How to travel from Whakatane to Akaroa, New Zealand
The distance between Whakatane and Akaroa is around 858km (533 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 30m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Whakatane to Akaroa by bus, plane, ferry, train, taxi and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Akaroa → Whakatane if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa.
- Duration5h 30m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus, Ferry, Train and Taxi
Take the bus to Rotorua and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Christchurch then take a taxi to Akaroa.
- Duration19h 25m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$625($380)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Rotorua and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch and then to Akaroa.
- Duration21h 15m
- Departsonce daily
- Typical costNZ$240($145)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
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 then drive to Akaroa.
- Duration15hrs
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$335($205)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Whakatane and Akaroa
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Whakatane to Akaroa by bus, plane, ferry, train, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$225 ($135) and will take around 23h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 5h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$385 ($235).
The distance between Whakatane and Akaroa is around 858km (533 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 733km (456 miles)
It takes around 6h 25m to get from Whakatane and Akaroa by bus and plane.
The quickest way to get from Whakatane to Akaroa is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 30m and will set you back approx NZ$385 ($235).
The cheapest way to travel between Whakatane and Akaroa is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$225 ($135) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Whakatane and Akaroa. We recommend that you fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 5h 30m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Whakatane and Akaroa. We recommend that you fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 5h 30m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Whakatane to Akaroa. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 6h 25m.
The closest major airport to Akaroa is Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) which is approximately 54km (33 miles) from Akaroa. Timaru Airport (TIU) (TIU) and Hokitika Airport (HKK) (HKK) 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 Whakatane to Akaroa. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC) then take the bus to Akaroa. instead which will take 6h 25m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Whakatane to Akaroa is to take the bus and then fly which takes, on average, 6h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$490 ($300).
Compare travel optionsbetween Whakatane and Akaroa
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus + 1 similar | 5h 30m | NZ$385($235) | once daily | 1,064km (661 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 6h 25m | NZ$490($300) | once daily | 858km (533 miles) |
Bus, Ferry, Train and Taxi + 1 similar | 19h 25m | NZ$625($380) | 4 times a week | 1,094km (680 miles) |
| Bus, Train, Ferry and Taxi | 21h 60m | NZ$785($480) | 3 times a week | 1,290km (802 miles) |
Bus and Ferry + 1 similar | 21h 15m | NZ$240($145) | once daily | 1,092km (678 miles) |
| Bus to Commerce Lane, ferry | 23h 30m | NZ$225($135) | 6 times a week | 1,158km (720 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 15hrs | NZ$335($205) | 4 times a day | 1,052km (654 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Whakatane and Akaroa
Bus companies
Akaroa French Connection
Baybus
Train operators
Airlines
Air Chathams
Ferry operators
Airports near Akaroa
The following major airports near Akaroa offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 54km (33 miles) from Akaroa
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 153km (95 miles) from Akaroa
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 206km (128 miles) from Akaroa