5 Ways to Get from Queenstown to Wanaka in New Zealand

Find the best ways to travel from Queenstown to Wanaka in New Zealand, from rental cars to public transit and beyond.

One of the must visit places on the South Island of New Zealand is Lake Wanaka, located in the town of Wanaka, just 42 miles (68 kilometers) from Queenstown. Getting from Queenstown to Wanaka offers you a journey through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand.

Whether you want the flexibility of driving yourself, the convenience of public transportation, or even the insight that a guided tour can offer, there are several options available to travel between Queenstown and Wanaka.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about your transportation options to make your trip from Queenstown to Wanaka goes smoothly. This allows you to focus on more important things, like what to see and where to stay in Wanaka. Let’s get started!

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Table of Contents

1. Drive to Wanaka from Queenstown

Renting a car is the best option to get to Lake Wanaka from Queenstown (and ultimately the option I chose). This will give you maximum flexibility in the Wanaka area. From Queenstown, it takes just over one hour by car making it a simple side trip or day trip from Queenstown.

To get there, you’ll just head out of Queenstown on State Highway 6 towards Cromwell/Wanaka and then turn left onto Crown Range Road towards Cadrona/Wanaka. Alternatively, you can follow State Highway 6 all the way to Wanaka through Cromwell. This route is about half an hour longer. Both offer stunning scenery.

Additionally, Lake Wanaka happens to sit conveniently between Queenstown and Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This makes it a perfect stop on a road trip from Queenstown to New Zealand’s Glacier Country. I highly recommend, if you have the time, to rent a car and drive this whole route. You’ll see some of the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island.

Wanaka Tree, New Zealand — The Famous Tree on Lake Wanaka

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2. Take the Bus from Queenstown to Lake Wanaka

Another option to get to Lake Wanaka if you don’t want to rent a car, is to take the bus from Queenstown. As a solo traveler, I often choose public transportation when traveling. After all, public transportation is one of the most cost-effective ways to get around, including getting to Wanaka, New Zealand.

However, taking public transit does place additional limits on your trip to Wanaka. For one, you can only travel certain times of the day due to limited bus companies running this route. For another, once you’re in the region, you’ll have a hard time getting to some of the best places to visit in Wanaka.

Also, if you’re traveling by bus, it will take closer to 1.5 – 2 hours from Queenstown to Wanaka versus the one hour by car. All that said, the town of Wanaka is fairly compact and you’ll be able to get from accommodations to restaurants and some of the things to do in the area without a car.

For activities outside of the center, you’ll have to take tours, rent transportation in Wanaka, skip them, or potentially make new friends to explore with.

Here are a couple of bus providers that run routes from Queenstown to Lake Wanaka.

InterCity Coachlines: Queenstown to Wanaka once/day; Costs ~$37 one-way

Ritchies Auckland: Queenstown to Wanaka 4 times/day; Costs $40 one-way

3. Book a Private Shuttle to Wanaka from Queenstown

If you’re flying into Queenstown to get to Wanaka, you may want to book a private shuttle to Wanaka. This shuttle service offers door-to-door service running directly from the airport (or your hotel in Queenstown) to where you’re staying in Wanaka.

The best part about taking a private shuttle is the convenience factor. There’s no hassle for you. If you’re coming from a hotel in Queenstown, they’ll pick you up at your door. Or if you’re coming from the airport, they watch your flight to ensure they arrive when your flight does, even if its early or delayed. And, there will be room for your luggage – at no extra fee.

Check Wanaka Shuttle Prices Now

4. Do a Guided Tour from Queenstown to Lake Wanaka

If you’d rather day trip to Wanaka from Queenstown, you’re in luck. There are a few options for guided tours from Queenstown to Wanaka, which will allow you to see the natural beauty of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding areas without having to rent a car or take the bus.

Check out this amazing tour that takes you not just to Wanaka but also to Arrowtown, a 19th-century gold-mining settlement between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka. You’ll see some of the most amazing scenery in the area, including Gibbston Valley, Crown Range road, and the picturesque vineyards of Kawarau Gorge.

Check Wanaka Day Trip Prices Now

5. Call a Taxi to Wanaka

While it is the most expensive way to get from Queenstown to Wanaka, a taxi is a viable option, particularly if you waited until the last minute to plan your transportation to Wanaka. Similar to driving, it will take just an hour to get to Lake Wanaka from Queenstown.

Try Green Cabs Queenstown or Blue Bubble Taxi in Queenstown. Typical costs for the taxi ride will be between $150 – $250. Yes, that is expensive. That’s why if you know you want to go to Wanaka, you’re better off booking one of the other transportation options in advance.

Ready to check out hotels in Wanaka?
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Explore More of New Zealand

Now that you know how to get from Queenstown to Wanaka, you’re ready to continue exploring New Zealand. It’s one of the most amazing countries in the world and has so much to offer you. From natural beauty to amazing outdoor adventures and famous movie sets (looking at you Hobbiton!).

Continue planning your trip to New Zealand with these helpful posts.