New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Matakauri Lodge to Wanaka, New Zealand
Matakauri Lodge to Wanaka is roughly 70 km and takes about 1h 17m by road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $63 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 1h 17m |
| Distance | 70 km |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $63 per person |
Your options: Matakauri Lodge to Wanaka
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 Wanaka 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 Wanaka. 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 17m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 1h 17m | from $63/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Matakauri Lodge to Wanaka
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 | $401 each | ~$401 |
| 2 passengers | $200 each | ~$400 |
| 3 passengers | $166 each | ~$498 |
| 4 passengers | $124 each | ~$496 |
| 5 passengers | $125 each | ~$625 |
| 6 passengers | $104 each | ~$624 |
| 7 passengers | $89 each | ~$623 |
| 8 passengers | $78 each | ~$624 |
| 9 passengers | $69 each | ~$621 |
| 10 passengers | $63 eachBest value | ~$630 |
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 Wanaka
Southern Lakes / Otago
Wānaka is a lakeside resort town in the Southern Lakes of Central Otago, quieter than nearby Queenstown but every bit as scenic. Set on Lake Wānaka beneath the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park, it's a base for hiking, skiing and water sports. The town is loved for its relaxed alpine lifestyle and the famous lone willow.
Common questions
How do I get from Matakauri Lodge to Wanaka?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 1h 17m, 70 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 Wanaka?+
The drive takes about 1h 17m, covering 70 km. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Matakauri Lodge to Wanaka cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $63 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $401 each at 1, $200 each at 2, $166 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 Wanaka?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Matakauri Lodge and Wanaka. 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 Wanaka?+
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 $63 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.