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How to Travel from

Wellington to South Island

by Plane, Rideshare, Route or Car

Wellington
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South Island
Transport search to South Island
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New Zealand Wellington South Island
Wellington
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+0 →
South Island
Building a composite car route
Simply select points
A and B, and we will create
a convenient route for you 👍
To build a composite route, click the "Add point" button.
You can also move and delete intermediate points.
Cheapest
Best Offer!
Car
12 h 2 min
579 km.
from $31
Composite Route Car Only

Seven ways to Travel from Wellington to South Island

Select an Option Below to Start Your Journey
Cheapest
By car (579 km)
12 h 2 min
579 km.
from $31
Fastest
Plane to South Island
Select a ticket
Other
Rideshare
12 h 2 min
579 km.
from $7.55
Bus, Plane (Fly to Christchurch International Airport)
4 h 26 min
363 km.
from $84.62
Train
16 h 15 min
363 km.
from $493.47
Bus, Plane (Fly to Timaru)
4 h 6 min
363 km.
from $168.32
Bus, Plane (Fly to Westport Airport)
4 h 24 min
363 km.
from $262.88

Transport providers

Airlines

Jetstar

Website:
jetstar.com/
Plane from Wellington to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
50 min
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$31.85–$280.31

Air New Zealand

Website:
airnewzealand.com/
Plane from Wellington to Hokitika
Ave. Duration:
3h
Frequency:
Sunday
Estimated price:
$82.82–$344.02
Plane from Wellington to Christchurch
Ave. Duration:
1h 3m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$42.05–$242.09
Plane from Wellington to Timaru
Ave. Duration:
1h 25m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$63.71–$280.31

Sounds Air

Website:
soundsair.com/
Plane from Wellington to Westport
Ave. Duration:
50 min
Frequency:
Monday to Friday
Estimated price:
$165.64–$305.80

Bus operators

InterCity

Phone:
+64 9 583 5780
Website:
intercity.co.nz/
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

Nelson Lakes Shuttles

Phone:
+64 (3) 540 2042
Email:
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 Runanga
Ave. Duration:
1h 5m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$39.50–$48.42
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
Email:
Website:
methventravel.co.nz/
Bus from Christchurch Airport to Methven
Ave. Duration:
1h 15m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$6.60–$34.99

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:
$114.67–$296.37

Interislander

Phone:
+64 4498 3302
Website:
interislander.co.nz
Train from Wellington - Central to Picton
Ave. Duration:
3h 30m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$49.51

KiwiRail - TranzAlpine

Phone:
+64 4495 0775
Website:
kiwirail.co.nz/
Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Ave. Duration:
4h 55m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$157.75

Other operators

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

Phone:
+64 4 471 6188
Email:
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 Wellington to South Island?

The cheapest way to get from Wellington to South Island is to fly and shuttle which costs $34.78 - $195.65 and takes 4h 26m.

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

The fastest way to get from Wellington to South Island is to fly and drive which takes 4h 6m and costs $70.65 - $282.61 .

Is there a direct train between Wellington and South Island?

No, there is no direct train from Wellington to South Island. However, there are services departing from Wellington - Central and arriving at Greymouth via Picton and Christchurch. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 16h 15m.

How far is it from Wellington to South Island?

The distance between Wellington and South Island is 359 km.

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

The best way to get from Wellington to South Island without a car is to car ferry and bus which takes 13h 50m and costs $70.65 - $228.26 .

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

It takes approximately 4h 21m to get from Wellington to South Island, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Wellington to South Island train from?

Wellington to South Island train services, operated by Interislander, depart from Wellington - Central station.

Train, bus or fly from Wellington to South Island?

The best way to get from Wellington to South Island is to fly which takes 4h 21m and costs $70.65 - $315.22 . Alternatively, you can train, which costs $271.74 - $445.65 and takes 16h 15m. There are no good options to bus between Wellington to South Island.

Where does the Wellington to South Island train arrive?

Wellington to South Island train services, operated by Interislander, arrive at Picton station.

Where can I stay near South Island?

There are four+ hotels available in South Island. Prices start at $101.35 per night.
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