How to travel from Whangārei to Wanaka, New Zealand
The distance between Whangārei and Wanaka is around 1,203km (747 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 10m.
5 routes found
We've found 5 different ways to get from Whangārei to Wanaka by plane, bus, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Wanaka → Whangārei if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Whangarei (WRE) to Wanaka (WKA).
- Duration3h 10m
- Flight time2h 50m
- Typical costNZ$335($205)
+ 1 others3 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 Wanaka.
- Duration21h 55m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$410($250)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Whangārei and Wanaka
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Whangārei to Wanaka by plane, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around NZ$335 ($205) and will take around 3h 10m.
The distance between Whangārei and Wanaka is around 1,203km (747 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,089km (677 miles)
It takes around 4h 30m to get from Whangārei and Wanaka by plane and bus.
The quickest way to get from Whangārei to Wanaka is to fly which takes around 3h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$335 ($205).
The cheapest way to travel between Whangārei and Wanaka is to fly which will typically cost around NZ$335 ($205) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Whangārei and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Whangarei (WRE) to Wanaka (WKA). instead which will take 3h 10m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Whangārei and Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Whangarei (WRE) to Wanaka (WKA). instead which will take 3h 10m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Whangārei and Wanaka. Flights depart from Whangarei (WRE) and arrive at Wanaka (WKA) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 50m.
There is no direct flight from Whangārei to Wanaka. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC). This services will take at least 3h 10m (not including layover time).
The flight from Whangārei to Wanaka typically takes around 2h 50m. Flights depart from Whangarei (WRE) and and arrive into Wanaka (WKA).
The closest major airport to Wanaka is Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) 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 Whangārei to Wanaka. We recommend that you fly from Whangarei (WRE) to Queenstown (ZQN) then take the bus to Lakefront Carpark. instead which will take 4h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Whangārei to Wanaka is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$390 ($240).
Compare travel optionsbetween Whangārei and Wanaka
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 3h 10m | NZ$335($205) | every 15 mins | 1,203km (747 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 4h 30m | NZ$390($240) | once daily | 1,284km (798 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 6h 15m | NZ$550($335) | once daily | 1,442km (896 miles) |
| Bus to Auckland - Central, plane | 6h 60m | NZ$345($210) | 5 times a week | 1,318km (819 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 21h 55m | NZ$410($250) | 4 times a day | 1,656km (1,029 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Whangārei and Wanaka
Airlines
Sounds Air
Bus companies
Ritchies Auckland
Ferry operators
Airports near Wanaka
The following major airports near Wanaka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 48km (30 miles) from Wanaka
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 160km (99 miles) from Wanaka