Not sure how to get to Wanaka from Queenstown? This post will cover six options.
The most popular way? Driving.
There are two routes to Wanaka with most locals going over the Crown Range (weather permitting). I’ll go into more detail about the options below.
But as mentioned, there’s plenty of ways to Wanaka from Queenstown.
HOW TO GET TO WANAKA FROM QUEENSTOWN
1. Bus
2. Drive
3. Ride share
4. Organised tours
5. Hitchhike
6. Bike
1. QUEENSTOWN TO WANAKA BY BUS
A view from the popular Roys Peak.
There’s no public bus transport between Queenstown and Wanaka, but there are private bus options:
- InterCity: At the time of writing the InterCity goes from Queenstown to Wanaka on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departing at 8.10 am and arriving in Wanaka at 9.56 am. Prices start from $33 for adults and $28 for children. You can book the bus here.
- Ritchies: At the time of writing Ritchies runs services twice a day departing at 11:30 am and 4.40 pm, and arriving at 12:55 pm and 6.50 pm respectively. Prices start from $30 for adults and $20 for children. You can book the bus here.
2. DRIVING FROM QUEENSTOWN TO WANAKA
A viewpoint along the Crown Range
This is how most people will get from Queenstown to Wanaka. There are two routes you can take:
Via the Crown Range (~69km/~1 hour 5 minutes): The route over the Crown Range route is shorter, but goes over the mountain range which involves lots of elevation, twists and turns. The locals tend to prefer this route, and as long as you’re a confident driver you’ll be fine.
Note: In the winter the Crown Range route will close from time to time.
Via Cromwell (~110km/1 hour 20 minutes): Following State Highway 6, this route sees you travel at higher speeds on the flatter, less windy highway (you still need to go over the Kawerau Gorge). If you prefer a more relaxed drive and/or have a large campervan etc., this is the better option.
RELATED POST: HOW TO GET TO CROMWELL FROM QUEENSTOWN
3. RIDE SHARING SERVICES
At the time of writing it’s not possible to take an Uber, Ola, or YourRide from Queenstown to Wanaka.
READ NEXT: WHERE TO GO AFTER QUEENSTOWN
4. ORGANISED DAY TRIPS TO WANAKA
The famous Wanaka Tree.
There are several companies offering day trips from Queenstown to Wanaka.
For example:
Arrowtown – Wanaka Tour with Remarkable Scenic Tours
– this tour takes 6 hours with 8 stops along the way. You’ll get to see Cardrona, and Arrowtown as well as having some free time in Wanaka (they also have a premium option)
Cromwell, Wanaka, Arrowtown Full-Day Tour with Queenstown Transfers
– the great part about this trip is you get to complete a loop from Queenstown meaning you get to taste both Cardrona and Cromwell in addition to Wanaka. The 8-hour tour allows for plenty of stops on the way.
Wanaka Nature Encounter
– a full day of activities which includes a Lake Wanaka cruise, guided walk, and 4WD tour in the high country (it’s expensive). Unfortuantely you don’t get to do any of the best Wanaka hikes
The Queenstown Visitor Centre is a good resource for booking last-minute trips to Wanaka.
5. HITCHHIKING TO WANAKA
A beautiful view of Lake Wanaka.
Hitching around New Zealand is generally pretty easy, and that goes for hitching out of Queenstown.
As per driving from Queenstown to Wanaka, there are two routes you can take (see above). And there are two good spots you can wait here and here. I prefer the latter, but read the link above to get the precise details.
6. CYCLING TO WANAKA
For cycling enthusiasts, it is possible to ride from Queenstown to Wanaka. Most friends will ride over the Crown Range, but that’s going to involve a lot of elevation compared to the flatter, longer route past Cromwell.
For reference, the route via the Crown Range is rated as a grade 3-4 ride (best for experienced riders).
If you’re still confused about traveling from Queenstown to Wanaka, leave a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com and I’ll do my best to help.
If you’re looking to get from Queenstown to other places I’ve got you covered:
RECOMMENDED READING
The Roby Roy Glacier Track
One of the more popular walks in the South Island
How to get to Glenorchy from Queenstown
A popular day trip location from Queenstown.
Some great hikes in Queenstown
Decided you can’t be bothered going to Wanaka? There’s always another hike you can do.
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.
Hi. Do you know if Queensland transfer is still around? Have tried to contact but yet to receive a response. Been trying to look for an alternative way to Wanaka but can’t see to find an affordable option :/ any advice would be appreciated!
Hey Xiu,
I just tried contacting QT Transfers a few times and couldn’t get through to them, which means I think the service might have been discontinued. I’ve removed them from the post now.
You could try Haula.co.nz but I’m not sure of there pricing.
Cheers,
Jub
Bus from Queenstown to wanaka booking option isn’t showing up anything can you still get a bus Saturday morning
Hey Shane,
I’ve just had a look on the Ritches website an the bus departing QT at 11.30 is still available. The Intercity one doesn’t seem to be now which is super annoying! You have to book two tickets and go via Tarras…not cool! And then wait an age in Tarras..
I’ve updated the post to reflect that.
Cheers,
Jub
Cheers,
Jub
Good afternoon Jub from San Francisco .
My wife and I will be arriving in queenstown on may 8 at 7:35 pm from Sydney and will head to Wanaka immediately. What the best option of transport considering it s probably late for the shuttle buses? Is it going to be dark at 8 pm during May? Finally, what will be temperature in mid-may? We want to make sure that we ll bring the appropriate clothing? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hey Larry,
Yay for coming out to NZ! It’ll definitely be dark when you arrive.
It’s probably easiest to stay in Queenstown for a night, unless you can find a car hire that’s open that late. The airport is quiet then though, so they could well be shut. The only real option if you have to get to Wanaka that night is Uber/Taxi, that’s going to cost a few hundred dollars though :/
Temperatures can vary a lot depending in May. I’d bring at minimum, mid layers and a down/syntehtic outer layer. It’ll be colder than what I remember San Francisco being in autumn!
Have a great trip.
Cheers,
Jub