There are 5 ways to get from Christchurch to Punakaiki by bus, train, car, plane, or shuttle
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus
best- Take the bus from Christchurch to Greymouthbus Christchurch - Greymouth
- Take the bus from Greymouth to Punakaikibus Greymouth - Nelson
6hDrive 286.3 km
cheapest- Drive from Christchurch to Punakaikicar 286.3 km
3h 24m$84–121Train, bus
- Take the train from Christchurch to Greymouthtrain TranzAlpine
- Take the bus from Greymouth to Punakaiki Resortbus Greymouth - Nelson
6h 35mFly, shuttle
- Fly from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Hokitika (HKK)plane CHC - HKK
- Take a shuttle bus from Kumara Junction to Punakaiki
4h 28m$175–585Shuttle
- Take a shuttle bus from Christchurch International Airport to Punakaiki
5h 43m$90–115
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Hokitika (HKK) flights
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Christchurch to Punakaiki is to shuttle which costs $90 - $120 and takes 5h 43m.
The fastest way to get from Christchurch to Punakaiki is to drive which takes 3h 24m and costs $80 - $130.
No, there is no direct bus from Christchurch to Punakaiki. However, there are services departing from Christchurch and arriving at Punakaiki via Greymouth. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h.
The distance between Christchurch and Punakaiki is 285 km. The road distance is 286.3 km.
The best way to get from Christchurch to Punakaiki without a car is to bus which takes 6h and costs .
It takes approximately 6h to get from Christchurch to Punakaiki, including transfers.
Christchurch to Punakaiki bus services, operated by InterCity, depart from Christchurch station.
Christchurch to Punakaiki bus services, operated by InterCity, arrive at Greymouth station.
Yes, the driving distance between Christchurch to Punakaiki is 286 km. It takes approximately 3h 24m to drive from Christchurch to Punakaiki.
There are 27+ hotels available in Punakaiki.
What companies run services between Christchurch, New Zealand and Punakaiki, New Zealand?
You can take a bus from Christchurch to Punakaiki via Greymouth in around 6h.
- Website
- airnewzealand.com
Flights from Christchurch International Airport to Hokitika
- Ave. Duration
- 45 min
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $55–430
- Phone
- +64 4495 0775
- Website
- kiwirail.co.nz
Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 55m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $250–330
- Website
- https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/
- Website
- https://www.greatjourneysnz.com/scenic-trains/tranzalpine-train/
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5780
- [email protected]
- Website
- intercity.co.nz
Bus from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 15m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $70–140
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Greymouth to Punakaiki
- Ave. Duration
- 45 min
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Greymouth to Punakaiki Resort
- Ave. Duration
- 40 min
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
- Phone
- +64 27 201 8825
- Website
- eastwestcoaches.co.nz
Shuttle from Kumara Junction to Punakaiki
- Ave. Duration
- 54 min
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $55–70
- Schedules at
- eastwestcoaches.co.nz
Shuttle from Christchurch International Airport to Punakaiki
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 59m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $85–110
- Schedules at
- eastwestcoaches.co.nz
Want to know more about travelling around the world?
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Travelling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast by boat, bus, car and train, How to get from Gatwick Airport into central London, and Which side of Niagara Falls should I choose (and how do I get there)? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.