New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy, New Zealand
Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy is roughly 180 km and takes about 2h 53m by road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $152 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 2h 53m |
| Distance | 180 km |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $152 per person |
Your options: Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Invercargill connects to Queenstown via SH6 (2.5hrs) or the longer but very scenic coastal route through the Catlins (3.5hrs). To Dunedin is 2.5hrs via SH1 along the coast.
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 Blanket Bay Glenorchy 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 Blanket Bay Glenorchy. 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 | 2h 53m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 2h 53m | from $152/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy
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 | $975 each | ~$975 |
| 2 passengers | $487 each | ~$974 |
| 3 passengers | $403 each | ~$1,209 |
| 4 passengers | $302 each | ~$1,208 |
| 5 passengers | $304 each | ~$1,520 |
| 6 passengers | $253 each | ~$1,518 |
| 7 passengers | $217 each | ~$1,519 |
| 8 passengers | $190 each | ~$1,520 |
| 9 passengers | $169 each | ~$1,521 |
| 10 passengers | $152 eachBest value | ~$1,520 |
About Invercargill
Southland
Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the main centre of Southland, near the bottom of the South Island. It's the gateway to the rugged Catlins coast, Stewart Island and the rich farmland of the deep south. The city is known for its wide streets, heritage buildings and motoring history.
Arriving in 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.
Common questions
How do I get from Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 2h 53m, 180 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 Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
The drive takes about 2h 53m, covering 180 km. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $152 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $975 each at 1, $487 each at 2, $403 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Invercargill and Blanket Bay Glenorchy. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Invercargill to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
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 $152 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.