How to travel from Wellington to Motueka, New Zealand
The distance between Wellington and Motueka is around 195km (121 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take a taxi which takes around 1h 60m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Wellington to Motueka by ferry, car, bus, plane and taxi. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Motueka → Wellington if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Taxi
Fly from Wellington Airport to Takaka Airport then take a taxi to Motueka.
- Duration1h 60m
- Flight time50min
- Typical costNZ$415($255)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Ferry and Bus
Take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson and then to Motueka.
- Duration6h 15m
- Departstwice a week
- Typical costNZ$125($77)
Multiple operators
Ferry and Car
Take a ferry to Picton then drive to Motueka.
- Duration5h 40m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$100($60)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Wellington and Motueka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Wellington to Motueka by ferry, car, bus, plane and taxi. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then drive which costs around NZ$100 ($60) and will take around 5h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take a taxi and arrive in approximately 1h 60m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$415 ($255).
The distance between Wellington and Motueka is around 195km (121 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 149km (93 miles)
It takes around 5h 40m to get from Wellington and Motueka by ferry and car.
The quickest way to get from Wellington to Motueka is to fly and then take a taxi which takes around 1h 60m and will set you back approx NZ$415 ($255).
The cheapest way to travel between Wellington and Motueka is to take a ferry and then drive which will typically cost around NZ$100 ($60) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Wellington and Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Wellington Airport to Takaka Airport then take a taxi to Motueka. instead which will take 1h 60m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Wellington and Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Wellington Airport to Takaka Airport then take a taxi to Motueka. instead which will take 1h 60m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Wellington to Motueka. We recommend that you fly from Wellington Airport to Takaka Airport then take a taxi to Motueka. instead which will take 1h 60m.
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
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Wellington to Motueka. We recommend that you take a ferry to Picton then drive to Motueka. instead which will take 5h 40m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Wellington to Motueka is to take a ferry and then drive which takes, on average, 5h 40m and will usually cost around NZ$100 ($60).
Compare travel optionsbetween Wellington and Motueka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Taxi + 2 similar | 1h 60m | NZ$415($255) | twice daily | 250km (155 miles) |
| Fly to Takaka Airport, Bus | 2h 30m | NZ$270($165) | twice a week | 249km (155 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 2h 50m | NZ$155($95) | twice a week | 195km (121 miles) |
Ferry and Bus | 6h 15m | NZ$125($77) | twice a week | 289km (179 miles) |
Ferry and Car | 5h 40m | NZ$100($60) | 4 times a day | 254km (158 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Wellington and Motueka
Airlines
Golden Bay Air
Sounds Air
Ferry operators
Bus companies
Golden Bay Coachlines
Airports near Motueka
The following major airports near Motueka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 27km (17 miles) from Motueka
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 153km (95 miles) from Motueka
Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)
- Distance
- 237km (147 miles) from Motueka