How to travel from Taupo to Wanaka, New Zealand
The distance between Taupo and Wanaka is around 1,228km (763 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 4h 40m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Taupo to Wanaka by plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Wanaka → Taupo if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark.
- Duration4h 40m
- Flight time2h 35m
- Typical costNZ$460($280)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
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 Christchurch then Cromwell and then to Wanaka.
- Duration23hrs
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$250($155)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Wanaka.
- Duration17hrs
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$315($190)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Taupo and Wanaka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Taupo to Wanaka by plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$250 ($155) and will take around 23hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 4h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$460 ($280).
The distance between Taupo and Wanaka is around 1,228km (763 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 874km (543 miles)
It takes around 4h 40m to get from Taupo and Wanaka by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Taupo to Wanaka is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 4h 40m and will set you back approx NZ$460 ($280).
The cheapest way to travel between Taupo and Wanaka is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$250 ($155) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Taupo and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 40m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Taupo and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 40m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Taupo to Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 40m.
The closest major airport to Wanaka is Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) and Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) 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 Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 40m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Taupo to Wanaka is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 40m and will usually cost around NZ$460 ($280).
Compare travel optionsbetween Taupo and Wanaka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus + 1 similar | 4h 40m | NZ$460($280) | once daily | 1,366km (849 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 6h 30m | NZ$285($175) | once daily | 1,407km (874 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 23hrs | NZ$250($155) | 3 times a week | 1,288km (800 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 17hrs | NZ$315($190) | 4 times a day | 1,228km (763 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Taupo and Wanaka
Airlines
Sounds Air
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Ritchies Auckland
GreatSights
Airports near Wanaka
The following major airports near Wanaka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 48km (30 miles) from Wanaka
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 160km (99 miles) from Wanaka