How to travel from Taupo to Motueka, New Zealand
The distance between Taupo and Motueka is around 504km (313 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 3h 25m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Taupo to Motueka by bus, ferry, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Motueka → Taupo if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Taupo (TUO) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka.
- Duration3h 25m
- Flight time1h 30m
- Typical costNZ$800($490)
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 Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson and then to Motueka.
- Duration12h 30m
- Departstwice a week
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Motueka.
- Duration10h 10m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$180($110)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Taupo and Motueka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Taupo to Motueka by bus, ferry, car and plane. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$180 ($110) and will take around 10h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 3h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$800 ($490).
The distance between Taupo and Motueka is around 504km (313 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 369km (229 miles)
It takes around 12h 30m to get from Taupo and Motueka by bus and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Taupo to Motueka is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$800 ($490).
The cheapest way to travel between Taupo and Motueka is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$180 ($110) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Taupo and Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka. instead which will take 3h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Taupo and Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka. instead which will take 3h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Taupo to Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka. instead which will take 3h 25m.
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 Taupo to Motueka. We recommend that you take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson and then to Motueka. instead which will take 12h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Taupo to Motueka is to take the bus and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 12h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$190 ($115).
Compare travel optionsbetween Taupo and Motueka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus + 2 similar | 3h 25m | NZ$800($490) | twice a week | 504km (313 miles) |
| Fly to Blenheim (BHE), bus | 4hrs | NZ$565($345) | twice a week | 550km (342 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 5h 45m | NZ$315($190) | twice a week | 659km (410 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 12h 30m | NZ$190($115) | twice a week | 663km (412 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 10h 10m | NZ$180($110) | 4 times a day | 624km (388 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Taupo and Motueka
Bus companies
Golden Bay Coachlines
Ferry operators
Airlines
Sounds Air
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