transport The official tourism site for NelsonNelson Tasman Tourism is the official tourism information website for the Nelson Tasman region, located on the South Island of New Zealand, covering accommodation in new zealand, activities, transport, restaurants, and all other travel information and itinerary planning.
Nelson region is situated at the ‘top’ of the South Island, New Zealand, on the northern coastline. It is the geographical centre of New Zealand and therefore easily accessible by land, sea and air.
Travelling to Nelson from other centres in New Zealand? Nelson is probably closer than you think!
all the transport you need
by air
Nelson airport is the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand and flights run from 6 am to 9.30 pm daily with more than 80 arrivals and departures daily. The majority are serviced by Air New Zealand and a number of light plane and helicopter companies also operate from the busy regional airport. Motueka and Takaka airfields are bases for charter services direct from Wellington on small aircraft, as well as scenic flights. Nelson Lakes also has an airstrip at St Arnaud where scenic flights can land.
| Direct flight times to Nelson |
(approximate flying times) |
| Auckland to Nelson |
1 hour 20 mins |
| Wellington to Nelson |
35 mins |
| Christchurch to Nelson |
50 mins |
By sea
For travel between the North Island and Nelson Tasman region there are ferry services from Wellington and Picton, with regular connections to Nelson by bus. Regular coach services connect with the inter-island ferry services at Picton to bring you here to paradise!
Planning to take the ferry?
| Ferry crossing times from Wellington to Picton |
(approximate sailing times) |
| Wellington to Picton (Interislander) |
3 hours |
| Wellington to Picton (Lynx) |
2 hours 15 mins |
| Wellington to Picton (Bluebridge Service) |
3 hours 20 mins |
By road
Many visitors drive to Nelson as part of a South Island tour. Good roads connect Nelson to the West Coast, Blenheim and Christchurch. Whether you travel to Nelson through Murchison or follow the Kaikoura coast you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Nelson Tasman Region is well serviced by coaches operating into and around the region.
Driving Times
Come by air, land or sea, just make sure you visit Nelson!
| driving times |
| |
km |
driving time |
| Picton to Nelson city |
144 |
2 hrs |
| Westport to Nelson city |
226 |
3 hrs 15 mins |
| Christchurch to Nelson city |
424 |
6 hrs |
| Nelson city to Motueka |
51 |
45 mins |
| Motueka to Marahau |
18 |
20 mins |
| Nelson city to Takaka |
109 |
1 hr 30 mins |
| Takaka to Collingwood |
27 |
35 mins |
| Nelson city to St Arnaud |
109 |
1 hr 30 mins |
| St Arnaud to Picton |
125 |
1 hr 45 mins |
| Nelson city to Murchison |
129 |
1 hr 50 mins |
|