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South Canterbury Transport Options
See Transport Businesses in South Canterbury
The South Canterbury region of Central South Island, New Zealand is easily accessible by road and is approximately 2 hours drive south of Christchurch and 2.5 hours north of Dunedin. With spectacular scenery and a raft of places of interest, travelling by road in South Canterbury is a fantastic experience.
A range of travel options allow you to arrange what suits you best:
- Several coach companies provide daily bus services (see the tables below).
- Timaru airport, 20 minutes drive from central Timaru NZ is served by daily flights to and from Wellington, with links to other main centres around New Zealand.
- Ferry services (to and from the North Island via Picton) depart several times per day. Train services connect the main centres of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
How to Book
Click here to book your coach, bus, ferry and rail South Canterbury transport through our i-SITE Visitor Centres.
South Canterbury scenic flights can also be booked through our i-SITE Visitor Centres.
Timaru and Geraldine i-SITE Visitor Centres can book all transport services except domestic and international scheduled flights.
The Waimate Information Centre can book you on Atomic Shuttle, Knightrider, Southern Link and Budget Bus while the Temuka Information Centre can book you on the Atomic and Budget Buses.
Times can be subject to timetable change. Contact the i-SITE Visitor Centres for current information and bookings.Travelling By Car / Campervan
With its comparatively low traffic density and spectacular countryside, South Canterbury is an ideal destination for those who like being on the road. If you want to be self-sufficient, a rental car or campervan is a great way to see this beautiful region.
Road conditions are good and in the South Island, uncongested. A few gravel (shingle) roads exist in rural areas. New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. To get an idea of average drive times, see the table below.
Travel Times and Distances
|
|
Timaru |
Waimate |
Christchurch |
Queenstown |
Dunedin |
Mt Cook |
| Timaru |
|
35 mins
45 km |
2 hrs
162 km |
4.5 hrs
337 km |
2.5 hrs
199 km |
2.5 hrs
213 km |
| Waimate |
35 mins
45 km |
|
2.5 hr
207 km |
4 hrs
273 km |
2 hrs
153 km |
2.5 hrs
209 km |
(Times allow for short stops, but not sightseeing)
Travelling By Bus
South Canterbury, NZ is well serviced by coaches operating into and around the region. The following companies provide regular services to the region:
Timaru – Dunedin – Timaru | Service | Frequency | Main Departure Point | | Atomic Shuttles | Daily | Timaru i-SITE & Opp. Holy Grail, 88 Worcester Street | | Intercity | Daily | Timaru Railway Station & Intercity Depot, 123 Worcester Street | | Knightrider | 6 days
| BP Connect Evans St Timaru & Victoria Square opp Copthorne Central on Colombo St | | Southern Link Coaches | Daily
| Timaru Railway Station & Opp. Holy Grail, 88 Worcester Street |
Timaru – Christchurch - Timaru
| Service | Frequency | Main Departure Point | | Budget Buses | Daily | Door-to-Door | | Atomic Shuttles | Daily | Timaru i-SITE & Opp. Holy Grail, 88 Worcester Street | | Intercity | Daily | Timaru Railway Station & Intercity Depot, 123 Worcester Street | | Knightrider | 6 days
| BP Connect Evans St Timaru & Victoria Square opp. Copthorne Central on Colombo St | | Southern Link Coaches | Daily | Timaru Railway Station & Opp. Holy Grail, 88 Worcester Street |
Travelling By Ferry
Interislander
The Interislander travels between the North and South Islands. With 92km of breathtaking views between Wellington and Picton, it is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism activities.
Wellington to Picton
| Departure | Arrival | | Arahura | 2.25 am | 5.35 am | | Kaitaki | 8.25 am | 11.35 am | | Arahura | 10.25 am* | 1.35 pm* | | Aratere | 2.05 pm | 5.15 pm | | Arahura | 6.25 pm | 9.25 pm | *Peak Season Only
Picton to Wellington
| Departure | Arrival | | Arahura | 6.25 am | 9.25 am | | Aratere | 10.05 am | 1.15 pm | | Kaitaki | 1.10 pm | 4.20 pm | | Arahura | 2.25 pm | 5.35 pm* | | Aratere | 6.05 pm | 9.15 pm | | Arahura | 10.25 pm | 1.35 am | * Peak Season Only
Bluebridge
The Bluebridge Ferry travels between the North and South Islands, offering a choice of up to four return sailings a day.
Wellington to Picton
| Monday to Friday | 3 am* | 8 am | 1 pm | 9 pm* | | Saturday | | 8 am | 1 pm | 9 pm* | | Sunday | 3 am* | | 1 pm | 9 pm* | *Limited availability
Picton to Wellington
| Monday to Friday | 2 am* | 8 am | 2 pm | 7 pm | | Saturday | 2 am* | | 2 pm | 7 pm | | Sunday | 2 am* | 8 am | | 7 pm | * Limited availability
Tavelling by Rail
Travelling by rail is a great way to see South Canterbury, New Zealand - sit back in comfort and watch the countryside glide by.
TranzAlpine
Travel daily through the Southern Alps linking Christchurch to Greymouth return. Rated as one of the world’s greatest train journeys
Christchurch to Greymouth
| Depart Christchurch | 8:15 am | | Arrive Arthur’s Pass | 10:42 am | | Arrive Greymouth | 12:45 pm |
Greymouth to Christchurch
| Depart Greymouth | 1:45 pm | | Arrive Arthur’s Pass | 3:57 pm | | Arrive Christchurch | 6:05 pm |
TranzCoastal
Depart Christchurch and travel to Picton – explore the Central South Island’s beautiful and rugged Kaikoura Coast. Return to Christchurch or connect with the Interislander for those wishing to continue their journey.
Christchurch to Picton
| Depart Christchurch | 7:00 am | | Arrive Kaikoura | 9:54 am | | Arrive Picton | 12:13 pm |
Picton to Christchurch
| Depart Picton | 1:00 pm | | Arrive Kaikoura | 3:28 pm | | Arrive Christchurch | 6:21 pm |
The Overlander
Departs from Wellington or Auckland and takes you through some of the North Island’s most spectacular and diverse scenery.
Wellington to Auckland
| Depart Wellington | 7:25 am | | Arrive Ohakune | 12:25 pm | | Arrive Auckland | 7:20 pm |
Auckland to Wellington
| Depart Auckland | 7:25 am | | Arrive National Park | 12:50 pm | | Arrive Wellington | 7:25 pm |
Travelling By Air
Direct flights from Timaru airport regularly connect the South Canterbury in the Central South Island with New Zealand's capital Wellington, with links to other main centres. Located only 8 kilometres from the central Timaru business area, the airport is within easy commuting distance of Timaru.
Most places in South Canterbury are also within 2-3 hours drive from the two international airports, Christchurch or Dunedin.
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