New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Queenstown to Wanaka, New Zealand
Queenstown to Wanaka is roughly 70 km and takes about 1h 17m by road via Crown Range Road. Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $68 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 1h 17m |
| Distance | 70 km |
| Route | via Crown Range Road |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $68 per person |
Your options: Queenstown to Wanaka
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Route: via Crown Range Road
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 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-drive — no need to navigate the Crown Range yourself. Professional driver, one vehicle for your group, flexible stops on request. Luggage handled, departure time flexible, and flight-tracked pickup available for airport connections.
Your exact price
We've started you at Queenstown and Wanaka. 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 Wanaka
Eichardt's Private Hotel to Edgewater Hotel - Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
$387
$194 each for 2 people, in a private sedan
NZD, GST included. Door to door, about 70 km.
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 $68/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Example prices — Queenstown to Wanaka
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 | $388 each | ~$388 |
| 2 passengers | $194 each | ~$388 |
| 3 passengers | $194 each | ~$582 |
| 4 passengers | $146 each | ~$584 |
| 5 passengers | $136 each | ~$680 |
| 6 passengers | $113 each | ~$678 |
| 7 passengers | $97 each | ~$679 |
| 8 passengers | $85 each | ~$680 |
| 9 passengers | $76 each | ~$684 |
| 10 passengers | $68 eachBest value | ~$680 |
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 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 Queenstown to Wanaka?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 1h 17m, 70 km via Crown Range Road. 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 Wanaka?+
The drive takes about 1h 17m, covering 70 km via Crown Range Road. Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Queenstown to Wanaka cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $68 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $388 each at 1, $194 each at 2, $194 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Queenstown to Wanaka?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Queenstown and Wanaka. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Queenstown 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 $68 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
What is the route from Queenstown to Wanaka?+
The route runs via Crown Range Road. Total distance is approximately 70 km.