New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, New Zealand
Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is roughly 170 km and takes about 1h 52m by road via West Coast Road (SH6). Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $314 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 1h 52m |
| Distance | 170 km |
| Route | via West Coast Road (SH6) |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $314 per person |
Your options: Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki 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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. Luggage handled, departure time flexible, and flight-tracked pickup available for airport connections.
Your exact price
We've started you at Franz Josef and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. Change either address to exactly where you're starting and finishing, and set how many of you are travelling. The price is for your real journey: the whole private vehicle, and per person.
Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
$2,147
$1,074 each for 2 people, in a private sedan
NZD, GST included. Door to door, about 112 km.
At a glance
| Mode | Door-to-door time | Rough cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | 1h 52m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 1h 52m | from $314/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Example prices — Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
You book the whole vehicle for your group, so the more of you travel, the less it costs each. These examples are for a weekday daytime trip between the town centres. Your exact price for your real addresses is in the box above.
| Passengers | Per person | Total vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | $2147 each | ~$2,147 |
| 2 passengers | $1074 each | ~$2,148 |
| 3 passengers | $915 each | ~$2,745 |
| 4 passengers | $687 each | ~$2,748 |
| 5 passengers | $628 each | ~$3,140 |
| 6 passengers | $523 each | ~$3,138 |
| 7 passengers | $449 each | ~$3,143 |
| 8 passengers | $393 each | ~$3,144 |
| 9 passengers | $349 each | ~$3,141 |
| 10 passengers | $314 eachBest value | ~$3,140 |
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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
South Westland
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is an eco-luxury lodge set deep in ancient rainforest on the remote South Westland coast, between the glaciers and the wild Tasman Sea. The lodge offers guided nature walks among rivers, waterfalls, penguins and seals in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Common questions
How do I get from Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 1h 52m, 170 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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?+
The drive takes about 1h 52m, covering 170 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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $314 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $2147 each at 1, $1074 each at 2, $915 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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Franz Josef and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. 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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?+
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 $314 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
What is the route from Franz Josef to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?+
The route runs via West Coast Road (SH6). Total distance is approximately 170 km.
Book your transfer
Franz Josef → Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki private transfer — from $314 per person.
Get your exact price