Getting to Nelson

Nelson is situated at the centre of the top of the South Island.   There are many ways in which to travel to Nelson either by air, sea, bus, cycle and road.   

Air Nelson Limited

Nelson's regional airport is conveniently located approximately 10 minutes drive from central Nelson.   It is New Zealand's fourth largest airport and is serviced by Air Nelson Ltd, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand Link.   With 90 aircraft movements daily, getting to Nelson is easy.   Nelson Airport Limited has restricted International Airport status, allowing the use of privately owned small jets.  

Click here for information on national flight schedules.

Cook Strait Ferry Services - Wellington to Picton

Ferries travel the Cook Strait daily between Wellington-Picton.   The journey across the Cook Strait, into Queen Charlotte Sounds into Picton takes approximately 3 hours and covers a distance of 92km.   To get to Nelson from Picton requires another journey, either by car or bus, travelling through the picturesque Rai valley on State Highway 6.   The journey from Picton to Nelson by car takes approximately 2 hours. 

Click here for information on:

• Interrislander timetables and booking services
• BlueBridge

Bus Services

Click below for information on coach and shuttle transport providers, destinations and timetables:

• Nelson Tasman Tourism
• New Zealand Tourism Guide
• Intercity Bus
• SBL Group

Regional Travel Distances

• Nelson - Mapua:                          30 mins
• Nelson - Motueka:                       45 mins
• Nelson - Kaiteriteri/Marahau:    1 hr 15 mins
• Motueka - Kaiteriteri/Marahau:  20 mins
• Motueka - Takaka:                       1 hr
• Takaka - Collingwood:               35 mins
• Nelson - St Arnaud:                     1 hr 30 mins
• Nelson - Murchison:                    1 hr 50 mins