New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Matamata to Tauranga, New Zealand
Matamata to Tauranga is roughly 51 km and takes about 0h 43m by road via Kaimai Ranges (SH29). Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $63 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 0h 43m |
| Distance | 51 km |
| Route | via Kaimai Ranges (SH29) |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $63 per person |
Your options: Matamata to Tauranga
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Route: via Kaimai Ranges (SH29)
Matamata is accessed via SH27 through the Waikato. The drive from Hamilton is 45 minutes through flat dairy country. From Tauranga, SH29 over the Kaimai Range is the most scenic approach.
Bus / coach
No scheduled public coach service runs direct on this route. Most routings require a hub transfer, adding significant time over a direct drive.
Domestic flight
No direct flight operates on this route. Reaching Tauranga by air requires connecting via Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, adding significant travel time over a direct private transfer.
Private transfer — LandFlight (recommended)
Price per person by group size
Same road time as self-drive — no need to navigate the Kaimai Ranges yourself. Professional driver, one vehicle for your group, flexible stops on request. Luggage handled, departure time flexible, and flight-tracked pickup available for airport connections.
Your exact price
We've started you at Matamata and Tauranga. Change either address to exactly where you're starting and finishing, and set how many of you are travelling. The price is for your real journey: the whole private vehicle, and per person.
Matamata to Tauranga
Broadway Motel & Miro Court Villas to Toi Tauranga Art Gallery
$453
$227 each for 2 people, in a private sedan
NZD, GST included. Door to door, about 51 km.
At a glance
| Mode | Door-to-door time | Rough cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | 0h 43m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 0h 43m | from $63/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Example prices — Matamata to Tauranga
You book the whole vehicle for your group, so the more of you travel, the less it costs each. These examples are for a weekday daytime trip between the town centres. Your exact price for your real addresses is in the box above.
| Passengers | Per person | Total vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | $452 each | ~$452 |
| 2 passengers | $226 each | ~$452 |
| 3 passengers | $168 each | ~$504 |
| 4 passengers | $126 each | ~$504 |
| 5 passengers | $126 each | ~$630 |
| 6 passengers | $105 each | ~$630 |
| 7 passengers | $90 each | ~$630 |
| 8 passengers | $79 each | ~$632 |
| 9 passengers | $70 each | ~$630 |
| 10 passengers | $63 eachBest value | ~$630 |
About Matamata
Waikato
Matamata is a rural Waikato town world-famous as the home of Hobbiton, the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It draws visitors from around the globe for guided tours of the Shire. The surrounding countryside is classic Waikato dairy and thoroughbred horse-breeding land.
Arriving in Tauranga
Bay of Plenty
Tauranga is a fast-growing coastal city in the Bay of Plenty, home to one of New Zealand's busiest ports and the popular beach resort of Mount Maunganui. It's the hub of a major kiwifruit-growing region and a frequent cruise-ship arrival point. Harbour life and surf beaches define its easygoing lifestyle.
Common questions
How do I get from Matamata to Tauranga?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 0h 43m, 51 km via Kaimai Ranges (SH29). You can also self-drive the same route; no direct public coach service runs on this route.
How long does it take to drive from Matamata to Tauranga?+
The drive takes about 0h 43m, covering 51 km via Kaimai Ranges (SH29). Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Matamata to Tauranga cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $63 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $452 each at 1, $226 each at 2, $168 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Matamata to Tauranga?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Matamata and Tauranga. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Matamata to Tauranga?+
For most travellers — especially groups, lodge guests, and anyone with luggage — a private transfer is the best option: same road time as self-driving, door-to-door, from $63 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
What is the route from Matamata to Tauranga?+
The route runs via Kaimai Ranges (SH29). Total distance is approximately 51 km.