This post will help you figure out how to get to Cromwell from Queenstown.
Formerly a gold mining town, there are lots of things to do in Cromwell, the bowl of the south. It’s also a bit of a hub in Otago located between Wanaka, Queenstown, and Alexandra.
What’s the best way to get from Queenstown to Cromwell?
You can’t go wrong with driving. Especially because once you get there, depending on what activities you want to do, you might be hopping all around the show and walking isn’t convenient.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Bus
2. Drive
3. Uber and Ola
4. Organised tours
5. Hitchhiking
6. Cycling
HOW TO GET TO CROMWELL FROM QUEENSTOWN
1. BUS
Is there a bus from Queenstown to Cromwell? Yes…but they’re not public buses. Here are the options:
- InterCity: At the time of writing the InterCity goes from Queenstown to Cromwell 2-3 times every day. All services depart about 8 am and take ~1 hour. Prices for adults range from $19 – $31. For specifics and making a booking, click here.
- Ritchies: At the time of writing Ritchies runs one bus from Queenstown to Cromwell each day, departing at 4.40 pm and arriving at 6 pm. Prices start from $20 for adults and $15 for children. Book the bus here.
2. DRIVING
The Bruce Jackson Lookout overlooking Cromwell acts as a trailhead for the Mount Horn hike.
The Queenstown to Cromwell drive is ~60km and takes about 50 minutes if the traffic is good. If you get stuck behind some slow traffic heading out of Queenstown or through the Gorge, you might creep up over an hour.
It’s a super simple route out there following State Highway 6 all the way. And if you need a break, there’s plenty of sights along the way. You might even fancy the Kawarau Bridge Bungy.
3. UBER AND OLA
At the time of writing, it’s not possible to order an Uber or Ola to Cromwell.
Note: YourRide is not available in Queenstown.
4. ORGANISED TOURS
There are limited options for tours from Queenstown that only go to Cromwell. Most that go to Cromwell will include other nearby destinations.
Here’s one:
- Gourmet Food and Wine Tour:
– this will take you to Arrowtown and Cromwell, where you’ll visit 4 premium vineyards, including Australasia’s largest wine cave. You’ll get a wine barrel lunch with wine pairings and then a chance to explore visit Old Cromwell town.
5. HITCHHIKING
You’re never left waiting waiting long hitchhiking out of Queenstown, and that includes getting to Cromwell.
There are two spots you can wait when hitching to Cromwell. I recommend catching the #2 bus to the Amisfield Winery bus stop and then hitching from a couple of hundred metres along State Highway 6 on the hill.
If someone offers to take you to the turnoff for the Crown Range, I would skip that ride as there are no great spots to wait. You shouldn’t need to wait long to get a ride straight to Cromwell.
6. CYCLING
It’s possible to get from Queenstown to Cromwell by bike (some road cyclists will drive out to Cromwell for training as the roads are somewhat flat around Lake Dunstan).
The trip is right around 60km, and you’re following State Highway 6 the whole time. That said, you can ride out on the Queenstown Trail part of the way there. There are plans to create a bike trail all the way between Queenstown & Cromwell.
It’s not the best cycling with all the turns through the gorge, but if you love your bike rides, go for it.
Have fun in Cromwell! If you’re looking to spend a few months in the South Island, I can vouch for Cromwell as a good place to go after Queenstown.
Do you have a question about how to get from Queenstown to Cromwell? Leave a comment below or email me jub@churnewzealand.com .
RECOMMENDED READING
5 Amazing walks in Arrowtown
These are some of the amazing walks right on Arrowtowns doorstep you can do.
How to get from Queenstown Airport to the City
f you haven’t figured this part of your trip out yet, let’s go!
Travelling from Queenstown to Wanaka
Another useful article to help you get from A to B.
7 Epic walks in Queenstown
There’s at least one in this post you won’t be too familiar with. I think?
How to get from Queenstown to Glenorchy
Like Arrowtown, another great day trip from Queenstown.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.