New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau, New Zealand
Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau is roughly 160 km and takes about 1h 45m by road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $176 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 1h 45m |
| Distance | 160 km |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $176 per person |
Your options: Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau
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 Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau 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 Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau. 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 | 1h 45m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 1h 45m | from $176/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau
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 | $1130 each | ~$1,130 |
| 2 passengers | $565 each | ~$1,130 |
| 3 passengers | $467 each | ~$1,401 |
| 4 passengers | $350 each | ~$1,400 |
| 5 passengers | $353 each | ~$1,765 |
| 6 passengers | $294 each | ~$1,764 |
| 7 passengers | $252 each | ~$1,764 |
| 8 passengers | $220 each | ~$1,760 |
| 9 passengers | $196 each | ~$1,764 |
| 10 passengers | $176 eachBest value | ~$1,760 |
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 Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau
Fiordland
Fiordland Lodge stands above Lake Te Anau on the edge of Fiordland National Park, the gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. The timber lodge is a refined base for exploring New Zealand's largest national park and its wilderness of fiords and forest.
Common questions
How do I get from Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 1h 45m, 160 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 Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau?+
The drive takes about 1h 45m, covering 160 km. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $176 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $1130 each at 1, $565 each at 2, $467 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Invercargill and Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Invercargill to Fiordland Lodge - Te Anau?+
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 $176 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.