Buses To Wānaka

Planning a trip to Wānaka? Hop on a bus and sit back and enjoy the stunning drive into (or out of) Wānaka and surrounding regions.

Regular bus services connect Wānaka to major South Island hubs, including Queenstown, Te Anau, Christchurch, Dunedin, and the West Coast’s glacier region.

Not only are buses a sustainable way to experience New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes before arriving refreshed in Wānaka, but it also allows you to take in the journey without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, giving you time to plan your Wānaka adventures or simply relax and soak in the scenery.

Whether you’re coming for the crystal-clear lakes, world-class hiking trails, or laid-back mountain lifestyle, your adventure begins with the journey. Explore bus routes, timetables, and booking options below and start planning your Wānaka experience.

Wānaka to Queenstown Airport

Wānaka to Queenstown Airport

Buses depart daily from the Wānaka Lakefront to the Queenstown Airport from: 8am, 11am, 2pm, 4.15pm.

Queenstown Airport to Wānaka

Buses depart daily from the Queenstown Airport at 9.15am, 11.15am, 2.45pm & 5pm to Wānaka.

Each journey takes from 1.5-2 hours one-way depending on the route.

Need to get to the Queenstown CBD from Wānaka? Visit the Ritchies website for more details on their bus routes to Queenstown.

Stunning sunrise view from Roys Peak, overlooking rugged mountains and Lake Wanaka in the distance. Golden light illuminates rocky peaks and grassy slopes, with a lone hiker silhouette visible on a distant ridge.

Rugged landscape of Central Otago, New Zealand, featuring rolling golden hills and a winding road. Barren, sun-baked terrain stretches to the horizon, showcasing the region's distinctive arid beauty and remote character.

Wānaka to Dunedin

Daily Ritchies service leaves the Wānaka Lakefront at 8am and connects with Intercity service in Cromwell, arriving in Dunedin at 12.25pm.

Head to their websites to see the full bus timetable.

Wānaka to Christchurch and the West Coast

Intercity runs bus services between Wānaka and various destinations. Check their timetable for information.

Sunlight streaming through trees onto misty Haast Pass road, New Zealand. Dense forest lines the empty highway, with a 'Haast Pass Lookout' sign visible in the foreground.

An i-SITE staff member helps a customer on the phone in Wanaka, New Zealand

Ready to book or have a question?

Get in touch with the i-SITE team here or give them a call on 03 443 1233.

Driving to Wānaka

Driving on the South Island roads of New Zealand is a great way to experience the region, with relatively quiet roads and some of the most amazing scenery right outside the window.

Major car and campervan hire companies are all located at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. There are also a number of rental car companies based in Wānaka.

Driving To Wānaka

Explore Region

The Wānaka region is home to six distinct areas; Wānaka and Albert Town, Lake Hāwea, Makarora, Matukituki Valley, Cardrona, Wānaka Airport & Luggate. Wander outside of Wānaka town to discover something new.

Discover the Regions

Flights to Wānaka

Wānaka is a 60 minute drive from Queenstown Airport over the Crown Range Road or via the Kawarau Gorge – both stunning drives. There are two other airports in close proximity: Dunedin and Christchurch.

Wānaka also has its own airport for scenic and charter flights and you can fly daily with Sounds Air direct to Christchurch from here.

Flights to Wānaka

Driving to Wānaka

Driving on the South Island roads of New Zealand is a great way to experience the region, with relatively quiet roads and some of the most amazing scenery right outside the window.

Major car and campervan hire companies are all located at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. There are also a number of rental car companies based in Wānaka.

Driving To Wānaka

Explore Region

Discover the Regions

Flights to Wānaka

Wānaka also has its own airport for scenic and charter flights and you can fly daily with Sounds Air direct to Christchurch from here.

Flights to Wānaka