This post will let you know how to get to Dunedin from Queenstown.
What is the most popular way to get from Queenstown to Driving?
Driving your own car.
How far is the Dunedin from Queenstown drive?
There are a few routes to drive from Queenstown to Dunedin. The most popular takes you through Cromwell, Roxburgh, and Milton and is ~278 kilometres from point to point.
Google Maps says it takes 3 hours 30 minutes to get there, but most people give themselves 4 hours to make it, without stopping at any sights along the way.
The two longer options
- via Lumsden, Gore, and Balclutha: 316km and 3 hours 51 minutes
- via Cromwell, Ranfurly, and Palmerston a.k.a. the Pig Route: 306km and 3 hours 50 minutes
If you aren’t able to do the Dunedin from Queenstown drive, there are other options available to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Drive
2. Bus/shuttle
3. Plane
4. Hitchhike
HOW TO GET TO DUNEDIN FROM QUEENSTOWN
1. THE QUEENSTOWN TO DUNEDIN DRIVE
The Queenstown to Dunedin drive takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 278km according to Google Maps.
In my experience, set aside 4 hours if you’re planning to drive straight through without any sightseeing stops. Going through the Kawarau Gorge can be slow going etc. And you’ll likely want to stop off somewhere to stretch your legs.
Planning to stop along the way? Here are a few of the best things to do between Queenstown and Dunedin.
- Jump off the Kawarau Bungy bridge
- Spend time doing some of these activities in Cromwell
- Ride the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail
- Walk to the Clock on the Hill in Alexandra
- Explore the Bellview Wetlands Reserve
As mentioned, there are two alternative routes, but you can always stretch the trip out for a few days and got for a road trip through the Catlins.
2. THE QUEENSTOWN TO DUNEDIN BUS
InterCity
At the time of writing, InterCity offers a Queenstown to Dunedin bus every day of the week, departing at 8 am and arriving at 12.25 pm (this is one of the buses that takes you on to Christchurch from QT). They also offer a later departure on Fridays and Sundays departing at 4.30 pm.
Tickets can be as low as $28 for adults if you book a couple of weeks out, but if you book a week or two out, expect to pay about $56 each way.
3. PLANE
There are domestic airports in both Queenstown and Dunedin, but at the time of writing there are no direct flights between the two destinations with Air New Zealand or Jet Star.
With Air New Zealand, you’ll have to go via Christchurch. And from with Jet Star you’ll go via Auckland (and have to make separate bookings).
Given that, most of the flights from Queenstown Airport to Dunedin have a total time that’s longer than driving. And the flights are going to be at least $200 one way in most cases.
So, unless you’re out of ideas (or roads are closed and you must get to Dunedin), flying between the two destinations isn’t the greatest option.
But what about a charter flight?
That is a possibility! And depending on the size of your group, can become a price effective option. Get in touch with the staff at Air Milford with all your trip details and they’ll be able to give you a quote.
4. HITCHHIKING TO DUNEDIN
Hitchhiking to Dunedin from Queenstown is reasonably easy, though it can still take the majority of the day. As you saw earlier, there are multiple routes to get to Dunedin, but to hitchhike there you’ll be best to go the most popular driving route via Cromwell, Roxburgh, and Milton.
I have hitched via Ranfurly, not knowing there isn’t much traffic going that way. I made it okay, but there was a lot less traffic than I expected between Alexandra and Palmerston.
In theory you can hitchhike from just near the BP in Frankton, but I prefer catching the #2 bus out this bus stop.
From here lots of traffic goes via Cromwell. Just make sure you go to Cromwell and don’t get a ride over the Crown Range!
I’ve written further details about hitchhiking out of Queenstown here.
If you have any questions about how to get from Queenstown to Dunedin leave a comment below or email me jub@churnewzealand.com.
I haven’t written much about Dunedin yet, but if you’re looking for a sneaky waterfall, check out Nichols Falls.
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.