New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand
Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge is roughly 390 km and takes about 7h 9m by road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $428 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 7h 9m |
| Distance | 390 km |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $428 per person |
Your options: Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Craigieburn Valley is reached via SH73, the Arthur's Pass highway, 1hr west of Christchurch. The valley turnoff is just past Castle Hill village. The road into the valley is gravel.
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 Matakauri Lodge 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 Matakauri Lodge. 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 | 7h 9m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 7h 9m | from $428/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge
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 | $2887 each | ~$2,887 |
| 2 passengers | $1444 each | ~$2,888 |
| 3 passengers | $1161 each | ~$3,483 |
| 4 passengers | $871 each | ~$3,484 |
| 5 passengers | $856 each | ~$4,280 |
| 6 passengers | $713 each | ~$4,278 |
| 7 passengers | $611 each | ~$4,277 |
| 8 passengers | $535 each | ~$4,280 |
| 9 passengers | $476 each | ~$4,284 |
| 10 passengers | $428 eachBest value | ~$4,280 |
About Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley
Canterbury high country
Flockhill Lodge sits on a vast high-country station in the Craigieburn Valley of inland Canterbury, surrounded by limestone outcrops and alpine peaks near Arthur's Pass. The remote luxury lodge is a base for hiking, skiing and big-sky landscapes.
Arriving in Matakauri Lodge
Queenstown
Matakauri Lodge sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu just outside Queenstown, with uninterrupted views to the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. The refined lakeside lodge is a serene retreat minutes from the resort town's restaurants and activities.
Common questions
How do I get from Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 7h 9m, 390 km. 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 Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge?+
The drive takes about 7h 9m, covering 390 km. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $428 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $2887 each at 1, $1444 each at 2, $1161 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley and Matakauri Lodge. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Flockhill Lodge - Craigieburn Valley to Matakauri Lodge?+
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 $428 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.