Christchurch to Whangamata: Ferry, Flights & Road Trip Options

Getting from Christchurch to Whangamata

Christchurch and Whangamata sit on different islands, separated by approximately 930 kilometres of roads and the Cook Strait ferry crossing. This makes the journey a full two-day trip by car, or a quick flight and 90-minute drive if you choose to fly. The driving route is one of New Zealand’s great road trips, passing through the whale-watching town of Kaikoura, the Marlborough wine region, crossing Cook Strait by ferry, and then driving the length of the North Island to the Coromandel coast.

Distance & Travel Time

• Driving + ferry: approximately 930 km total driving + 3.5 hour ferry crossing
• Total time driving: 13 to 14 hours (split over 2 days)
• Flying + driving: 2 hour flight + 1.5 to 2.5 hour drive

Option 1: Fly and Drive (Recommended for Time)

The most practical option for most travellers. Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Christchurch to several North Island airports:

• Fly to Tauranga (~2 hours) — Then drive 90 minutes to Whangamata via SH2 and SH25. This is the closest airport to Whangamata.
• Fly to Auckland (~1.5 hours) — Then drive 2.5 hours south to Whangamata via SH1 and SH2.
• Fly to Hamilton (~2 hours) — Then drive 2 hours east via SH26, SH2, and SH25.

Rental cars are available at all three airports. Tauranga is the shortest drive, but Auckland generally has the cheapest and most frequent flights and the widest choice of rental cars.

Option 2: Drive and Ferry (The Road Trip)

If you are bringing your own car or want the full New Zealand road trip experience, the drive-and-ferry option is unforgettable.

Day 1: Christchurch to Wellington (via Kaikoura and ferry)

1. Christchurch to Kaikoura via SH1 (180 km, 2.5 hours) — Drive north along the stunning Canterbury coast. The road hugs the shoreline between mountains and sea. Kaikoura is a natural stop for whale watching (sperm whales are present year-round), swimming with dolphins, or simply enjoying fresh crayfish at a roadside caravan. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is an excellent 3-hour coastal walk if you have time.
2. Kaikoura to Blenheim (130 km, 1.5 hours) — Continue north through the Marlborough coast to Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough wine region. If you have an hour to spare, a cellar door visit in the Rapaura Road area is rewarding — this is where New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc comes from.
3. Blenheim to Picton (28 km, 25 min) — A short drive to the ferry terminal in Picton.
4. Picton to Wellington by ferry (3.5 hours) — Two operators cross Cook Strait: the Interislander and Bluebridge. Both carry cars and passengers. The crossing passes through the Marlborough Sounds, one of the most beautiful stretches of water in New Zealand. Book well in advance for December/January sailings — they sell out. Arrive at the terminal 30-60 minutes before departure.

Day 2: Wellington to Whangamata

From Wellington, follow the route described in our Wellington to Whangamata guide. The drive is approximately 595 km and takes 7-8 hours via SH1 and the Desert Road. Consider an overnight in Taupo to break it into two comfortable days.

Ferry Information

• Interislander: Approximately 2 sailings daily. Crossing time 3.5 hours. Vehicle + 2 passengers costs roughly $150-$360 depending on season and booking date. The ship has cafes, viewing decks, and a movie lounge.
• Bluebridge: Alternative operator with similar pricing. Slightly different schedule and a more compact ship. Generally a few dollars cheaper than the Interislander.
• Booking: Book as early as possible for Christmas/New Year and school holidays. Both operators offer significant discounts for early bookings.

Best Stops Along the Way (South Island Leg)

• Kaikoura (2.5 hours from Christchurch) — Whale watching is the headline attraction (book in advance). The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is free and offers seal colonies, seabird viewing, and dramatic coastal scenery. For food, Nin’s Bin roadside crayfish caravan north of town is legendary.
• Blenheim (4 hours) — Marlborough wine region cellar doors. Wairau Affinity, Cloudy Bay, and dozens of others line the Rapaura Road.
• Picton (4.5 hours) — The ferry terminal town. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum houses one of the world’s oldest surviving ships. The Queen Charlotte Track starts nearby.

Tips

• Definitely fly if time matters. The drive is beautiful but takes 2 full days minimum.
• If driving, book the ferry well in advance for December-January holiday periods.
• The Kaikoura coastal road can be affected by slips and rockfalls. Check NZTA conditions, especially after earthquakes or heavy rain.
• Consider making the drive an adventure: Day 1 Christchurch to Kaikoura, Day 2 Kaikoura to Wellington (with ferry), Day 3 Wellington to Taupo, Day 4 Taupo to Whangamata. Each day becomes a manageable 3-4 hours of driving with time to enjoy the stops.
• Stock up on Marlborough wine in Blenheim — it makes an excellent holiday supply for your Whangamata bach.