There are 3 ways to get from Wānaka to Rakaia by bus, car, or plane
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus
best- Take the bus from Tarras to Rakaiabus Christchurch - Queenstown
7h 25m$80–155Drive 366 km
- Drive from Wānaka to Rakaiacar 366 km
4h 14m$122–175Bus, fly
- Take the bus from Wanaka lakefront to Queenstown Airportbus
- Fly from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Christchurch International Airport (CHC)plane ZQN - CHC
6h$273–856
Wānaka to Rakaia by bus
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Wānaka to Rakaia is to drive which costs $120 - $180 and takes 4h 14m.
The fastest way to get from Wānaka to Rakaia is to drive which takes 4h 14m and costs $120 - $180.
No, there is no direct bus from Wānaka to Rakaia. However, there are services departing from Wanaka and arriving at Rakaia via Tarras. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7h 25m.
The distance between Wānaka and Rakaia is 369 km. The road distance is 366 km.
The best way to get from Wānaka to Rakaia without a car is to bus which takes 7h 25m and costs $80 - $160.
It takes approximately 7h 25m to get from Wānaka to Rakaia, including transfers.
Wānaka to Rakaia bus services, operated by InterCity, depart from Tarras station.
Wānaka to Rakaia bus services, operated by InterCity, arrive at Rakaia station.
Yes, the driving distance between Wānaka to Rakaia is 366 km. It takes approximately 4h 14m to drive from Wānaka to Rakaia.
There are four+ hotels available in Rakaia.
What companies run services between Wānaka, New Zealand and Rakaia, New Zealand?
InterCity operates a bus from Tarras to Rakaia once daily. Tickets cost $20–95 and the journey takes 5h 40m.
- Website
- airnewzealand.com
Flights from Queenstown Airport to Christchurch International Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 3m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $110–800
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5780
- [email protected]
- Website
- InterCity
Bus from Tarras to Rakaia
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 40m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $20–95
- Website
- InterCity
- [email protected]
- Website
- skydrive.co.nz
Bus from Wanaka lakefront to Queenstown Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- 4 times a day
- Estimated price
- $35–50
- Schedules at
- skydrive.co.nz
- Book at
- ritchies-queenstown.zaui.net
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 Heading to Europe? Read this before you buy a Eurail Pass, Getting around the Cyclades, and Why you should take the train in the US - to help you get the most out of your next trip.