How to travel from Whakatane to Queenstown, New Zealand
The distance between Whakatane and Queenstown is around 1,256km (780 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3hrs.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Whakatane to Queenstown 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 Queenstown → Whakatane if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Queenstown (ZQN).
- Duration3hrs
- Flight time2h 30m
- Typical costNZ$430($260)
Air Chathams
+ 2 others2 similiar routes
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 Queenstown.
- Duration19h 35m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$360($220)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Whakatane and Queenstown
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Whakatane to Queenstown by bus, plane, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then fly which costs around NZ$270 ($165) and will take around 4h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$430 ($260).
The distance between Whakatane and Queenstown is around 1,256km (780 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,048km (651 miles)
It takes around 4h 15m to get from Whakatane and Queenstown by bus and plane.
The quickest way to get from Whakatane to Queenstown is to fly which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx NZ$430 ($260).
The cheapest way to travel between Whakatane and Queenstown is to take the bus and then fly which will typically cost around NZ$270 ($165) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Whakatane and Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Whakatane and Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Whakatane (WHK) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Whakatane and Queenstown. Flights depart from Whakatane (WHK) and arrive at Queenstown (ZQN) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 30m.
There is no direct flight from Whakatane to Queenstown. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 3hrs (not including layover time).
The flight from Whakatane to Queenstown typically takes around 2h 30m. Flights depart from Whakatane (WHK) and and arrive into Queenstown (ZQN).
The closest major airport to Queenstown is Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Queenstown. Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) and Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) 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 Queenstown. We recommend that you take the bus to Rotorua Airport then fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 4h 15m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Whakatane to Queenstown is to take the bus and then fly which takes, on average, 4h 15m and will usually cost around NZ$270 ($165).
Compare travel optionsbetween Whakatane and Queenstown
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 2 similar | 3hrs | NZ$430($260) | every 20 mins | 1,256km (780 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 4h 15m | NZ$270($165) | once daily | 1,301km (809 miles) |
| Bus to Sycamore Lodge, Fly | 6h 50m | NZ$440($270) | once daily | 1,556km (967 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 19h 35m | NZ$360($220) | 4 times a day | 1,445km (898 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Whakatane and Queenstown
Airlines
Air Chathams
Bus companies
Ferry operators
Airports near Queenstown
The following major airports near Queenstown offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Queenstown
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 57km (36 miles) from Queenstown
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 156km (97 miles) from Queenstown