How to travel from Taupo to Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
The distance between Taupo and Lake Tekapo is around 1,007km (626 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 8h 5m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Taupo to Lake Tekapo by bus, plane, ferry, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Lake Tekapo → Taupo if you're planning a return trip.
Bus and Plane
Take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Tekapo.
- Duration8h 5m
- Flight time1h 55m
- Typical costNZ$405($245)
Multiple operators
Bus, Ferry and Train
Take the bus to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Christchurch then take the bus to Tekapo.
- Duration18h 55m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$345($210)
Multiple operators
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch and then to Tekapo.
- Duration18h 60m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$220($135)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Lake Tekapo.
- Duration14h 50m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$270($165)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Taupo and Lake Tekapo
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Taupo to Lake Tekapo by bus, plane, ferry, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$220 ($135) and will take around 18h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the bus and then fly and arrive in approximately 8h 5m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$405 ($245).
The distance between Taupo and Lake Tekapo is around 1,007km (626 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 733km (456 miles)
It takes around 8h 5m to get from Taupo and Lake Tekapo by bus and plane.
The quickest way to get from Taupo to Lake Tekapo is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 8h 5m and will set you back approx NZ$405 ($245).
The cheapest way to travel between Taupo and Lake Tekapo is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$220 ($135) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Taupo and Lake Tekapo. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Tekapo. instead which will take 8h 5m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Taupo and Lake Tekapo. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Tekapo. instead which will take 8h 5m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Taupo to Lake Tekapo. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Tekapo. instead which will take 8h 5m.
The closest major airport to Lake Tekapo is Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) which is approximately 72km (45 miles) from Lake Tekapo. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) 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 Lake Tekapo. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Tekapo. instead which will take 8h 5m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Taupo to Lake Tekapo is to take the bus and then fly which takes, on average, 8h 5m and will usually cost around NZ$405 ($245).
Compare travel optionsbetween Taupo and Lake Tekapo
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus and Plane | 8h 5m | NZ$405($245) | 4 times a week | 1,007km (626 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train | 18h 55m | NZ$345($210) | 4 times a week | 1,047km (651 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 18h 60m | NZ$220($135) | 4 times a week | 1,037km (644 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14h 50m | NZ$270($165) | 4 times a day | 1,028km (639 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Taupo and Lake Tekapo
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airports near Lake Tekapo
The following major airports near Lake Tekapo offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 72km (45 miles) from Lake Tekapo
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 168km (104 miles) from Lake Tekapo
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 189km (118 miles) from Lake Tekapo