New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill, New Zealand
Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill is roughly 185 km and takes about 2h 53m by road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $135 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 2h 53m |
| Distance | 185 km |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $135 per person |
Your options: Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Matakauri is on Lake Esplanade, 5 minutes west of Queenstown on the Glenorchy road. Arrival is dramatic — through native bush then suddenly the full lake panorama opens up.
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 Invercargill 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 Invercargill. 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 $135/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill
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 | $868 each | ~$868 |
| 2 passengers | $434 each | ~$868 |
| 3 passengers | $359 each | ~$1,077 |
| 4 passengers | $269 each | ~$1,076 |
| 5 passengers | $271 each | ~$1,355 |
| 6 passengers | $226 each | ~$1,356 |
| 7 passengers | $193 each | ~$1,351 |
| 8 passengers | $169 each | ~$1,352 |
| 9 passengers | $150 each | ~$1,350 |
| 10 passengers | $135 eachBest value | ~$1,350 |
About 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.
Arriving in 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.
Common questions
How do I get from Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 2h 53m, 185 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 Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill?+
The drive takes about 2h 53m, covering 185 km. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $135 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $868 each at 1, $434 each at 2, $359 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Matakauri Lodge and Invercargill. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Matakauri Lodge to Invercargill?+
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 $135 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.