How to travel from Russell to Motueka, New Zealand
The distance between Russell and Motueka is around 786km (488 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a ferry and then fly which takes around 3h 30m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Russell to Motueka by ferry, plane, bus, taxi, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Motueka → Russell if you're planning a return trip.
Ferry and Plane
Take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN).
- Duration3h 30m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$470($285)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
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 bus to Atawhai.
- Duration21h 30m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$545($335)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Motueka.
- Duration16h 35m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$370($225)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Russell and Motueka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Russell to Motueka by ferry, plane, bus, taxi, train and car. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$370 ($225) and will take around 16h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a ferry and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$470 ($285).
The distance between Russell and Motueka is around 786km (488 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 658km (409 miles)
It takes around 3h 30m to get from Russell and Motueka by ferry and plane.
The quickest way to get from Russell to Motueka is to take a ferry and then fly which takes around 3h 30m and will set you back approx NZ$470 ($285).
The cheapest way to travel between Russell and Motueka is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$370 ($225) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Russell and Motueka. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 3h 30m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Russell and Motueka. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 3h 30m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Russell to Motueka. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 3h 30m.
The closest major airport to Motueka is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 27km (17 miles) from Motueka. Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) and Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) 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 Motueka. We recommend that you take a ferry to Opua then fly from Kerikeri (KKE) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 3h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Russell to Motueka is to take a ferry and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$470 ($285).
Compare travel optionsbetween Russell and Motueka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ferry and Plane + 1 similar | 3h 30m | NZ$470($285) | every 10 mins | 786km (488 miles) |
| Ferry, Plane, Bus and Taxi | 5h 10m | NZ$455($280) | 4 times a week | 908km (564 miles) |
Ferry, Bus and Train | 21h 30m | NZ$545($335) | 3 times a week | 1,201km (746 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 16h 35m | NZ$370($225) | 4 times a day | 1,146km (712 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Russell and Motueka
Ferry operators
Fullers GreatSights
Explore Group
Airports near Motueka
The following major airports near Motueka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 27km (17 miles) from Motueka
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 153km (95 miles) from Motueka
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 237km (147 miles) from Motueka