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

Find Transport to Tekapo

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There are 7 ways to get from Nelson to 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 Tekapocar car
    6h 15m
    $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 629.4 km

    1. Drive from Nelson to Tekapocar car 629.4 km
    7h 30m
    $182–263

  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
    $378–669

  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 Tekapocar car
    6h 52m
    $144–800

  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 Tekapo by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration12h 35mAverage Duration
Ticket$112Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Nelson to Tekapo.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 477.9 km
  • Duration: 6h 15m

What companies run services between Nelson, New Zealand and 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 Need to know: Greyhound, Slovenia: Getting from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, and The beginner’s guide to the 2018 World Nomad Games - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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