New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef, New Zealand
Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef is roughly 395 km and takes about 5h 54m by road via West Coast Road (SH6). Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $312 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 5h 54m |
| Distance | 395 km |
| Route | via West Coast Road (SH6) |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $312 per person |
Your options: Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Route: via West Coast Road (SH6)
The drive from Queenstown to Blanket Bay on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu (SH6 then Glenorchy Road) is 45 minutes of continuous lake and mountain views. The road is fully sealed but narrow in places.
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 Franz Josef 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-driving. One vehicle for your group, picked up from your door and delivered directly to Franz Josef. Luggage handled, departure time flexible, and flight-tracked pickup available for airport connections.
At a glance
| Mode | Door-to-door time | Rough cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | 5h 54m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 5h 54m | from $312/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef
You book the whole vehicle for your group. The table shows the one fixed vehicle cost split per person — the more of you travel, the lower the per-person rate.
| Passengers | Per person | Total vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | $2143 each | ~$2,143 |
| 2 passengers | $1071 each | ~$2,142 |
| 3 passengers | $854 each | ~$2,562 |
| 4 passengers | $640 each | ~$2,560 |
| 5 passengers | $624 each | ~$3,120 |
| 6 passengers | $520 each | ~$3,120 |
| 7 passengers | $446 each | ~$3,122 |
| 8 passengers | $390 each | ~$3,120 |
| 9 passengers | $347 each | ~$3,123 |
| 10 passengers | $312 eachBest value | ~$3,120 |
About Blanket Bay Glenorchy
Glenorchy / Wakatipu
Blanket Bay is a luxury lodge near Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, ringed by the peaks of the Southern Alps. The stone-and-timber lodge is a wilderness gateway to the Routeburn and Dart valleys, a scenic drive from Queenstown.
Arriving in Franz Josef
West Coast
Franz Josef is a small West Coast township beside the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the world's most accessible glaciers, which descends from the Southern Alps almost to the rainforest. It's a base for guided glacier walks, helicopter flights and hot pools. The surrounding Westland Tai Poutini National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Common questions
How do I get from Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 5h 54m, 395 km via West Coast Road (SH6). 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 Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef?+
The drive takes about 5h 54m, covering 395 km via West Coast Road (SH6). Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $312 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $2143 each at 1, $1071 each at 2, $854 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Blanket Bay Glenorchy and Franz Josef. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef?+
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 $312 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
What is the route from Blanket Bay Glenorchy to Franz Josef?+
The route runs via West Coast Road (SH6). Total distance is approximately 395 km.