Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Waitomo Caves

See all options

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 24m
    $140–620

  2. Fly to New Plymouth Airport, bus

    cheapest
    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 32m
    $133–590

  3. Train, car ferry, bus

    1. Take the train from Christchurch to Pictontrain train
    2. Take the car ferry 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 car ferry 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 car ferry from Picton to Wellingtoncarferry car ferry
    3. Drive from Wellington to Waitomo Cavescar car
    13h 11m
    $358–472

  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 3m

  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 40m

  8. Fly to Palmerston, bus

    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 42m
    $317–844

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

Calendar70Weekly Planes
Duration3h 2mAverage Duration
Ticket$95Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Christchurch to Waitomo Caves.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 881.7 km
  • Duration: 5h 24m

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.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

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 Why you should take the train in the US, How to get from London to Edinburgh, and 5 incredible day trips from Florence by train - to help you get the most out of your next trip.