How to get fromWellington to Nelsonby plane, car ferry, car, bus or ferry

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There are 6 ways to get from Wellington to Nelson by plane, car ferry, car, bus, or ferry

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly to Nelson Airport
best
1. Fly from Wellington (WLG) to Nelson Airport (NSN)plane WLG - NSN
2h 48m
$85–320
Ferry, bus
cheapest
1. Take the ferry from Wellington - Central to Pictonferry Wellington - Central - Picton
2. Take the bus from Picton to Nelsonbus Picton - Nelson
6h 45m
$75–155
Car ferry, drive
1. Take the car ferry from Wellington to Pictoncarferry Wellington
2. Drive from Picton to Nelsoncar
5h 14m
$103–158
Fly to Woodbourne Airport, bus
1. Fly from Wellington (WLG) to Woodbourne Airport (BHE)plane WLG - BHE
2. Take the bus from Woodbourne to Nelsonbus
4h 31m
$85–295
Fly to Picton, bus
1. Fly from Wellington (WLG) to Picton (PCN)plane WLG - PCN
2. Take the bus from Koromiko to Nelsonbus
5h 1m
$85–335
Car ferry, bus
1. Take the car ferry from Wellington to Pictoncarferry Wellington
2. Take the bus from Picton to Nelsonbus Picton - Nelson
6h 51m
$78–168

Wellington to Nelson by ferry and bus

7Weekly Services

6h 45mAverage Duration

$75Cheapest Price

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Wellington to Nelson.

Launch map view

Distance: 143.2 km
Duration: 2h 48m

What companies run services between Wellington, New Zealand and Nelson, New Zealand?

Sounds Air and Air New Zealand fly from Wellington (WLG) to Nelson Airport (NSN) hourly.

Airlines

Bus operators

Ferry operators

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Nelson(opens in a new window), New Zealand(opens in a new window)

Nelson (Maori: Whakatū) is a New Zealand city on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay at the top of the South Island. It is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand; it was established in 1841 and became a city by royal charter in 1858. - Wikipedia (opens in a new window)

Things to do in Nelson

World of Wearable Art(Opens in a new window)

The World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum (WOW) is a museum devoted to wearable art and classic cars located in Nelson, New Zealand. It opened in October 2001.

Founders Heritage Park(Opens in a new window)

Founders Heritage Park is a museum in Nelson, New Zealand, housing a number of groups with historical themes, including transport. A short heritage railway line is operated by the Nelson Railway Society. Several shops operate in the museum, selling bakery and other artisan foods, as well as locally-made arts & crafts.

Nelson Provincial Museum(Opens in a new window)

The Nelson Provincial Museum, Pupuri Taonga O Te Tai Ao is a regional museum in the city of Nelson, New Zealand. The museum showcases the Nelson and Tasman regions' history, from geological origins to the stories of individuals and families.

Nelson Railway Society(Opens in a new window)

The Nelson Railway Society operates a short heritage railway line in the Founders Heritage Park, Nelson, New Zealand.

Places to stay in Nelson

Palazzo Motor Lodge(Opens in a new window)

9.5Superb

Waimarie on Riverside Motel & Apartments(Opens in a new window)

8.6Fabulous

Palms Motel(Opens in a new window)

9.0Fabulous

The Hotel Nelson(Opens in a new window)

8.2Very Good

Rome2Rio makes travelling from Wellington to Nelson easy.

Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Wellington to Nelson right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward.