Queenstown Transport

Queenstown is a very compact city and you could stay here for a week and never have to use any form of motorised transport. The shopping areas are pedestrianised in the centre, as is the lake front, while uncongested roads make getting about by bicycle equally rewarding. There is a bus service that operates on three routes throughout the city and out to the airport, and two taxi companies provide fast transport for those who are staying out the way or need to go to the airport. Tourist services include scenic coach and flight trips to Queenstown’s superb natural attractions.

By bus

The Shopper bus is the only real public transport around the city of Queenstown, yet most of the city can be traversed on foot. If you need to get from A to B fast, however, the Shopper bus operates three lines which start from outside O’Connell’s Shopping Centre. Routes A, B and C go to Fernhill, Goldfields and the airport respectively. Tickets should be bought on the bus, and return tickets are available. Services operate from 06:45 to 23:15 in the city and from 07:30 to 19:30 to and from the airport.

By bike and on foot

Queenstown is compact enough to get about on foot or by bike, with most of the amenities including shops, bars and restaurants all located in the centre. There are especially pleasant walks to be had around the lake front and on the esplanade, which is also just a few minutes from the centre. Kiosks hire out bicycles including high gear models for mountain biking and Dr Bike rents hardy off-road cycles.

Taxis

Making use of taxis is not really necessary while staying in Queenstown as it is only about 500m from one end to the other. However, those staying out of the centre or up in the hills at the class resorts have the option of using a taxi service for getting about. Queenstown Taxis and Alpine Taxis are the two taxi companies in the city.

Tourist services

Tourist services in Queenstown itself are a non-entity, although the Paddle Steamer ship makes regular forays around Lake Wakatipu and there are several firms operating scenic flights and helicopter rides from Queenstown International Airport. Popular combination scenic flights go from Queenstown to Milford Sound by coach, where you cruise Milford by boat and return by plane to Queenstown; a truly memorable experience. 

From the airport

Queenstown International Airport is only a few miles from the centre and there are good options for getting to and from hotels and the city centre. Shuttle buses run to the centre and to hotels on-demand, while the Shopper bus runs to Queenstown and back hourly. Many top hotels and resorts also operate private shuttle buses. The drive to Queenstown from the airport only takes about 10 minutes by car and taxis are also available for the journey.