How to travel from Taupo to Kaikoura, New Zealand
The distance between Taupo and Kaikoura is around 532km (330 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 3h 55m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Taupo to Kaikoura by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Kaikoura → Taupo if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Train
Fly from Taupo (TUO) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration3h 55m
- Flight time1h 30m
- Typical costNZ$565($345)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Kaikoura.
- Duration11h 45m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$155($95)
Multiple operators
Bus, Ferry and Train
Take the bus to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration11h 55m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$170($105)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Kaikōura.
- Duration9h 55m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$180($110)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Taupo and Kaikoura
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Taupo to Kaikoura by bus, ferry, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$155 ($95) and will take around 11h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 3h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$565 ($345).
The distance between Taupo and Kaikoura is around 532km (330 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 437km (271 miles)
It takes around 11h 45m to get from Taupo and Kaikoura by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Taupo to Kaikoura is to fly and then take the train which takes around 3h 55m and will set you back approx NZ$565 ($345).
The cheapest way to travel between Taupo and Kaikoura is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$155 ($95) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Taupo and Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 3h 55m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Taupo and Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 3h 55m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Taupo to Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 3h 55m.
The closest major airport to Kaikoura is Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) which is approximately 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura. Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) 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 Taupo to Kaikoura. We recommend that you take the bus to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Kaikoura. instead which will take 11h 45m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Taupo to Kaikoura is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 11h 45m and will usually cost around NZ$155 ($95).
Compare travel optionsbetween Taupo and Kaikoura
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Train + 2 similar | 3h 55m | NZ$565($345) | 4 times a week | 532km (330 miles) |
| Fly to Picton (PCN), Train | 4h 15m | NZ$580($355) | 4 times a week | 534km (332 miles) |
| Plane, Bus and Train | 5h 45m | NZ$835($510) | twice a week | 698km (433 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 11h 45m | NZ$155($95) | once daily | 629km (391 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train | 11h 55m | NZ$170($105) | 4 times a week | 627km (389 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 9h 55m | NZ$180($110) | 4 times a day | 626km (389 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Taupo and Kaikoura
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Airlines
Sounds Air
Train operators
Airports near Kaikoura
The following major airports near Kaikoura offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 104km (64 miles) from Kaikoura
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 142km (88 miles) from Kaikoura