You take an international flight to New Zealand. Landing in Queenstown is one of those moments where you’re never quite the same. The plane dips between the mountains, the lake sparkles beneath you, and for a second, you forget about the plane’s staircase and all the steps before you, and realize you’re now on the tarmac. Now what? You’ve got bags, maybe skis, maybe tired kids, and you need to get to your hotel. That’s where airport transfers in Queenstown come in.
The good part? Airport’s near town. The bad? There are several different options and which one you take will depend on when you’re arriving, where you’re staying, etc. Here’s how I would go through it.
Your Options for Airport Transfers in Queenstown
More generally, there are five options of getting you from the terminal to your sleeping location.
1. The public bus
Queenstown has a public bus system and the airport is served by it. That’s the cheap option. If you’ve got no luggage and are staying close to a bus stop it’s okay, but not so good if you’ve got a lot of gear or are arriving late. Look up the Orbus bus schedule and prices before you arrive.
2. Shared shuttles
Three or four groups are taken to various hotels from the same bus. Shuttles are economical for those travelling on their own. The problem is that you’ll always be waiting for other guests and that you could be the last to go home.
3. Taxis and rideshare
Taxis hang around at the rank; and so do the apps. They’re easy enough. However, during busy periods – such as several aircraft arrivals in quick succession during ski season – there is a queue. And there are no guarantees you will get a car big enough for all your kit.
4. Rental car
If you’re going on road trips, getting a car from the airport is a no-brainer. Just keep in mind: not everyone is going to have a blast after a long-haul journey cruising along mountain roads.
5. A private driver
Pre-booked private transfers mean someone will be there for you. They’ll know your flight, assist with your baggage and whisk you away all the way to your door. This is the most relaxing option of all, but particularly so if you’re arriving late, or part of a group.
Why We Switched to a Private Transfer
My first ride I decided to take a shuttle bus to my destination, which saved me a couple bucks. We actually made four stops before ours. By the time we reached our place in Fernhill I had already been awake for approximately twenty hours. Not fun.
So the following winter, we bought ourselves a private driver. The flight was delayed over an hour. When we finally got out, our driver was still waiting, had been watching the flight the whole time. He packed the skis, handed us water, and had us at our door within minutes. What a difference.
Honestly it made the whole holiday a lot better.
Things to Check Before You Book
There is no one size fits all. Before you book I would recommend asking:
- Do they track flights? Delays occur here and particularly in snow or fog in winter.
- Is the price fixed? Determine if time or delay causes surcharges.
- Is the vehicle big enough? Mention about ski bags or golf clubs or pram.
- Are they licensed? Make sure you have the license for commercial passenger services in New Zealand.
- Do they offer child seats? Essential if you’re travelling with little ones.
For instance, QT Chauffeurs and Rentals commented on its site that “Fixed Pricing, Guaranteed delayed flights + Track & Trace for pickups” are available. Their Queenstown airport transfer service is good to have a driver available to pick you up from the airport. Please verify the details when you make the reservation.
Where Are You Staying?
Your accommodation affects the choice too.
Central Queenstown
The airport is close to town. Taxis and buses usually do just fine for light travellers here.
Frankton and Remarkables Park
These locations are within very easy reach of the airport. Several of the hotels are in walking range but not ideal to walk with suitcases.
Arrowtown, Millbrook and Jack’s Point
These are the further spots. Buses less often, and taxis less within budget. Most often, pre book a transfer.
Wānaka and beyond
Wānaka is beyond the Crown Range or beyond, via Cromwell. It’s a longer drive and may be difficult road conditions in winter. Icy roads are better negotiated by someone familiar with the route.
Travelling in Ski Season
It’s getting busy. Departures are disrupted by weather. Heavy cabin baggage and a crowded airport are a fact of life. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Book your transfer well before you fly
- Provide correct baggage information, such as ski and snowboard bags
- Bring extra layers on your carry-on-they’ll come in handy if it’s cold once you land
- Add your driver’s number to your contacts
And then the journey home too. Sometimes we leave early in winter (think dark, cold and icy mornings) – so having a set-up pickup booked is a relief.
Business Travellers and Special Arrivals
There are a lot of business events and conferences in Queenstown. You can make calls or relax without any fuss about directions when you travel by private transfer. There’s a personal touch too if you’re meeting clients.
You might find that people who are flying into the wedding will want a driver. This way, they’re not going to get lost en route!
A Quick Word on Arrival Day Plans
Don’t overload the day you arrive. Even a quick domestic flight is draining, and the thin mountain air is relentless. We prefer to swing by the airport, leave our bags, buy a pie from a neighbouring bakery and head down to the lakefront. Followed by an early night. If you have a driver, get the driver to recommend somewhere for dinner on the way in; local knowledge will steer you away from tourist trap hotels.
My Takeaway
There’s no one ‘right’ answer. On a budget and arriving in the daytime, take the bus and pack lightly. On a family ski trip with six bags and a midnight landing, a private transfer is money well spent.
Whichever you go for, be sure to reserve it before you fly. The last thing you want after an amazing touchdown is a cold shower while you cool your app. Book in advance, sit back, relax, and get straight to having a queenstown holiday of a lifetime.
