New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Queenstown to Invercargill, New Zealand
Queenstown 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 $159 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 | $159 per person |
Your options: Queenstown to Invercargill
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Queenstown is reached from Christchurch via either the Lindis Pass (SH8, more scenic) or the coast road (SH1 to Dunedin then inland). From Wanaka, the Crown Range Road (SH89) is the most direct but highest sealed road in NZ — spectacular but winding.
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.
Your exact price
We've started you at Queenstown and Invercargill. Change either address to exactly where you're starting and finishing, and set how many of you are travelling. The price is for your real journey: the whole private vehicle, and per person.
Queenstown to Invercargill
Eichardt's Private Hotel to Esk Street
$906
$453 each for 2 people, in a private sedan
NZD, GST included. Door to door, about 187 km.
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 $159/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Example prices — Queenstown to Invercargill
You book the whole vehicle for your group, so the more of you travel, the less it costs each. These examples are for a weekday daytime trip between the town centres. Your exact price for your real addresses is in the box above.
| Passengers | Per person | Total vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | $906 each | ~$906 |
| 2 passengers | $453 each | ~$906 |
| 3 passengers | $453 each | ~$1,359 |
| 4 passengers | $340 each | ~$1,360 |
| 5 passengers | $318 each | ~$1,590 |
| 6 passengers | $265 each | ~$1,590 |
| 7 passengers | $227 each | ~$1,589 |
| 8 passengers | $199 each | ~$1,592 |
| 9 passengers | $177 each | ~$1,593 |
| 10 passengers | $159 eachBest value | ~$1,590 |
About Queenstown
Southern Lakes / Otago
Queenstown is New Zealand's premier alpine resort, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the dramatic peaks of the Remarkables. Known as the country's adventure capital, it's a base for skiing, jet-boating, wine touring and lake cruises. It remains one of the South Island's busiest and most photographed destinations.
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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown to Invercargill cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $159 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $906 each at 1, $453 each at 2, $453 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Queenstown to Invercargill?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Queenstown and Invercargill. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Queenstown 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 $159 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
Book your transfer
Queenstown → Invercargill private transfer — from $159 per person.
Get your exact price