Getting to Kaikōura is part of the adventure. Whether you’re travelling by car, train, or bus, the journey treats you to sweeping coastal views, mountain backdrops, and plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the ride. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip with confidence.
Drive Times & Distances
Nestled between the sweeping Pacific Ocean and the rugged peaks of the Seaward Kaikōura Range, Kaikōura is a destination that’s both beautifully remote and surprisingly easy to reach. Well connected to major South Island gateways, including Christchurch, Blenheim, and Picton, and the West Coast.
Drive time & distances from Kaikōura:
Picton: 2 hours 05 minutes - 156 km
Blenheim: 1 hour, 45 minutes - 140 km
Christchurch: 2 hour, 30 minutes - 180 km
Nelson: 3 hours, 25 minutes - 250 km
Greymouth: 4 hours, 30 minutes - 327 km
Westport: 4 hours, 30 minutes - 328 km
Coastal Pacific Train
With the vast Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon in the east and the rugged Kaikōura mountains soaring to the sky in the west, the Coastal Pacific journey between Picton and Christchurch is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking rail experiences. Passengers are treated to a dramatic mix of coastal cliffs, sweeping beaches, and lush valleys, all from the comfort of a modern train carriage. Along the route, there are opportunities to spot marine wildlife, including seals and seabirds, as well as charming towns and farmland tucked between the mountains and the sea.
The Coastal Pacific operates seasonally, running from spring (late September) through to autumn (end of April). Due to its seasonal nature, it’s important to plan ahead and check schedules and availability, as the service does not run year-round.
Shuttle & Bus Services
Bus services connect Christchurch with Kaikōura, making it easy to travel without a car. For example, InterCity operates a route that departs from Christchurch Bus Exchange on Lichfield Street and arrives in Kaikōura at 86 West End in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Travellers coming from the north—such as Picton, Blenheim, or Nelson—can also catch a bus to Kaikōura. While these journeys are longer, they provide a convenient and scenic alternative for those without a car.
Intercity - Daily Bus Service
Canterbury Trails - Luxury Guided Tours
Alpine Luxury Tours - Kaikōura Sights Tour
Canterbury Leisure Tours - Christchurch to Kaikōura Day Tour
Local rental car hire and shuttle / taxi services when in Kaikōura.
Airports
New Zealand international airports are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. There is no commercial airport in the Kaikōura region. The closest airporta are Christchurch International Airport which is a 2 hour & 30 drive from Kaikōura or Marlborough Airport (in Blenheim) which is a 2 hour drive from Kaikōura.
There are scenic flights and private charters available at the Kaikōura Airfield through the following operators:
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place to drive, but visitors should be aware of the New Zealand road rules. As well as the obvious ones, such as driving on the left side of the road, we have some more unusual ones, mainly to do with right of way. Visit the Land Transport Safety Authority's Overseas Drivers section for some excellent advice for international drivers in New Zealand.
The open road speed limit is 100km per hour. In towns the speed reduces, please be wary of road signage as the speed limit is not the same in every town and will vary between 50km - 70km per hour.
This is a great checklist: 'What's different about driving in New Zealand'. Produced by the New Zealand Transport Authority.