Rome2Rio

How to get fromNew Plymouth to Lake Tekapoby plane, car, bus, car ferry, shuttle, ferry, or train

Find Transport to Lake Tekapo

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from New Plymouth to Lake Tekapo by plane, car, bus, car ferry, shuttle, ferry, 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 to Timaru, drive

    best
    1. Fly from New Plymouth Airport (NPL) to Timaru (TIU)plane plane NPL - TIU
    2. Drive from Timaru (TIU) to Lake Tekapocar car
    5h 41m
    $182–714

  2. Bus, car ferry

    1. Take the bus from New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY to Whanganui / Wanganuibus bus
    2. Take the bus from Whanganui / Wanganui to Wellington - Centralbus bus
    3. Take the carferry from Wellington to Pictoncarferry car ferry
    4. Take the bus from Picton to Christchurchbus bus
    5. Take the bus from Christchurch to Tekapobus bus
    23h 25m
    $259–422

  3. Drive, car ferry

    1. Drive from New Plymouth to Wellingtoncar car
    2. Take the carferry from Wellington to Pictoncarferry car ferry
    3. Drive from Picton to Lake Tekapocar car
    14h 37m
    $390–515

  4. Fly to Christchurch International Airport, Tour

    1. Fly from New Plymouth Airport (NPL) to Christchurch International Airport (CHC)plane plane NPL - CHC
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Christchurch to Lake Tekaposhuttle bus
    6h 28m
    $294–774

  5. Bus, ferry, train, Tour

    1. Take the bus from New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY to Whanganui / Wanganuibus bus
    2. Take the bus from Whanganui / Wanganui to Wellington - Centralbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Wellington - Central to Pictonferry ferry
    4. Take the train from Picton to Rangioratrain train
    5. Take a shuttle bus from Christchurch to Lake Tekaposhuttle bus
    24h 2m
    $499–949

New Plymouth to Lake Tekapo by bus, car ferry, and foot

Calendar5Weekly Services
Duration23h 25mAverage Duration
Ticket$259Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from New Plymouth to Lake Tekapo.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 746.7 km
  • Duration: 5h 41m

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

There is no direct connection from New Plymouth to Lake Tekapo. However, you can take the taxi to New Plymouth Airport (NPL) airport, fly to Timaru (TIU), then drive to Lake Tekapo. Alternatively, you can take a bus from New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY to Tekapo via Whanganui / Wanganui, Wellington - Central, Wellington, Picton, Picton, and Christchurch in around 23h 25m.

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 How to get from JFK to New York City, Getting to Rome from the airport, and The beginner’s guide to the 2018 World Nomad Games - to help you get the most out of your next trip.