New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy, New Zealand
Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy is roughly 795 km and takes about 10h 8m by road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $522 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 10h 8m |
| Distance | 795 km |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $522 per person |
Your options: Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Picton connects south via SH1 through the wine country of Marlborough (Blenheim is 30min south). To Nelson is 1.5hrs via SH6 over the Richmond Ranges. The Queen Charlotte Drive — an alternative to SH1 — winds along the Sounds and is spectacular.
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 | 10h 8m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 10h 8m | from $522/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Picton 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 | $3489 each | ~$3,489 |
| 2 passengers | $1745 each | ~$3,490 |
| 3 passengers | $1410 each | ~$4,230 |
| 4 passengers | $1058 each | ~$4,232 |
| 5 passengers | $1044 each | ~$5,220 |
| 6 passengers | $870 each | ~$5,220 |
| 7 passengers | $746 each | ~$5,222 |
| 8 passengers | $652 each | ~$5,216 |
| 9 passengers | $580 each | ~$5,220 |
| 10 passengers | $522 eachBest value | ~$5,220 |
About Picton
Marlborough
Picton is the South Island terminus of the Cook Strait ferry, set at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in Marlborough. It's the gateway to the sheltered waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track. The town is a scenic transit and holiday hub at the top of the South Island.
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 Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 10h 8m, 795 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 Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
The drive takes about 10h 8m, covering 795 km. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $522 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $3489 each at 1, $1745 each at 2, $1410 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Picton to Blanket Bay Glenorchy?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Picton 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 Picton 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 $522 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.