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

Find Transport to Wānaka

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There are 5 ways to get from Nelson to Wānaka by plane, bus, train, car, 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.

  1. Fly, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Queenstown Airport (ZQN)plane plane NSN - ZQN
    2. Take the bus from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka lakefrontbus bus
    6h 37m
    $429–1,050

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Nelson to Greymouthbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Greymouth to Franz Josefbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Franz Josef to Wanakabus bus
    18h
    $191–337

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Nelson to Blenheimbus bus
    2. Take the train from Blenheim to Christchurchtrain train
    3. Take the bus from Rolleston to Tarrasbus bus
    16h 47m
    $443–960

  4. Drive  742.9 km

    1. Drive from Nelson to Wānakacar car 742.9 km
    8h 41m
    $227–327

  5. Bus, Tour

    1. Take the bus from Nelson to Greymouthbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Greymouth to Franz Josefbus bus
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Franz Josef / Waiau to Wānakashuttle bus
    23h 34m
    $341–487

Nelson to Wānaka by bus

Calendar5Weekly Buses
Duration18hAverage Duration
Ticket$191Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Nelson to Wānaka.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 624.1 km
  • Duration: 6h 37m

What companies run services between Nelson, New Zealand and Wānaka, New Zealand?

You can take a bus from Nelson to Wanaka via Greymouth and Franz Josef in around 18h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

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