How to travel from Whakatane to Christchurch, New Zealand
The distance between Whakatane and Christchurch is around 773km (481 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 50m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Whakatane to Christchurch by bus, plane, ferry, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Christchurch → Whakatane if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Christchurch (CHC).
- Duration2h 50m
- Flight time2h 10m
- Typical costNZ$270($165)
Air Chathams
+ 2 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Commerce Lane and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch.
- Duration20h 50m
- Departs6 times a week
- Typical costNZ$190($115)
Multiple operators
Bus, Ferry and Train
Take the bus to Rotorua and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Christchurch.
- Duration18h 25m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$305($185)
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 Christchurch.
- Duration14h 5m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$310($190)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Whakatane and Christchurch
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Whakatane to Christchurch by bus, plane, ferry, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$190 ($115) and will take around 20h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$270 ($165).
The distance between Whakatane and Christchurch is around 773km (481 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 721km (448 miles)
It takes around 3h 45m to get from Whakatane and Christchurch by bus and plane.
The quickest way to get from Whakatane to Christchurch is to fly which takes around 2h 50m and will set you back approx NZ$270 ($165).
The cheapest way to travel between Whakatane and Christchurch is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$190 ($115) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Whakatane and Christchurch. We recommend that you fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 2h 50m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Whakatane and Christchurch. We recommend that you fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 2h 50m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Whakatane and Christchurch. Flights depart from Whakatane (WHK) and arrive at Christchurch (CHC) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 10m.
There is no direct flight from Whakatane to Christchurch. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 2h 50m (not including layover time).
The flight from Whakatane to Christchurch typically takes around 2h 10m. Flights depart from Whakatane (WHK) and and arrive into Christchurch (CHC).
The closest major airport to Christchurch is Christchurch International Airport (CHC) (CHC) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Christchurch. 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 Christchurch. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC). instead which will take 3h 45m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Whakatane to Christchurch is to take the bus and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 45m and will usually cost around NZ$405 ($250).
Compare travel optionsbetween Whakatane and Christchurch
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 2h 50m | NZ$270($165) | hourly | 979km (609 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 3h 45m | NZ$405($250) | once daily | 773km (481 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 20h 50m | NZ$190($115) | 6 times a week | 1,075km (668 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train + 1 similar | 18h 25m | NZ$305($185) | 4 times a week | 1,015km (630 miles) |
| Bus, Train and Ferry | 20h 60m | NZ$465($285) | 3 times a week | 1,211km (753 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 14h 5m | NZ$310($190) | 4 times a day | 969km (602 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Whakatane and Christchurch
Airlines
Air Chathams
Train operators
Bus companies
Baybus
Ferry operators
Airports near Christchurch
The following major airports near Christchurch offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Christchurch
Timaru Airport (TIU)
- Distance
- 142km (88 miles) from Christchurch
Hokitika Airport (HKK)
- Distance
- 162km (101 miles) from Christchurch