Getting to Queenstown

The fastest, most scenic way to Queenstown is by air and you can get here directly from major New Zealand cities as well as direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia. Driving is also a fantastic and generall hassle-free way to reach Queenstown, while many bus services provide the cheapest travel option. There is no rail service to Queenstown.

By car

Driving to Queenstown may take a fair bit of time despite the relatively short distances from major South Island destinations, as the roads are windy and mountainous. Driving anywhere in New Zealand is a pleasurable experience and the scenery around the Queenstown and Christchurch regions is superb. Typical journey times to Queenstown are: 6 hours from Christchurch; 3 to 4 hours from Dunedin; 2 to 3 hours from Te Anau; and 5 hours from Franz Josef. There are many major car hire companies stationed in Queenstown.

By bus

Bus services to Queenstown are excellent, with InterCity providing transport from Christchurch, Dunedin, Franz Josef, Invercargill, Mount Cook, Milford Sound, Te Anau and Wanaka to Queenstown. There is an InterCity depot in the city at the Visitor Centre on Camp and Shotover Streets. In addition, private minibus services run from major South Island destinations and Queenstown to provide a more personal service that includes pick ups and drop offs at hotels and guesthouses. The three main backpacker services - Kiwi Experience, Magic Travellers and Backpackers Express – also run. daily, to Queenstown.

By air

Queenstown has an international airport not far from the city centre, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as from many major New Zealand cities. Those coming from elsewhere around the world will usually have to route through Auckland or Sydney as well as making a change in Asia. Buses, shuttle buses and taxis all run into the city centre from the airport.

Queenstown International Airport

The newly renovated Queenstown International Airport boasts one of the most dramatic and scenic landing strips in the world and is an experience and attraction in itself. Both Air New Zealand and Qantas fly here as well as a couple of smaller commercial airlines, with connecting flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia and from New Zealand's major centres. Scenic helicopter flights also go from the airport.
 
There is just one terminal at Queenstown International Airport, which is small with good facilities owing to a recent refurbishment. Essential passenger facilities include a cash machine, currency exchange booth and baggage storage, while duty-free shopping, a café and bar, internet and telephone access, a conference/meeting room and an information desk are also on-site.

Queenstown International Airport transportation

The airport is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the suburb of Frankton, just outside the city, and it has good transfer options. The Shopper bus runs to the city every hour and is the cheapest option; some hotels are covered on the way. Three shuttle bus companies also provide access for a slightly higher fee, while taxis are the fastest option and are reasonably-priced. Trip time is about 10 minutes by taxi and 20 minutes by bus. A well-signposted road runs to Queenstown from the airport for those with hire cars.