How to travel from Tauranga to Christchurch, New Zealand
The distance between Tauranga and Christchurch is around 733km (455 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 35m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Tauranga to Christchurch by plane, bus, 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 Christchurch → Tauranga if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Christchurch (CHC).
- Duration2h 35m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical costNZ$345($210)
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch.
- Duration20h 10m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$200($125)
Multiple operators
Bus, Train and Ferry
Take the bus to Hamilton - Central then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Christchurch.
- Duration19h 20m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$490($300)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Christchurch.
- Duration13h 55m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$250($155)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Tauranga and Christchurch
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Tauranga to Christchurch by plane, bus, ferry, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$200 ($125) and will take around 20h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$345 ($210).
The distance between Tauranga and Christchurch is around 733km (455 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 715km (444 miles)
It takes around 2h 35m to get from Tauranga and Christchurch by plane.
The quickest way to get from Tauranga to Christchurch is to fly which takes around 2h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$345 ($210).
The cheapest way to travel between Tauranga and Christchurch is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$200 ($125) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Tauranga and Christchurch. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 2h 35m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Tauranga and Christchurch. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 2h 35m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Tauranga and Christchurch. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and arrive at Christchurch (CHC). The flight takes around 2hrs.
Yes there is a direct flight between Tauranga and Christchurch with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2hrs.
Air New Zealand fly between Tauranga and Christchurch. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and and arrive into Christchurch (CHC). These flights usually take around 2hrs.
The flight from Tauranga to Christchurch typically takes around 2hrs. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and and arrive into Christchurch (CHC).
The closest major airport to Christchurch is Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Christchurch. Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) and Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) 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 Tauranga to Christchurch. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 2h 35m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tauranga to Christchurch is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around NZ$345 ($210).
Compare travel optionsbetween Tauranga and Christchurch
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly | 2h 35m | NZ$345($210) | hourly | 733km (455 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 20h 10m | NZ$200($125) | once daily | 1,014km (630 miles) |
Bus, Train and Ferry + 1 similar | 19h 20m | NZ$490($300) | 3 times a week | 1,104km (686 miles) |
| Bus, Ferry and Train | 20h 10m | NZ$300($185) | 4 times a week | 1,006km (625 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 13h 55m | NZ$250($155) | 4 times a day | 950km (590 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Tauranga and Christchurch
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Christchurch
The following major airports near Christchurch offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Christchurch
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 142km (88 miles) from Christchurch
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 162km (101 miles) from Christchurch