New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand
Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge 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 $78 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 | $78 per person |
Your options: Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Wanaka connects to Queenstown via the Crown Range Road (SH89) — the highest sealed road in New Zealand at 1076m. It's 45min via Crown Range or 75min via Cromwell. From Christchurch, the Lindis Pass route (SH8) is the main approach.
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 Matakauri Lodge 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 Matakauri Lodge. 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 $78/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Private transfer pricing — Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge
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 | $500 each | ~$500 |
| 2 passengers | $250 each | ~$500 |
| 3 passengers | $207 each | ~$621 |
| 4 passengers | $155 each | ~$620 |
| 5 passengers | $156 each | ~$780 |
| 6 passengers | $130 each | ~$780 |
| 7 passengers | $111 each | ~$777 |
| 8 passengers | $98 each | ~$784 |
| 9 passengers | $87 each | ~$783 |
| 10 passengers | $78 eachBest value | ~$780 |
About 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.
Arriving in 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.
Common questions
How do I get from Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge?+
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 Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge?+
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 Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $78 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $500 each at 1, $250 each at 2, $207 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Wanaka and Matakauri Lodge. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Wanaka to Matakauri Lodge?+
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 $78 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.