How to travel from Wanaka to Whakatane, New Zealand
The distance between Wanaka and Whakatane is around 1,233km (766 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 4h 35m.
3 routes found
We've found 3 different ways to get from Wanaka to Whakatane by bus, plane, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Whakatane → Wanaka if you're planning a return trip.
Bus to Queenstown Airport, Fly
Take the bus to Queenstown Airport then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Whakatane (WHK).
- Duration4h 35m
- Flight time2h 35m
- Typical costNZ$410($250)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Picton then take a ferry to Wellington then drive to Whakatāne.
- Duration19h 10m
- Departsevery 20 mins
- Typical costNZ$350($215)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Wanaka and Whakatane
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Wanaka to Whakatane by bus, plane, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then fly which costs around NZ$290 ($175) and will take around 6h 5m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the bus and then fly and arrive in approximately 4h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$410 ($250).
The distance between Wanaka and Whakatane is around 1,233km (766 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 995km (618 miles)
It takes around 6h 5m to get from Wanaka and Whakatane by bus and plane.
The quickest way to get from Wanaka to Whakatane is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 4h 35m and will set you back approx NZ$410 ($250).
The cheapest way to travel between Wanaka and Whakatane is to take the bus and then fly which will typically cost around NZ$290 ($175) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Wanaka and Whakatane. We recommend that you take the bus to Queenstown Airport then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Whakatane (WHK). instead which will take 4h 35m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Wanaka and Whakatane. We recommend that you take the bus to Queenstown Airport then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Whakatane (WHK). instead which will take 4h 35m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Wanaka to Whakatane. We recommend that you take the bus to Queenstown Airport then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Rotorua (ROT) then take the bus to Whakatane. instead which will take 6h 5m.
The closest major airport to Whakatane is Rotorua International Airport (ROT) (ROT) which is approximately 62km (38 miles) from Whakatane. Tauranga City Airport (TRG) (TRG) and Gisborne Airport (GIS) (GIS) 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 Wanaka to Whakatane. We recommend that you take the bus to Queenstown Airport then fly from Queenstown (ZQN) to Rotorua (ROT) then take the bus to Whakatane. instead which will take 6h 5m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Wanaka to Whakatane is to take the bus and then fly which takes, on average, 6h 5m and will usually cost around NZ$290 ($175).
Compare travel optionsbetween Wanaka and Whakatane
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus to Queenstown Airport, Fly + 1 similar | 4h 35m | NZ$410($250) | once daily | 1,356km (843 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 6h 5m | NZ$290($175) | once daily | 1,233km (766 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 19h 10m | NZ$350($215) | every 20 mins | 1,388km (863 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Wanaka and Whakatane
Airlines
Sounds Air
Air Chathams
Bus companies
Ritchies Auckland
Ferry operators
Airports near Whakatane
The following major airports near Whakatane offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
- Distance
- 62km (38 miles) from Whakatane
Tauranga City Airport (TRG)
- Distance
- 77km (48 miles) from Whakatane
Gisborne Airport (GIS)
- Distance
- 117km (73 miles) from Whakatane