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Transport In Queenstown

3 September 2023

Gondola

Queenstown

Here at Skyline, we love welcoming people (just like you) to enjoy our world-class Queenstown outdoor attractions like the Luge and Gondola.

Thousands of our visitors from around the world – and even New Zealand – are visiting our beautiful location for the first time.

To make your trip as fun and easy as possible, we’ve put together the ultimate Queenstown transport guide to help you reach Skyline and every other destination on your itinerary.

Image Credit: queenstownnz.co.nz

Getting to Queenstown

You can fly, drive or ferry into the Adventure Capital of the World! Queenstown International Airport has regular arrivals and departures every day. Our fantastic South Island roads make driving on New Zealand highways a breeze, with water taxis and ferries allowing easy access to many points of interest throughout the Queenstown Lakes Region.

Domestic Flights to Queenstown

The Queenstown international airport accommodates Air New Zealand direct services from the cities of Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. You will only be able to catch a local flight to Queenstown from these three cities – from all other New Zealand locations, you can book a connecting flight.

Image Credit: milfordsoundscenicflights

Driving to Queenstown

To enjoy the most scenic Queenstown transport options, you can rent a car, catch a bus or join a coach tour. Roads heading to Queenstown are generally well-signposted and fully sealed. Winter driving can bring the hazards of ice and snow, so be sure to pack chains at all times and check the road reports on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website, or the New Zealand Transport Agency website.

Image Credit:barekiwi

Getting around Queenstown and the Otago Region

Navigating Queenstown and the Otago Region is easy with a wide range of transport options to choose from. Hire a car, take a taxi or water taxi, jump on a public bus – or grab a ski or airport shuttle to take you where you need to go.

Queenstown Airport Transfers

You have three options for wheeled transport from Queenstown Airport:

  1. Take Bus 11 downtown
  2. Take a taxi, or
  3. Organise a shuttle service with a shared or private option to drop you off directly at your hotel.

Public Transport in Queenstown

Bus services and routes

The Otago Regional Council’s local buses are the most affordable way to get around Queenstown with flat-rate fares of just NZ$2 across the network (a $5 bus card is required to receive this price). For more public transport information on routes and timetables head to the Otago Regional Council website.

Taxis

Taxis are ideal when the bus services stop after hours, or your destination is too far from the Queenstown public transport bus route. Taxi prices average about NZ$4 per kilometre.

Popular Taxi companies in Queenstown include:

  • Blue Bubble Taxis Queenstown
  • Green Cabs
  • Corporate Cabs

Shuttles

For ski and walking track transport, you can’t beat the convenience of a shuttle service. You’ll need to book online or over the phone in advance to save your seat. Shuttles provide a cost-effective option for Queenstown Airport transport to or from your hotel, delivering you straight to the door.

Ferries and water taxis

Jump on a Queenstown ferry for just NZ$10 one way, NZ$15 return. Ferries depart from Queenstown Bay’s Steamer Wharf on Beach Street and stop at Queenstown Golf Course, Bayview, The Rees, Marina and Hilton Hotel. Another option is to book a Queenstown Water Taxi to any wharf on Lake Wakatipu.


Rental Transport Options in Queenstown

Renting a vehicle is your best option for transport in Queenstown to get off the beaten track and explore on your own. Take in the stunning countryside and stop as many times as you like, for as long as you like.

Car Hire

All the most popular rental car agencies are available at Queenstown Airport and in the city centre. To book car hire from the Airport, search online for a model that suits your budget and your needs.

Luxury Transfers

Enjoy luxury transportation in Queenstown and travel in style on the road, or in the air around the Otago Region:

  • Limousines

Heading out for an anniversary, birthday, stag do, hen’s night, or just a special celebration trip? Hire a limousine for transfers to and from Queenstown Airport to your hotel, a private limousine tour, or transport to an event in style. Limousine Services Queenstown, Limousine South, and Scenic Limousines are three of your options.

  • Charters and Helicopters for Scenic Flights

Take scenic flights over the South Island for a stunning bird’s-eye view of Queenstown, Middle Earth, Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Park – you’ve never seen lakes and mountains as awe-inspiring as this. Check out The Helicopter Line and Milford Sound Scenic Flights for more information.

Campervans and Motorhomes

Take the family on an adventure in your very own campervan or motorhome. Enjoy the unforgettable natural beauty and tranquil settings of one of the many holiday parks around Queenstown, and bring your chosen transportation to the facilities.


Biking Options in Queenstown

After you’ve enjoyed the gorgeous scenery at New Zealand’s first Gondola-assisted bike park, take up your mountain bike to explore the countryside and traverse unrivalled terrain around the rest of Queenstown. With your own mountain bike or bike hire, you can enjoy over 130kms of trails including lakeside tracks, backcountry trails, jump parks and road rides. This network of off-road trails winds through exquisite locations such as Lake Wakatipu, Lake Hayes, Kelvin Heights, Gibbston and Arrowtown.

FAQS and Useful Tips for Driving Around Queenstown

FAQs

Is there Uber in Queenstown?

Yes! Uber is available in Queenstown. In fact, it’s one of the most popular options for transport in Queenstown. If you have the app already installed, just book your ride as normal. If not, download from the app store, register your number and book.

How do you get around Queenstown?

Get around Queenstown by bicycle, car, shuttle, limousine, campervan, motorhome, public bus, taxi Uber, and water ferry. Or for the completely free option, explore on foot.

How much is it for a taxi from Queenstown Airport to Queenstown?

During normal traffic hours, the estimated fare from Queenstown airport to downtown via taxi is NZ$50 with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes.

How do you get around Queenstown without a car?

With an extensive network of public transport in Queenstown, as well as taxis, Uber, bicycle rentals and well-maintained pedestrian walkways, there are plenty of ways to get around Queenstown without a car.

 

Visit Skyline and check out our blog for exciting ideas for you to fill your days and nights here in picturesque Queenstown.

We’re thrilled to operate the Southern Hemisphere’s only Gondola accessed downhill mountain biking park! Enjoy snacks at our Market Kitchen Cafe throughout the day, and after the sun goes down, head to our Stratosfare Bar and Restaurant to toast another amazing day in Queenstown.

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