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How to Travel from

North Island to South Island

by Rideshare, Route or Car

North Island
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South Island
Transport search to South Island
North Island
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South Island
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16 h 28 min
942 km.
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Eleven ways to Travel from North Island to South Island

Select an Option Below to Start Your Journey
Cheapest
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Transport providers

Bus operators

Busit

Phone:
0800 205 305
Website:
busit.co.nz
Bus from Taumarunui to Kihikihi
Ave. Duration:
2h 15m
Frequency:
5 times a week
Estimated price:
$14.02–$19.11

InterCity

Phone:
+64 9 583 5780
Website:
intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Taupo to Wellington
Ave. Duration:
6h
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$30.58–$48.42
Bus from Taupo to Rotorua
Ave. Duration:
1h 24m
Frequency:
Twice daily
Estimated price:
$14.02–$33.13
Bus from Christchurch to Geraldine
Ave. Duration:
2h
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$16.56–$35.68
Bus from Taupo to Napier
Ave. Duration:
2h 1m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$16.56–$34.40
Bus from Picton to Nelson
Ave. Duration:
2h 15m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$16.56–$35.68
Bus from Nelson to Greymouth
Ave. Duration:
6h
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$28.03–$45.87
Bus from Taumarunui to Kihikihi
Ave. Duration:
1h 49m
Frequency:
5 times a week
Estimated price:
$16.56–$34.40
Bus from Taumarunui to Eight
Ave. Duration:
54 min
Frequency:
5 times a week
Estimated price:
$12.74–$30.58
Bus from Eight Mile Junction to Waitara
Ave. Duration:
1h 39m
Frequency:
Twice a week
Estimated price:
$16.56–$33.13

GreatSights

Phone:
+64 9 583 5790
Website:
greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/
Bus from Greymouth to Fox
Ave. Duration:
4h 10m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$16.56–$24.21
Bus from Christchurch to Geraldine
Ave. Duration:
1h 55m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$11.47–$17.84

Nelson Lakes Shuttles

Phone:
+64 (3) 540 2042
Website:
nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz/
Bus from Picton to Westport
Ave. Duration:
4h
Frequency:
On demand
Estimated price:
$85.81–$429.03

East West Coaches

Phone:
+64 27 201 8825
Website:
eastwestcoaches.co.nz/
Bus from Westport to Greymouth
Ave. Duration:
1h 15m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$40.77–$48.42

Methven Travel

Phone:
+64 3 302 8106
Website:
methventravel.co.nz/
Bus from Christchurch Airport to Methven
Ave. Duration:
1h 15m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$6.37–$33.71

Airlines

Air New Zealand

Website:
airnewzealand.com/
Plane from Taupo to Timaru
Ave. Duration:
4h 20m
Frequency:
Monday to Friday
Estimated price:
$70.08–$293.05
Plane from Rotorua to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
1h 55m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$76.45–$331.28
Plane from Hawke'S Bay Airport to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
1h 40m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$63.71–$280.31
Plane from Wellington to Timaru
Ave. Duration:
1h 25m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$63.71–$280.31
Plane from Tauranga Airport to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
2h
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$89.19–$394.99
Plane from Palmerston to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
1h 20m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$57.34–$242.09
Plane from Hamilton International Airport to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
1h 50m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$82.82–$369.50
Plane from New Plymouth Airport to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
1h 30m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$70.08–$293.05

Train operators

KiwiRail - Coastal Pacific

Phone:
+64 4495 0775
Website:
greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/coastal-pacific/
Train from Picton to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
5h 50m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$108.30–$285.61

KiwiRail - Northern Explorer

Phone:
+64 4495 0775
Website:
greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/northern-explorer/
Train from Taumarunui Station to Wellington
Ave. Duration:
6h
Frequency:
3 times a week
Estimated price:
$95.56–$121.04
Train from Taumarunui Station to Palmerston
Ave. Duration:
3h 55m
Frequency:
3 times a week
Estimated price:
$70.08–$89.19
Train from National Park to Wellington
Ave. Duration:
5h 10m
Frequency:
3 times a week
Estimated price:
$82.82–$108.30

KiwiRail - TranzAlpine

Phone:
+64 4495 0775
Website:
kiwirail.co.nz/
Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Ave. Duration:
4h 55m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$152.03

Other operators

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

Phone:
+64 4 471 6188
Website:
bluebridge.co.nz/
Other from Wellington to Picton
Ave. Duration:
3h 30m
Frequency:
4 times a day
Estimated price:
$43.32–$178.38

Questions and Answers

What is the cheapest way to get from North Island to South Island?

The cheapest way to get from North Island to South Island is to bus and fly which costs $81.52 - $304.35 and takes 8h 12m.

What is the fastest way to get from North Island to South Island?

The fastest way to get from North Island to South Island is to fly which takes 4h 38m and costs $103.26 - $315.22 .

How far is it from North Island to South Island?

The distance between North Island and South Island is 754 km.

How do I travel from North Island to South Island without a car?

The best way to get from North Island to South Island without a car is to bus and car ferry and shuttle which takes 22h 57m and costs $195.65 - $652.17 .

How long does it take to get from North Island to South Island?

It takes approximately 4h 38m to get from North Island to South Island, including transfers.

Where can I stay near South Island?

There are 315+ hotels available in South Island. Prices start at $68.68 per night.
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