How to travel from Tauranga to Kaikoura, New Zealand
The distance between Tauranga and Kaikoura is around 646km (401 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4h 10m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Tauranga to Kaikoura by plane, train, 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 Kaikoura → Tauranga if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Train
Fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration4h 10m
- Flight time1h 50m
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
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 Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Kaikoura.
- Duration16h 30m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$180($110)
Multiple operators
Bus, Ferry and Train
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration16h 55m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$185($115)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Kaikōura.
- Duration11h 35m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$215($130)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Tauranga and Kaikoura
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Tauranga to Kaikoura by plane, train, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$180 ($110) and will take around 16h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 4h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$385 ($235).
The distance between Tauranga and Kaikoura is around 646km (401 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 551km (342 miles)
It takes around 4h 10m to get from Tauranga and Kaikoura by plane and train.
The quickest way to get from Tauranga to Kaikoura is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$385 ($235).
The cheapest way to travel between Tauranga and Kaikoura is to take the bus 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 Tauranga and Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4h 10m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Tauranga and Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4h 10m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Tauranga to Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4h 10m.
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 Tauranga to Kaikoura. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Blenheim (BHE) then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 4h 10m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tauranga to Kaikoura is to fly and then take the train which takes, on average, 4h 10m and will usually cost around NZ$385 ($235).
Compare travel optionsbetween Tauranga and Kaikoura
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Train + 1 similar | 4h 10m | NZ$385($235) | 4 times a week | 646km (401 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 40m | NZ$370($225) | 3 times a week | 907km (563 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 16h 30m | NZ$180($110) | once daily | 833km (517 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train | 16h 55m | NZ$185($115) | 4 times a week | 816km (507 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 11h 35m | NZ$215($130) | 4 times a day | 767km (476 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Tauranga and Kaikoura
Ferry operators
Airlines
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