How to travel from Tauranga to Nelson, New Zealand
The distance between Tauranga and Nelson is around 570km (354 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 25m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Tauranga to Nelson by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Nelson → Tauranga if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN).
- Duration2h 25m
- Flight time2hrs
- Typical costNZ$435($265)
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 Nelson.
- Duration16h 30m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$170($105)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson.
- Duration11h 10m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$200($125)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Tauranga and Nelson
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Tauranga to Nelson by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$170 ($105) and will take around 16h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$435 ($265).
The distance between Tauranga and Nelson is around 570km (354 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 469km (292 miles)
It takes around 2h 25m to get from Tauranga and Nelson by plane.
The quickest way to get from Tauranga to Nelson is to fly which takes around 2h 25m and will set you back approx NZ$435 ($265).
The cheapest way to travel between Tauranga and Nelson is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$170 ($105) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Tauranga and Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 25m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Tauranga and Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Tauranga and Nelson. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and arrive at Nelson (NSN) - via Wellington (WLG). The flight takes around 2hrs.
There is no direct flight from Tauranga to Nelson. There is however a flight that goes via Wellington (WLG). This services will take at least 2h 25m (not including layover time).
The flight from Tauranga to Nelson typically takes around 2hrs. Flights depart from Tauranga (TRG) and and arrive into Nelson (NSN).
The closest major airport to Nelson is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Nelson. Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) 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 Nelson. We recommend that you fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Nelson (NSN). instead which will take 2h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tauranga to Nelson is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$435 ($265).
Compare travel optionsbetween Tauranga and Nelson
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 2h 25m | NZ$435($265) | twice a week | 570km (354 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 3h 35m | NZ$350($215) | 4 times a week | 617km (384 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 16h 30m | NZ$170($105) | 4 times a week | 803km (499 miles) |
Car and Ferry + 1 similar | 11h 10m | NZ$200($125) | 4 times a day | 718km (446 miles) |
| Bus, Train, Ferry and Car | 14h 55m | NZ$355($215) | 3 times a week | 867km (539 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Tauranga and Nelson
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Nelson
The following major airports near Nelson offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Nelson
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 56km (35 miles) from Nelson
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 128km (79 miles) from Nelson