Christchurch to New Plymouth: Road Trip Guide & Distance

317.6 miles 511.2 km · straight line
489.5 miles actual route 787.7 km · driving distance
13h 10min estimated drive time
NZD 138 - NZD 170 estimated fuel cost
~1h 8min flight time
14° NNE bearing direction

How far is Christchurch from New Plymouth?

The distance from Christchurch to New Plymouth is 317.6 miles (511.2 km) as the crow flies. New Plymouth is located NNE of Christchurch. By car, the driving distance is approximately 489.5 miles, taking about 13h 10min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 8min. Both are located in New Zealand — Christchurch in Canterbury and New Plymouth in Taranaki Region.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Christchurch and New Plymouth. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Christchurch to New Plymouth

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 10min NZD 138 - NZD 170 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 8min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~15h 48min $39–$73* Budget
Train ~12h 31min $59–$171* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Christchurch & New Plymouth

Quick Facts

Christchurch
43.53°S, 172.63°E
Pacific/Auckland
14m elevation
New Plymouth
39.07°S, 174.08°E
Pacific/Auckland
64m elevation
Explore more routes from New Plymouth

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 106 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 26 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 78.4 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM