New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand
Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge is roughly 640 km and takes about 5h 27m by road via West Coast Road (SH6). Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $245 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 5h 27m |
| Distance | 640 km |
| Route | via West Coast Road (SH6) |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $245 per person |
Your options: Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Route: via West Coast Road (SH6)
Franz Josef is one of the most remote towns in NZ. North to Hokitika (SH6) is 2.5hrs of spectacular West Coast scenery — crashing surf, rainforest, and the Alps rising immediately to the east. South to Wanaka via Haast Pass (SH6) is 3.5hrs of the most dramatic road in NZ.
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 | 5h 27m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 5h 27m | from $245/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Franz Josef 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 | $1570 each | ~$1,570 |
| 2 passengers | $785 each | ~$1,570 |
| 3 passengers | $649 each | ~$1,947 |
| 4 passengers | $487 each | ~$1,948 |
| 5 passengers | $490 each | ~$2,450 |
| 6 passengers | $408 each | ~$2,448 |
| 7 passengers | $350 each | ~$2,450 |
| 8 passengers | $306 each | ~$2,448 |
| 9 passengers | $272 each | ~$2,448 |
| 10 passengers | $245 eachBest value | ~$2,450 |
About 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.
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 Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 5h 27m, 640 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 Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge?+
The drive takes about 5h 27m, covering 640 km via West Coast Road (SH6). Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $245 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $1570 each at 1, $785 each at 2, $649 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Franz Josef 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 Franz Josef 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 $245 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
What is the route from Franz Josef to Matakauri Lodge?+
The route runs via West Coast Road (SH6). Total distance is approximately 640 km.