Rome2Rio

How to get fromNelson to Lake Tekapoby plane, car, bus, shuttle, or train

Find Transport to Lake Tekapo

See all options

There are 7 ways to get from Nelson to Lake Tekapo by plane, car, bus, shuttle, or train

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 Nelson Airport to Timaru, drive

    best
    1. Fly from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Timaru (TIU)plane plane NSN - TIU
    2. Drive from Timaru (TIU) to Lake Tekapocar car
    6h 16m
    $131–699

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Nelson to Blenheimbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Blenheim to Christchurchbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Christchurch to Tekapobus bus
    12h 35m
    $112–240

  3. Drive 629.5 km

    1. Drive from Nelson to Lake Tekapocar car 629.5 km
    7h 30m
    $184–266

  4. Shuttle, Tour

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Nelson to Christchurchshuttle bus
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Christchurch to Lake Tekaposhuttle bus Christchurch to Tekapo Small Group Tour
    9h 30m
    $350–1,200

  5. Fly Nelson Airport to Christchurch International Airport, Tour

    1. Fly from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Christchurch International Airport (CHC)plane plane NSN - CHC
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Christchurch to Lake Tekaposhuttle bus
    7h 3m
    $388–679

  6. Bus to Woodbourne Airport, fly to Timaru, drive

    1. Take the bus from Nelson to Woodbournebus bus
    2. Fly from Woodbourne Airport (BHE) to Timaru (TIU)plane plane BHE - TIU
    3. Drive from Timaru (TIU) to Lake Tekapocar car
    6h 53m
    $154–800

  7. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Nelson to Blenheimbus bus
    2. Take the train from Blenheim to Rangioratrain train
    3. Take the bus from Christchurch to Tekapobus bus
    13h 28m
    $313–738

Nelson to Lake Tekapo by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration12h 35mAverage Duration
Ticket$112Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Nelson to Lake Tekapo.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 478 km
  • Duration: 6h 16m

What companies run services between Nelson, New Zealand and Lake Tekapo, New Zealand?

You can take a bus from Nelson to Tekapo via Blenheim and Christchurch in around 12h 35m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus 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 Travelling around the UAE, How to get from Heathrow Airport into central London, and What documents do I need to cross Niagara Falls? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

More Questions & Answers