around 2h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$190 ($115).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Picton is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$130 ($79) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Picton. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Blenheim (BHE). instead which will take 2h 35m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Picton. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Blenheim (BHE). instead which will take 2h 35m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Rotorua and Picton. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and arrive at Blenheim (BHE) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 1h 40m.
There is no direct flight from Rotorua to Picton. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 2h 35m (not including layover time).
The flight from Rotorua to Picton typically takes around 1h 40m. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and and arrive into Blenheim (BHE).
The closest major airport to Picton is Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Picton. 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 Picton. We recommend that you take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton. instead which will take 12h 15m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Picton is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 12h 15m and will usually cost around NZ$135 ($83).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Picton
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 2h 35m | NZ$190($115) | 4 times a week | 510km (317 miles) |
| Taxi and Plane | 3h 20m | NZ$580($355) | 4 times a week | 610km (379 miles) |
| Plane and Ferry | 5h 30m | NZ$190($115) | 4 times a day | 500km (311 miles) |
Bus to Wellington - Central, Ferry + 1 similar | 10h 50m | NZ$130($79) | once daily | 574km (357 miles) |
| Bus and Ferry | 12h 15m | NZ$135($83) | once daily | 593km (369 miles) |
Bus, Train and Ferry | 13h 45m | NZ$330($205) | 3 times a week | 784km (487 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 8h 50m | NZ$165($100) | 4 times a day | 548km (341 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Picton
Ferry operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Train operators
Airports near Picton
The following major airports near Picton offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 7km (4 miles) from Picton
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 28km (17 miles) from Picton
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 67km (42 miles) from Picton