NEW ZEALAND GREAT WALKS GUIDE
How to Get to New Zealand Great Walks
Getting to and from a New Zealand Great Walk can take almost as much planning as the hike itself. This guide covers the main transport options for each Great Walk, including shuttles, buses, ferries, water taxis, parking, and transfers, so you can plan a smooth and stress-free journey.
Many of New Zealand's Great Walks are located in remote parts of the country, meaning you'll often need a combination of driving, shuttle services, buses, ferries, or water taxis to reach the trailhead. Fortunately, there are plenty of experienced local transport operators who can help make getting to and from your walk easy.
Where possible, we recommend staying near the start or finish of your track. After several days on the trail, the last thing you'll want is a long drive home. Check out our Great Walk accommodation guide to find places to stay before and after your hike. Most accommodation providers can also store excess luggage while you're on the walk.
For loop tracks such as the Kepler Track, it may be possible to leave your vehicle for the duration of your hike. While vehicle break-ins are uncommon, they do happen, so avoid leaving valuables in your car. Below you'll find transport information and options for each New Zealand Great Walk.
Abel Tasman Coast Track Transport
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a one-way hike and can be walked in either direction. Most hikers choose to walk south to north, starting at Marahau and finishing at Wainui Bay, but the track can easily be completed in reverse. Because the track is not a loop, you'll need to arrange transport before your hike. Fortunately, the Abel Tasman has more transport options than any other Great Walk, making it one of the easiest tracks to customise to your schedule and fitness level.
If you're travelling from outside the region, the closest airport is Nelson. Check out Abel Tasman Track Accommodation for options on where to stay in the area. We recommend basing yourself in Kaiteriteri before and after your hike. Located just a few minutes from the park entrance at Marahau, Kaiteriteri offers a range of accommodation, transport providers, restaurants and activities. Check out Abel Tasman Track Accommodation options.
How to get to the Abel Tasman Coast Track
Car
DOC provides long-term parking at Marahau for hikers completing the track. While vehicle break-ins are uncommon, it's best not to leave valuables inside your car. If you would prefer secure parking, paid parking is available nearby at Barn Cabins & Camp, approximately 100 metres from the DOC car park.
$ Bus
Budget-conscious hikers can use scheduled bus services between Nelson, Motueka, Kaiteriteri and Marahau. This is often the cheapest option if you're travelling solo. Many hikers leave their vehicle or accommodation base near Marahau and then organise a shuttle from Wainui Bay back to the start at the end of the hike.
Another popular option is to finish your walk at Totaranui and catch a water taxi back to Marahau or Kaiteriteri, avoiding the need for transport from Wainui Bay altogether.
$$ Shuttle
Shuttle services can collect you directly from your accommodation and transport you to either Marahau or Wainui Bay. This option offers the most flexibility and can be surprisingly affordable when costs are shared between a group.
$$$ Water Taxi
One of the unique features of the Abel Tasman is the extensive water taxi network. Water taxis operate between Marahau, Kaiteriteri and several beaches throughout the national park, including Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa and Totaranui.
They're a great option if you're short on time, want to skip a section of track, or simply want to experience the coastline from the water. Keep an eye out for fur seals around Tonga Island along the way.
Water taxis can also arrange to drop bags to your accommodation at different points of the track as far north as Totaranui if you need some extra assistance with carrying your gear.
Our Tip
If you're completing the full Great Walk, consider backtracking to Totaranui and catching a water taxi back to Marahau or Kaiteriteri. This avoids the longer transfer required from Wainui Bay and turns the journey home into a scenic cruise through the national park.
Driving Distances
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Nelson → Marahau: ~1 hr 15 min
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Kaiteriteri → Marahau: ~5 min
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Wainui Bay → Kaiteriteri: ~1 hr 30 min
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Wainui Bay → Nelson: ~2 hr
Heaphy Track Transport
The Heaphy Track is a one-way Great Walk and can be completed in either direction. Most hikers choose to walk east to west, starting at Brown Hut in Golden Bay and finishing at Kohaihai Shelter near Karamea on the West Coast.
Unlike some of New Zealand's other Great Walks, the Heaphy Track has trailheads at opposite ends of the South Island's northwest corner. This means transport requires a little more planning, but there are several options available depending on your budget and travel style. Transport is often the biggest logistical challenge of the Heaphy Track, so we recommend booking it at the same time as your hut reservations
If you're flying, the closest major airport is Nelson. From there, you can continue by bus, shuttle, rental car or small aircraft. Golden Bay Air also operates flights to Takaka and Karamea, both of which are located close to the track.
How to get to the HEAPHY Track
$ Bus
Scheduled bus services are available between Nelson and both ends of the track. This is generally the most affordable option for solo hikers.
While buses are cost-effective, they operate on fixed timetables so you'll need to plan your itinerary carefully and may have limited flexibility if your hiking plans change.
Heaphy Bus - Approx cost from Brown Hut to Nelson approx $75 and Kohaihai to Nelson approx $135.
$$ Car Relocation
If you're travelling with your own vehicle, car relocation can be one of the most convenient options. Simply leave your vehicle at the trailhead where you start your hike and it will be relocated to the opposite end of the track while you're walking.
For groups, the cost can often work out similar to shuttle services and allows you to continue your travels immediately after finishing the track.
Heaphy Track Help - Approx cost $445 or $495 depending on which direction you hike (add another $50 for a campervan)
$$ Shuttle
Private shuttle services provide greater flexibility than scheduled buses and can collect you directly from your accommodation. This option is particularly useful for groups or hikers wanting a customised pickup time.
The drive from Nelson to Brown Hut takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes ($95), while the transfer between Nelson and Kohaihai takes around 5 hours ($190).
$$$ Air Transport
Golden Bay Air provides direct flights from Wellington Airport (North Island) or Nelson Airport into Takaka or Karamea airfields that are close to the trailhead. Golden Bay Air will organise shuttles to get hikers to and from the track. This can be an expensive option at approx $749 for all flights and shuttles included.
Alternatively, to lower costs many hikers shuttle or drive to the trailhead and book one-way flights back to the beginning, saving a 5 to 6 hours road trip. Approx cost is between approx $99-$299 depending on the direction and time of year.
Driving Distances
If you're arranging your own transport, these drive times are useful to know:
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Nelson → Brown Hut: ~2 hrs 30 min
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Nelson to Kohaihai Shelter: ~4 hrs 30min
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Brown Hut → Kohaihai: ~6 hrs
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Takaka → Brown Hut: ~20min
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Karamea → Kohaihai Shelter: ~15min
Our Tip
There is more demand for one-way flights from Karamea to Takaka, as many hikers typically walk from Brown Hut and finish in Kohaihai. If you are happy to hike in reverse (Kohaihai to Brown Hut), Golden Bay Air offers cheaper one-way flights from Takaka to Karamea which can help reduce costs and save you a dreaded 5-to-6-hour shuttle ride.
common heaphy track transport questions
Can you leave a car at the Heaphy Track?
Yes. Parking is available at both Brown Hut and Kohaihai. Many hikers choose to use a car relocation service, allowing them to start walking immediately and have their vehicle waiting at the other end when they finish.
How do I get from Kohaihai to Brown Hut?
The two trailheads are approximately six hours apart by road. Most hikers use a scheduled bus service, private shuttle, car relocation service, fly plus shuttle, or a combination of transport options.
Can you fly to the Heaphy Track?
Yes. Golden Bay Air operates flights to both Takaka and Karamea, which are located close to the track entrances. Flights can be combined with shuttle services to create a convenient transport solution.
How much does Heaphy Track transport cost?
Transport costs vary depending on the option chosen. Scheduled buses are generally the cheapest option, while private shuttles, car relocation services, and flights provide greater convenience but at a higher cost.
Do I need to book Heaphy Track transport in advance?
We recommend booking transport as soon as your hiking dates are confirmed, particularly during the Great Walk season. Shuttle services, flights, and car relocation providers can fill up quickly during peak periods.
Hump Ridge Track transport
The Hump Ridge Track is a loop track, meaning you'll finish right back where you started. The trailhead is located around 25 minutes from Tuatapere, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Invercargill or 2 hours 30 minutes from Queenstown. The final section of road to the car park is unsealed but is suitable for standard vehicles.
The days on the Hump Ridge Track are relatively long, so we recommend staying in Tuatapere the night before your hike. It's also a great place to unwind and enjoy a hot shower after finishing the track.
$ Car – Driving is by far the easiest way to access the Hump Ridge Track. A car park is available at the trailhead, with a suggested $5 koha (donation). If you're travelling with friends or family, hiring a car and driving yourself is often cheaper than booking individual shuttle transfers.
$$ Shuttle – The Hump Ridge Shuttle can be booked when you reserve your huts. Shuttles operate from Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown. As the shuttle arrives in Tuatapere the afternoon before departure, you'll need to stay overnight before starting the track. Expect to pay approximately $110–$195 per person, depending on your departure location.
Kepler Track transport
The Kepler Track is a loop track, so you'll finish back where you started. Some hikers choose to finish early at Rainbow Reach instead, but most complete the full circuit back to the Kepler Track car park. The trailhead is just 5 km from Te Anau, making it one of the easiest Great Walks to access. We recommend staying in Te Anau before and after your hike, as it has plenty of accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants and gear stores.
Free – Walk – If you're staying in Te Anau and don't mind a little extra distance, it's around a 50-minute walk from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre to the Kepler Track trailhead.
$ Car – If you have your own vehicle, you can park at the Kepler Control Gates car park for the duration of your hike. Parking is free but unsecured, so leave all valuables out of sight or, preferably, don't leave them in your vehicle at all.
$ Shuttle – A return shuttle between Te Anau and the Kepler Track costs approximately $26 per person. If you'd like to make the start a little more memorable, you can also take a water taxi across Lake Te Anau, with return fares starting from around $42. If you're travelling from Queenstown, companies such as Fiordland Outdoors and Tracknet also offer transport to Te Anau.
Lake Waikaremoana Track transport
The Lake Waikaremoana Track is a one-way hike between Onepoto and Hopuruahine. Most hikers start at Onepoto and finish at Hopuruahine, where a water taxi provides the easiest way back across the lake. Water taxis now collect hikers from Whanganui Hut Wharf, as they no longer access Hopuruahine Landing directly.
If you're driving, you can park at the Great Walk car park or near the Onepoto boat ramp. Free parking for up to 10 days is also available near the entrance to Waikaremoana Holiday Park. Parking is unattended, so don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
We recommend staying at Waikaremoana Holiday Park before or after your hike, as it's conveniently located and water taxis can also pick up and drop off directly from the holiday park.
$ Car – Driving is the easiest way to reach Lake Waikaremoana. From either Gisborne or Napier, drive to Wairoa before turning onto SH38. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, with the final 30 minutes on an unsealed gravel road. You can leave your vehicle at Onepoto for the duration of the hike.
It is also possible to drive from Rotorua, although this route is slower and more challenging. Expect around 3 hours of driving on narrow, winding gravel roads. This route is generally not recommended for campervans.
$ Water Taxi – Water taxis operate between Onepoto, Whanganui Hut Wharf, and Waikaremoana Holiday Park, making them the most convenient transport option for completing the track. They also offer pack transfer services if you prefer to hike without carrying all of your gear. Advance bookings are recommended at Waiwai Xpres, especially during the Great Walk season.
Milford Track transport
The Milford Track is a one-way hike and can only be walked in one direction. The journey begins at Te Anau Downs, around 25 minutes from Te Anau, where you'll board a 1-hour boat cruise across Lake Te Anau to Glade Wharf, the official start of the track. After completing the hike, a short 15-minute boat ride from Sandfly Point takes you to Milford Sound, where buses connect back to Te Anau Downs (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), Te Anau (2 hours) or Queenstown (around 4 hours 45 minutes).
$ Car + Ferry + Bus – If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to Te Anau Downs and leave your car in the long-term car park for the duration of your hike (parking is at your own risk). After finishing the track, catch the ferry from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound, then a bus back to Te Anau Downs to collect your vehicle. Expect to pay around $203 per person for the ferry and return bus. Fiordland Outdoors offers transport packages that include all required transfers.
$$ Car Relocation – If you'd rather avoid the return bus, you can leave your vehicle at Te Anau Downs and have it relocated to Milford Sound while you're on the track. Your car will be waiting for you when you arrive at the end of the hike, allowing you to drive away immediately. Ferry transfers cost approximately $138, with car relocation from around $310 per vehicle. This service is available through Fiordland Outdoors and Track Hoppers.
$$ Bus + Ferry Package – If you don't have a vehicle, both Tracknet and Fiordland Outdoors offer transport packages from Te Anau (from approximately $232 per person) or Queenstown (from approximately $327 per person). These packages include all required bus and ferry transfers, making them the easiest option for most hikers. If you're travelling in a group, however, hiring a car and using one of the self-drive options above can often work out to be the more economical choice.
Paparoa Track transport
The Paparoa Track is a one-way hike that can be walked in either direction between Smoke-ho Car Park and Punakaiki. Most hikers choose to walk from Smoke-ho to Punakaiki, finishing with spectacular coastal views and the chance to enjoy a West Coast sunset. The nearest airport is Hokitika, around 45 minutes from Greymouth. We recommend staying in Punakaiki before or after your hike, giving you time to explore the Pancake Rocks and recover after finishing the track.
$ Shuttle – Paparoa Shuttles and Paparoa Track Services provide transport between Greymouth, Blackball, Punakaiki and the track entrances. Shuttle prices vary depending on your departure location, and there may be an additional charge if you're travelling with a mountain bike.
$$ Car Relocation – If you have your own vehicle, you can leave it in secure parking at either Blackball or Greymouth before catching a shuttle to Smoke-ho Car Park. While you're on the track, your vehicle will be relocated to Punakaiki, allowing you to drive away as soon as you finish. Car relocation costs approximately $179 per vehicle, with shuttle fares from around $22–$35 per person depending on where you start. Both Paparoa Shuttles and Paparoa Track Services offer this service.
Rakiura Track transport
The Rakiura Track is a loop track, so you'll finish where you started. Located on Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand's southernmost inhabited island, the track begins just outside the small township of Oban, where you'll find most of the island's accommodation, restaurants and services. As accommodation on Stewart Island is limited, we recommend booking well in advance, particularly during the Great Walk season.
Getting to Stewart Island
$$ Ferry – The most popular way to reach Stewart Island is by ferry from Bluff, around 30 minutes south of Invercargill. The crossing to Oban takes approximately 1 hour, with departures generally available in the morning and afternoon. Return fares are around $220 per person. If you don't have a vehicle, Realnz also operates a bus between Invercargill and Bluff. Paid parking is available at the Bluff ferry terminal if you're driving.
$$ Flight – Scenic flights operate daily between Invercargill Airport and Oban, taking just 20 minutes. Return fares start from around $245 per person, with a baggage allowance of 15 kg. Flying with Stewart Island Flights is the quickest way to reach Stewart Island and offers fantastic views over Foveaux Strait.
Getting to the Rakiura Track
Free – Walk – If you're staying in Oban, you can simply walk to and from the Rakiura Track trailhead. The walk adds approximately 5 km each way and follows quiet roads and walking tracks.
$ Taxi – If you'd rather save your legs, local taxis can take you to or from the trailhead. Aurora Cab Company offers transfers from Oban, with fares typically costing around $20–$40 per trip for up to four passengers.
Routeburn Track transport
The Routeburn Track is a one-way track and can be walked in either direction. Which way you walk will depend on your preference to end the hike closer to Glenorchy/Queenstown (Routeburn Shelter) or closer to Te Anau (The Divide).
$ Bus - The cost for transport packages range from approx $120-$164 depending on where you depart from, Te Anau or Queenstown. Both Fiordland Outdoors and Tracknet offer transport options.
Drive times below:
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Queenstown to/from the The Divide takes 4hrs
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Routeburn shelter to Queenstown to takes 90mins
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Te Anau to/from the Divide takes 55mins
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Routeburn shelter to/from Te Anau take 4hrs
$$ Car Relocation - If you are driving you can park your car at the start of the track, and it can be relocated for you at the end of the track. Super convenient and costs approx $375 which is not bad if you can split the costs. Check out Fiordland Outdoors and Track Hoppers.
Tongariro Northern Circuit & Alpine Crossing transport
Tongariro National Park is located in the centre of New Zealand's North Island. Depending on your plans, you can base yourself in Taupō, Ohakune, Whakapapa Village or National Park Village, all of which offer accommodation and transport options to the trails.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is currently not a complete loop track. The section between Whakapapa Village and Mangatepopo Hut remains closed due to fire damage. To complete the Great Walk, hikers must either walk the additional 1.7 km from the end of Mangatepopo Road to Mangatepopo Hut or arrange transport to Mangatepopo Car Park using one of the Tongariro Crossing shuttle services. Do not leave your vehicle at Mangatepopo Car Park, as parking is limited to four hours.
Getting to Tongariro National Park
$ Car – Driving is the easiest way to reach Tongariro National Park. From Taupō, the drive takes around one hour, while National Park Village and Whakapapa Village are also easily accessed by road. If you're planning to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, see the transport options below.
$$ Flight – Taupō Airport is the closest airport to Tongariro National Park and is the most convenient option for visitors flying into the region.
$$ Train – The Northern Explorer Train travels between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at National Park Village on selected days. It's a scenic way to reach the park if you don't have a vehicle.
Getting to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
$ Car + Shuttle – As the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way hike, the most popular option is to park at the secure Ketetahi Car Park and catch a shuttle to the Mangatepopo trailhead. Parking at Mangatepopo Car Park is restricted to four hours and is not suitable for completing the Crossing. Expect to pay around $60 per person for the shuttle.
$$ Shuttle – Shuttle services operate from many nearby towns, making it easy to complete the Crossing without your own vehicle. Popular operators include:
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Tongariro Expeditions – Transfers from Taupō, Tūrangi and Tongariro Holiday Park.
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Dempsey Buses – Transfers from Ohakune and Raetihi.
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Active Outdoor Adventures – Transfers from National Park Village and Tūrangi.
Whanganui River Journey transport
The Whanganui Journey follows the Whanganui River through the heart of Whanganui National Park in the central North Island. Although it's one of New Zealand's Great Walks, it's actually completed by canoe or kayak rather than on foot. You can paddle either the full 5-day journey from Taumarunui or the shorter 3-day trip starting at Whakahoro, with both options finishing at Pipiriki.
Most paddlers choose to stay in either Taumarunui or Ohakune before and after their trip, as both towns offer accommodation, supermarkets and transport services.
Getting to Taumarunui or Ohakune
$ Car – Driving is the easiest way to reach both Taumarunui and Ohakune, giving you the flexibility to organise your transport and canoe hire around your itinerary.
$$ Train – The Northern Explorer Train travels between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at both Taumarunui and Ohakune on selected days. It's a scenic alternative if you're travelling without a vehicle and provides easy access to the region.
Getting to the Whanganui Journey
$$ Canoe Hire + Shuttle – Unless you have your own canoe or kayak, the easiest option is to book a package through one of the local operators. These packages typically include canoe or kayak hire, safety equipment, a pre-trip briefing, luggage transport, secure vehicle parking, and shuttle transfers to the start of your journey. Most paddlers begin in either Taumarunui or Whakahoro and finish at Pipiriki, where a shuttle returns you to your vehicle. Popular operators include Whanganui River Canoes, Taumarunui Canoe Hire and Blazing Paddles.
$$ Vehicle Relocation – If you're driving, many operators also offer a vehicle relocation service. Simply leave your car at the start of your journey, and it will be relocated to Pipiriki while you're on the river. This allows you to finish your paddle and drive home without needing to catch a return shuttle.
Our recommendation: Unless you're bringing your own canoe and have already organised transport, we recommend booking a complete package with a local operator. It takes care of the logistics, leaving you free to simply enjoy one of New Zealand's most unique Great Walks.