How to travel from Whitianga to Kaikoura, New Zealand
The distance between Whitianga and Kaikoura is around 910km (565 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 13h 10m.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Whitianga to Kaikoura by car, train, ferry and bus. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Kaikoura → Whitianga if you're planning a return trip.
Car, Train and Ferry
Drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration17h 40m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$370($225)
Multiple operators
Drive to Papakura, train and ferry
Drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura.
- Duration17h 55m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$370($225)
Multiple operators
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Manukau City and then to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Kaikoura.
- Duration18h 50m
- Departs6 times a week
- Typical costNZ$225($135)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Kaikōura.
- Duration13h 10m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$295($180)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Whitianga and Kaikoura
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Whitianga to Kaikoura by car, train, ferry and bus. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$225 ($135) and will take around 18h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and then take a ferry and arrive in approximately 13h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$295 ($180).
The distance between Whitianga and Kaikoura is around 910km (565 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 627km (390 miles)
It takes around 17h 40m to get from Whitianga and Kaikoura by car, train and ferry.
The quickest way to get from Whitianga to Kaikoura is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 13h 10m and will set you back approx NZ$295 ($180).
The cheapest way to travel between Whitianga and Kaikoura 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 Whitianga and Kaikoura. We recommend that you drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Kaikōura. instead which will take 13h 10m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Whitianga and Kaikoura. We recommend that you drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Kaikōura. instead which will take 13h 10m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Whitianga to Kaikoura. We recommend that you drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 17h 40m.
The closest major airport to Kaikoura is Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) which is approximately 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura. Picton Aerodrome (PCN) (PCN) and Wellington International Airport (WLG) (WLG) 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 Whitianga to Kaikoura. We recommend that you drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the train to Kaikoura. instead which will take 17h 40m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Whitianga to Kaikoura is to drive, then take the train and then take a ferry which takes, on average, 17h 40m and will usually cost around NZ$370 ($225).
Compare travel optionsbetween Whitianga and Kaikoura
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Car, Train and Ferry | 17h 40m | NZ$370($225) | 3 times a week | 1,075km (668 miles) |
Drive to Papakura, train and ferry | 17h 55m | NZ$370($225) | 3 times a week | 1,061km (659 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 18h 50m | NZ$225($135) | 6 times a week | 1,089km (676 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 13h 10m | NZ$295($180) | 4 times a day | 910km (565 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Whitianga and Kaikoura
Ferry operators
Train operators
Airlines
Bus companies
Airports near Kaikoura
The following major airports near Kaikoura offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 83km (51 miles) from Kaikoura
Picton Aerodrome (PCN)
- Distance
- 104km (64 miles) from Kaikoura
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 142km (88 miles) from Kaikoura