How to travel from Whitianga to Nelson, New Zealand
The distance between Whitianga and Nelson is around 861km (535 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 12h 45m.
2 routes found
We've found 2 different ways to get from Whitianga to Nelson 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 Nelson → Whitianga if you're planning a return trip.
Car, Train, Ferry and Bus
Drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson.
- Duration17h 30m
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical costNZ$355($215)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson.
- Duration12h 45m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$280($170)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Whitianga and Nelson
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Whitianga to Nelson by car, train, ferry and bus. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$280 ($170) and will take around 12h 45m.
The distance between Whitianga and Nelson is around 861km (535 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 536km (333 miles)
It takes around 17h 30m to get from Whitianga and Nelson by car, train, ferry and bus.
The quickest way to get from Whitianga to Nelson is to drive and then take a ferry which takes around 12h 45m and will set you back approx NZ$280 ($170).
The cheapest way to travel between Whitianga and Nelson is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$280 ($170) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Whitianga and Nelson. We recommend that you drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson. instead which will take 12h 45m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Whitianga and Nelson. We recommend that you drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Nelson. instead which will take 12h 45m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Whitianga to Nelson. We recommend that you drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson. instead which will take 17h 30m.
The closest major airport to Nelson is Nelson Airport (NSN) (NSN) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Nelson. Woodbourne Airport (BHE) (BHE) 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 Nelson. We recommend that you drive to Papakura then take the train to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Nelson. instead which will take 17h 30m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Whitianga to Nelson is to drive, then take the train, then take a ferry and then take the bus which takes, on average, 17h 30m and will usually cost around NZ$355 ($215).
Compare travel optionsbetween Whitianga and Nelson
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Car, Train, Ferry and Bus | 17h 30m | NZ$355($215) | 3 times a week | 1,048km (651 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 12h 45m | NZ$280($170) | 4 times a day | 861km (535 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Whitianga and Nelson
Airlines
Train operators
Bus companies
Ferry operators
Airports near Nelson
The following major airports near Nelson offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Nelson Airport (NSN)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Nelson
Woodbourne Airport (BHE)
- Distance
- 56km (35 miles) from Nelson
Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Distance
- 128km (79 miles) from Nelson