Gisborne to Whakatane: Road Trip Guide & Distance

73.2 miles 117.8 km · straight line
114.1 miles actual route 183.7 km · driving distance
2h 28min estimated drive time
NZD 32 - NZD 40 estimated fuel cost
~39min flight time · usually no direct flights
311° NW bearing direction

How far is Gisborne from Whakatane?

The distance from Gisborne to Whakatane is 73.2 miles (117.8 km) as the crow flies. Whakatane is located NW of Gisborne. By car, the driving distance is approximately 114.1 miles, taking about 2h 28min. A direct flight would take roughly 39min. Both are located in New Zealand — Gisborne in Gisborne and Whakatane in Bay of Plenty.

This is a quick and easy drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. You can easily make the round trip in a single day. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Gisborne and Whakatane. 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 Gisborne to Whakatane

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 2h 28min NZD 32 - NZD 40 Flexible stops
Bus ~2h 58min $9–$17* Budget
Train ~2h 21min $14–$40* Comfort

Quick Facts

Gisborne
38.65°S, 178.00°E
Pacific/Auckland
10m elevation
Whakatane
37.96°S, 176.99°E
Pacific/Auckland
11m elevation
Explore more routes from Whakatane

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 24 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 6 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 340.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM