Rome2Rio

How to get fromWānaka to Nelsonby bus, plane, car, train, or shuttle

Find Transport to Nelson

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Wānaka to Nelson by bus, plane, car, train, 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. Bus, fly to Nelson Airport

    best
    1. Take the bus from Wanaka lakefront to Queenstown Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Nelson Airport (NSN)plane plane ZQN - NSN
    6h 12m
    $428–1,049

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Wanaka to Franz Josefbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Franz Josef to Greymouthbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Greymouth to Nelsonbus bus
    17h 35m
    $192–337

  3. Drive  742.9 km

    1. Drive from Wānaka to Nelsoncar car 742.9 km
    8h 40m
    $227–328

  4. Bus, fly to Woodbourne Airport

    1. Take the bus from Wanaka lakefront to Queenstown Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Woodbourne Airport (BHE)plane plane ZQN - BHE
    3. Take the bus from Woodbourne to Nelsonbus bus
    9h 10m
    $361–1,100

  5. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Wanaka to Cromwellbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Cromwell to Rollestonbus bus
    3. Take the train from Christchurch to Blenheimtrain train
    4. Take the bus from Blenheim to Nelsonbus bus
    18h 20m
    $362–856

  6. Tour, bus

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Wānaka to Franz Josef / Waiaushuttle bus
    2. Take the bus from Franz Josef to Greymouthbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Greymouth to Nelsonbus bus
    19h 30m
    $341–490

Wānaka to Nelson by bus

Calendar5Weekly Buses
Duration17h 35mAverage Duration
Ticket$192Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Wānaka to Nelson.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 623.4 km
  • Duration: 6h 12m

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

You can take a bus from Wanaka to Nelson via Franz Josef and Greymouth in around 17h 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 How to get from Luton Airport into central London, Which London airport should I choose?, and The beginner’s guide to the 2018 World Nomad Games - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Booking & Getting There