How to travel from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The distance between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is around 986km (613 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 5hrs.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by plane, bus, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Aoraki Mount Cook National Park → Tauranga if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Timaru (TIU).
- Duration5hrs
- Flight time2h 40m
- Typical costNZ$405($245)
Multiple plane operators
2 similiar routes
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.
- Duration17h 45m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$175($110)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$175 ($110) and will take around 17h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 5hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$405 ($245).
The distance between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is around 986km (613 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 830km (516 miles)
It takes around 5hrs to get from Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by plane.
The quickest way to get from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is to fly which takes around 5hrs and will set you back approx NZ$405 ($245).
The cheapest way to travel between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$175 ($110) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Timaru (TIU). instead which will take 5hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Timaru (TIU). instead which will take 5hrs.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and arrive at Timaru (TIU) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 2h 40m.
There is no direct flight from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 5hrs (not including layover time).
The flight from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park typically takes around 2h 40m. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and and arrive into Timaru (TIU).
The closest major airport to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) which is approximately 117km (73 miles) from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. 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 Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Timaru (TIU). instead which will take 5hrs.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tauranga to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is to fly which takes, on average, 5hrs and will usually cost around NZ$405 ($245).
Compare travel optionsbetween Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 5hrs | NZ$405($245) | on demand | 986km (613 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 5h 45m | NZ$440($270) | 3 times a week | 1,035km (643 miles) |
| Fly to Christchurch (CHC), Bus | 7h 15m | NZ$390($235) | 4 times a week | 1,013km (630 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 17h 45m | NZ$175($110) | 4 times a day | 1,017km (632 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Tauranga and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Bus companies
GreatSights
Airlines
Ferry operators
Airports near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
The following major airports near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 117km (73 miles) from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 194km (120 miles) from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 194km (121 miles) from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park