How to travel from Russell to Christchurch, New Zealand
The distance between Russell and Christchurch is around 1,003km (623 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a ferry and then fly which takes around 3h 20m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Russell to Christchurch by ferry, plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Christchurch → Russell if you're planning a return trip.
Ferry and Plane
Take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Christchurch (CHC).
- Duration3h 20m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
Multiple operators
Ferry, Bus and Train
Take a ferry to Paihia then take the bus to Auckland - Central then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Christchurch.
- Duration24h 30m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$505($310)
Multiple operators
Ferry and Bus
Take a ferry to Paihia then take the bus to Auckland - Central and then to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch.
- Duration24h 60m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$250($155)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Christchurch.
- Duration18h 40m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$420($260)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Russell and Christchurch
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Russell to Christchurch by ferry, plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then take the bus which costs around NZ$250 ($155) and will take around 24h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a ferry and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$385 ($235).
The distance between Russell and Christchurch is around 1,003km (623 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 928km (577 miles)
It takes around 3h 20m to get from Russell and Christchurch by ferry and plane.
The quickest way to get from Russell to Christchurch is to take a ferry and then fly which takes around 3h 20m and will set you back approx NZ$385 ($235).
The cheapest way to travel between Russell and Christchurch is to take a ferry and then take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$250 ($155) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Russell and Christchurch. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 3h 20m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Russell and Christchurch. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 3h 20m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Russell to Christchurch. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 3h 20m.
The closest major airport to Christchurch is Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Christchurch. Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) and Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) 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 Russell to Christchurch. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 3h 20m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Russell to Christchurch is to take a ferry and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 20m and will usually cost around NZ$385 ($235).
Compare travel optionsbetween Russell and Christchurch
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ferry and Plane | 3h 20m | NZ$385($235) | hourly | 1,003km (623 miles) |
Ferry, Bus and Train | 24h 30m | NZ$505($310) | 3 times a week | 1,356km (843 miles) |
Ferry and Bus | 24h 60m | NZ$250($155) | once daily | 1,327km (825 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 18h 40m | NZ$420($260) | 4 times a day | 1,331km (827 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Russell and Christchurch
Ferry operators
Fullers GreatSights
Explore Group
Airports near Christchurch
The following major airports near Christchurch offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Christchurch
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 142km (88 miles) from Christchurch
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 162km (101 miles) from Christchurch