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How to get fromChristchurch to Waitomo Cavesby plane, car, train, car ferry, or bus

Find Transport to Waitomo Caves

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There are 8 ways to get from Christchurch to Waitomo Caves by plane, car, train, car ferry, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly to Tauranga Airport, drive

    best
    1. Fly from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Tauranga Airport (TRG)plane plane CHC - TRG
    2. Drive from Tauranga-Airport-TRG to Waitomo Cavescar car
    5h 28m
    $145–675

  2. Fly to Palmerston, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Palmerston (PMR)plane plane CHC - PMR
    2. Take the bus from Palmerston North to Waitomo Townshipbus bus
    10h 46m
    $102–644

  3. Train, car ferry, bus

    1. Take the train from Christchurch to Pictontrain train
    2. Take the carferry from Picton to Wellingtoncarferry car ferry
    3. Take the train from Wellington to Taumarunui Stationtrain train
    4. Take the bus from Taumarunui to Waitomo Townshipbus bus
    19h 52m

  4. Bus, car ferry

    1. Take the bus from Christchurch to Pictonbus bus
    2. Take the carferry from Picton to Wellingtoncarferry car ferry
    3. Take the bus from Wellington - Central to Whanganui / Wanganuibus bus
    4. Take the bus from Whanganui / Wanganui to Waitomo Townshipbus bus
    20h 26m

  5. Drive, car ferry

    1. Drive from Christchurch to Pictoncar car
    2. Take the carferry from Picton to Wellingtoncarferry car ferry
    3. Drive from Wellington to Waitomo Cavescar car
    13h 11m
    $374–490

  6. Fly to Hamilton International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Hamilton International Airport (HLZ)plane plane CHC - HLZ
    2. Take the bus from Kihikihi to Waitomo Townshipbus bus
    6h 7m

  7. Fly to Auckland, bus

    1. Fly from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Auckland (AKL)plane plane CHC - AKL
    2. Take the bus from Manukau City to Waitomo Townshipbus bus
    7h 44m

  8. Fly to New Plymouth Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to New Plymouth Airport (NPL)plane plane CHC - NPL
    2. Take the bus from Bell Block to Eight Mile Junctionbus bus
    7h 36m
    $138–640

Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to Tauranga Airport (TRG) flights

Calendar79Weekly Planes
Duration2h 58mAverage Duration
Ticket$98Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Christchurch to Waitomo Caves.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 882.6 km
  • Duration: 5h 28m

What companies run services between Christchurch, New Zealand and Waitomo Caves, New Zealand?

There is no direct connection from Christchurch to Waitomo Caves. However, you can take the line 8 bus to Christchurch International Airport, walk to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) airport, fly to Tauranga Airport (TRG), then drive to Waitomo Caves. Alternatively, you can take a train from Christchurch to Waitomo Township via Picton, Picton, Wellington, Wellington, Taumarunui Station, and Taumarunui in around 19h 52m.

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