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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How to get to the Abel Tasman Coast Track
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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.
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$ 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.
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$$ Shuttle
Shuttle services can collect you directly from your accommodation and transport you to either Marahau or Wainui Bay. This option offers the most flexibility and can be surprisingly affordable when costs are shared between a group.
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$$$ 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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​How to get to the HEAPHY Track
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$ Bus
Scheduled bus services are available between Nelson and both ends of the track. This is generally the most affordable option for solo hikers.
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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.
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Heaphy Bus - Approx cost from Brown Hut to Nelson approx $75 and Kohaihai to Nelson approx $135.
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$$ Car Relocation
If you're travelling with your own vehicle, car relocation can be one of the most convenient options. Simply leave your vehicle at the trailhead where you start your hike and it will be relocated to the opposite end of the track while you're walking.
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For groups, the cost can often work out similar to shuttle services and allows you to continue your travels immediately after finishing the track.
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Heaphy Track Help - Approx cost $445 or $495 depending on which direction you hike (add another $50 for a campervan)
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$$ 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).
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$$$ 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.
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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 Shelte: ~15min​​
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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.​​​​​​​
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common heaphy track transport questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 and you will finish where you started. Tuatapere where the track begins is approx 1hr 10mins from the nearest city, Invercargill, or 2hrs 30mins from Queenstown. The road to the track turns to gravel just before you reach the car park. The days are long on the Hump Ridge. We recommend staying in Tuatapere before and after the track.
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$ Car - Driving is definitely the easiest option and there is a car park at the beginning of the track with a $5 donation (koha). The Hump Ridge track is 25mins drive from Tuatapere. If there are a few people in your group and you are happy to drive, hiring a car and parking is still cheaper than individually booking shuttles.
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$$ Shuttle - The Hump Ridge Shuttle can be booked when you book the huts. The shuttle services Invercargill, Te Anau, and Queenstown. You will need to travel to Tuatapere the night before on the shuttle prior to starting the track, and stay the night. Prices range from approx $110-$195 depending on departure location.
Kepler Track transport
The Kepler is a loop track and you will finish where you start, although some hikers may exit at Rainbow Reach shelter and car park. The start of the track is only 5km from Te Anau. We recommend staying in Te Anau before and after the hike.
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Walk - The start of the track is a 50min walk from the Fiordland National Park visitor centre, if you are happy to add on another 50mins before and after the hike.
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$ Car - You are able to park your car at the Kepler control gate car park for the duration of the hike, but it is not secure, so it is at your own risk. Leave no valuables in the car.
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$ Shuttle - A shuttle to and from Te Anau to the Kepler track costs approx $26 return. Or if you feel like a water taxi at the beginning, it will set you back approx $42 return. Check out Fiordland Outdoors or Tracknet which can also assist with transport from Queenstown to Te Anau.
Lake Waikaremoana Track transport
​Lake Waikaremoana is a one-way track around the lake between two points - Onepoto and Hopuruahine. The easiest way to get to/from Hopuruahine landing is by water taxi. The water taxi now takes hikers to Whananui landing which is before Hopuruahine. It is possible to park at Onepoto (at the Great Walk car park, and near the boat ramp) or near the lakeside towards the Waikaremoana Holiday Park entrance (up to 10 days free parking). Parking is not secure and although break-ins rarely occur, do not leave any valuables inside.
We recommend staying at Waikaremoana Holiday Park and the water taxis can also pick up and drop off from here.
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$ Car - The easiest way to get to Lake Waikaremoana is by car, driving from Gisborne or Napier to Wairoa and then turning off on SH38. The drive will take about 2hrs 30mins with the last 30mins of the road being gravel. You can park your car at Onepoto for the duration of the walk.
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It is also possible to drive from Rotorua to Lake Waikaremoana but the road is windy, narrow, and gravel a lot of the way. It will be slow, take 3 hours, and is not suitable for campervans.
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$ Water Taxis - To book water taxis or pack transfers check out the Waiwai Xpres for online bookings.
Milford Track transport
The Milford Track is a one-way track that can be walked in only one direction. The track begins at Te Anau Downs (25min drive from Te Anau) where you will catch a 1hr ferry from Glade Wharf to the start of the track. At the end of the track another 15min ferry from Sandfly Point transports you out of the track to Milford Sound. From there a bus can return you to Te Anau Downs (1hr 30mins), Te Anau (2hrs), or Queenstown (4hrs 45mins).
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$ Car + Ferry + Bus back to Car - You can drive and park at Te Anau Downs and park the car for the duration of the walk (at your own risk). You will then ferry + walk + ferry + bus back to Te Anau downs. Cost is approx $203. Check out Fiordland Outdoors to book transport.
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$$ Car relocation - Drive to Te Anau Downs and park the car for the duration of the walk. Your car will be relocated and ready for you in Milford Sound when you step off the ferry. To organize ferries (approx $138) and car relocation (approx $310) check out Fiordland Outdoors and Track Hoppers.
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$$ Bus + Ferry - Tracknet and Fiordland Outdoors offer packages for buses to and from the track from Te Anau (approx $232) or Queenstown (approx $327) and include both ferries. It is often cheaper to hire a car and choose the other options if there are a few hikers and a driver in your group.
Paparoa Track transport
The Paparoa track is a one-way track which can be walked in either direction. The closest airport is Hokitika, which is 45mins drive away from Greymouth. Walking from Smoke Ho car park to Punakaiki gives amazing sunsets and views. We recommend staying in Punakaiki before and after the walk.
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$ Shuttles - Paparoa Shuttles offer a service to transport you to and from the track. The price varies depending on your location (Greymouth/Blackball/Punakaiki). If you are taking a bike, it may cost a little extra. Check out Paparoa Shuttles or Paparoa Track Services.
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$$ Car Relocation - Store your car in secure parks either Blackball or Greymouth and get shuttled to the Smoke Ho car park to begin the track. Your car will be waiting for you in Punakaiki at the finish. Cost is approx $179 for relocation and approx $22-$35 for the shuttle depending on departure point. Check out Paparoa Shuttles or Paparoa Track Services.
Rakiura Track transport
The Rakiura Track is a loop track that can be walked in either direction. Stewart Island is off the coast of the South Island and has a small township called Oban where most accommodation is located.
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Getting to Stewart Island:
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$$ Ferry - A ferry from Bluff (20 mins drive from Invercargill) to Oban takes approx 1hr. The ferry costs approx $220 return and has departures in the morning and evening. Realnz has a bus service from Invercargill to Bluff, otherwise you can park in Bluff at an extra cost. Check out Realnz.
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$$ Flights - Flights leave daily from Invercargill airport to Oban taking about 20mins and costing approx $245 return. The baggage limit is15kg. Check out Stewart Island Flights.
Getting to Rakiura track:
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Walk - More than likely you will be staying in Oban. From Oban you can walk into and out of the Rakiura Track. It is approx an extra 5km at the beginning and end of the hike.
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$ Taxis - Taxis to and from the track are also available. Check out Aurora Cab Company which will cost between approx $20-$40 for a trip with 4 passengers.
Routeburn Track transport
The Routeburn Track is a one-way track and can be walked in either direction. Which way you walk will depend on your preference to end the hike closer to Glenorchy/Queenstown (Routeburn Shelter) or closer to Te Anau (The Divide).
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$ Bus - The cost for transport packages range from approx $120-$164 depending on where you depart from, Te Anau or Queenstown. Both Fiordland Outdoors and Tracknet offer transport options.
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Drive times below:
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Queenstown to/from the The Divide takes 4hrs
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Routeburn shelter to Queenstown to takes 90mins
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Te Anau to/from the Divide takes 55mins
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Routeburn shelter to/from Te Anau take 4hrs​
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$$ 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 $375 which is not bad if you can split the costs. Check out Fiordland Outdoors and Track Hoppers.
Tongariro Northern Circuit / Alpine Crossing transport
The Tongariro National Park is located in the middle of the North Island. Due to the central location hikers can base themselves around the Taupo area, Ohakune, Whakapapa Village or the National Park Village for the one-day Tongariro Crossing.
**The Tongariro Northern Circuit is currently not a loop track**. The track from Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut is closed due to fire. Hikers can walk 1.7km from the end of Mangatepopo Road to Mangatepopo Hut or organise transport to start from the Mangatepopo car park with the Alpine Crossing day walkers. Do not park in Mangatepopo car park. It is restricted to a 4 hour time limit.
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Getting to the Tongariro National Park:
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$ Car - Driving is certainly the easiest way to get to Tongariro National Park due to its location and takes about 1hr from Taupo. Read below for 'park and ride' options.
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$$ Flight - Many hikers will base themselves in Taupo which is where the closest airport is located. Check out Air New Zealand.
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$$ Train - Catch the Auckland to Wellington Northern Explorer train to the National Park. The train departs from Auckland and Wellington on certain days only and costs approx $199. Check out Northern Explorer Train.
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Getting to the Tongariro National Park - If you are completing the one-day Tongariro Crossing:
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$ Car + Shuttle - There is restricted 4hr parking at the start (Mangatepopo car park) and end (Ketetahi car park) of the Tongariro Crossing. You can park in the secure car park (rather than on the road) at Ketetahi and catch a shuttle run by any of the 6 shuttle companies to the beginning of the track, approx $60. Check out Ketetahi Car Park.
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$$ Shuttles - Shuttle transport can be arranged from many locations in the area. Check out:
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Tongariro Expeditions - from Taupo/Turangi/Tongariro Holiday Park
Dempsey Buses - from Ohakune/Raetihi
Active Outdoor Adventures - from National Park/ Turangi
Whanganui River Journey transport
The Whanganui River is in the heart of the Whanganui National Park, Central North Island. Although it is designated as a Great Walk it is in fact completed by canoe or kayak, in either 3 or 5 days. The Whanganui Journey begins in either Taumaranui (5 day) or Whakahoro (3 day) and finishes in Pipiriki. Many paddlers will base themselves in either Taumaranui or Ohakune.
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Getting to Taumaranui / Ohakune
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$ Car - Driving is certainly the easiest way to get to both Taumaranui or Ohakune due to their locations. ​​
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$$ Train - Catch the Auckland to Wellington Northern Explorer train to Ohakune and Taumaranui. The train departs from Auckland and Wellington on certain days only and costs approx $199. Check out Northern Explorer Train.