How to travel from Twizel to Motueka, New Zealand

The distance between Twizel and Motueka is around 603km (375 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 6h 50m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Twizel to Motueka by bus, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out MotuekaTwizel if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
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bus
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Bus and Plane

Take the bus to Frankton Bus Interchange then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka.

  • Duration6h 50m
  • Flight time2hrs
  • Typical cost
    NZ$385($235)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
4 x bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Christchurch, Blenheim then Nelson and then to Motueka.

  • Duration12h 55m
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$160($100)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

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Bus and Train

Take the bus to Tekapo and then to Christchurch then take the train to Blenheim then take the bus to Nelson and then to Motueka.

  • Duration12hrs
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$315($195)
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
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Drive

Drive to Motueka.

  • Duration8h 25m
  • Distance710km (441 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Twizel and Motueka

There are several options for getting from Twizel to Motueka by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$160 ($100) and will take around 12h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the bus and then fly and arrive in approximately 6h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$385 ($235).

The distance between Twizel and Motueka is around 603km (375 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 423km (263 miles)

It takes around 12h 55m to get from Twizel and Motueka by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 8h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Twizel to Motueka is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 6h 50m and will set you back approx NZ$385 ($235).

The cheapest way to travel between Twizel and Motueka, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$160 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Twizel and Motueka. We recommend that you take the bus to Frankton Bus Interchange then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka. instead which will take 6h 50m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Twizel and Motueka. It typically takes around 12h 55m and departs twice a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Twizel to Motueka. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch, Blenheim and Nelson. These services run twice a week and will take a minimum of 12h 55m.

InterCity and Golden Bay Coachlines run regular bus services between Twizel and Motueka. Buses run twice a week and take around 12h 55m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Twizel to Motueka. We recommend that you take the bus to Frankton Bus Interchange then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Nelson (NSN) then take the bus to Motueka. instead which will take 6h 50m.

The closest major airport to Motueka is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 27km (17 miles) from Motueka. Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) and Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) (PMR) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Twizel and Motueka. The distance is around 710km (441 miles) by road and it will take around 8h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Twizel to Motueka is to take the bus which takes, on average, 12h 55m and will usually cost around NZ$160 ($100).

How do I get from Twizel to Motueka

Compare travel optionsbetween Twizel and Motueka

Transport options from Twizel to Motueka
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus and Plane + 1 similar
6h 50m
NZ$385($235)
twice a week1,024km (636 miles)
Bus to Christchurch, plane8h 25m
NZ$275($170)
twice a week603km (375 miles)
Bus
12h 55m
NZ$160($100)
twice a week757km (470 miles)
Bus and Train
12hrs
NZ$315($195)
twice a week766km (476 miles)
Drive
8h 25m
NZ$155($95)
on demand710km (441 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Twizel and Motueka

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Motueka

The following major airports near Motueka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.

NSN
Nelson Airport (NSN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
27km (17 miles) from Motueka
WLG
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
International Airport
Distance
153km (95 miles) from Motueka
PMR
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
International Airport
Distance
237km (147 miles) from Motueka