New Zealand — How to get there
How to Get from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef, New Zealand
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef is roughly 170 km and takes about 1h 52m by road via West Coast Road (SH6). Your realistic options are self-drive, or private transfer; a private transfer with LandFlight runs from $314 per person and is the only door-to-door option.
| Drive time | 1h 52m |
| Distance | 170 km |
| Route | via West Coast Road (SH6) |
| Public coach | No direct service |
| Private transfer | LandFlight — door-to-door |
| Transfer from | $314 per person |
Your options: Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef
Every realistic way to make this journey, compared honestly.
Self-drive
Route: via West Coast Road (SH6)
Wilderness Lodge is 65km north of Haast on SH6. From Wanaka, the Haast Pass route (SH6) is 2hrs of extraordinary mountain scenery. From Queenstown it's 3hrs. The road passes Thunder Creek Falls, Gates of Haast gorge, and the Blue Pools.
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 Franz Josef 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 Franz Josef. Luggage handled, departure time flexible, and flight-tracked pickup available for airport connections.
Your exact price
We've started you at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki and Franz Josef. 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.
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
$2,147
$1,074 each for 2 people, in a private sedan
NZD, GST included. Door to door, about 112 km.
At a glance
| Mode | Door-to-door time | Rough cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | 1h 52m | Rental + fuel | Confident drivers, summer travel |
| Coach | No direct service | — | — |
| Flight | No direct route | — | — |
| Private transfer (LandFlight) | 1h 52m | from $314/person | Groups, lodges, luggage, tight schedules |
Example prices — Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef
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 | $2147 each | ~$2,147 |
| 2 passengers | $1074 each | ~$2,148 |
| 3 passengers | $915 each | ~$2,745 |
| 4 passengers | $687 each | ~$2,748 |
| 5 passengers | $628 each | ~$3,140 |
| 6 passengers | $523 each | ~$3,138 |
| 7 passengers | $449 each | ~$3,143 |
| 8 passengers | $393 each | ~$3,144 |
| 9 passengers | $349 each | ~$3,141 |
| 10 passengers | $314 eachBest value | ~$3,140 |
About Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
South Westland
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is an eco-luxury lodge set deep in ancient rainforest on the remote South Westland coast, between the glaciers and the wild Tasman Sea. The lodge offers guided nature walks among rivers, waterfalls, penguins and seals in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Arriving in Franz Josef
West Coast
Franz Josef is a small West Coast township beside the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the world's most accessible glaciers, which descends from the Southern Alps almost to the rainforest. It's a base for guided glacier walks, helicopter flights and hot pools. The surrounding Westland Tai Poutini National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Common questions
How do I get from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef?+
The fastest door-to-door option is a private transfer with LandFlight — about 1h 52m, 170 km via West Coast Road (SH6). 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 Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef?+
The drive takes about 1h 52m, covering 170 km via West Coast Road (SH6). Allow extra time in winter if the route crosses alpine passes.
How much does a private transfer from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef cost?+
LandFlight private transfers on this route start from $314 per person (10 passengers). For smaller groups: $2147 each at 1, $1074 each at 2, $915 each at 3. You book the whole vehicle — the per-person rate drops as group size increases.
Is there a bus from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef?+
No direct scheduled coach service operates between Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki and Franz Josef. Most public transport options require a hub transfer, significantly adding to total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef?+
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 $314 per person. Solo budget travellers may prefer to self-drive.
What is the route from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki to Franz Josef?+
The route runs via West Coast Road (SH6). Total distance is approximately 170 km.
Book your transfer
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki → Franz Josef private transfer — from $314 per person.
Get your exact price