wanaka travel transport services

Transfers between Wanaka & Queenstown

Transfer yourselves and your gear between wanaka and queenstown..

Kirsty is a friendly Wanaka local who loves nothing more than helping others out, and to get them the best possible experience for travellers when here in Wanaka and the surrounding Otago region.

Wanaka Transfers provides private airport transfers between Queenstown Airport and Wanaka, Dunedin Airport and Wanaka and mountain transfers between Queenstown Airport and the Cardrona Apartments.

If you require transfers to and from biking trails and walking tracks or anything that you are specifically looking at around the Otago region Kirsty is more than happy to discuss this with you.

Based in Wanaka Kirsty and her team provide a friendly addition to traditional taxis and shuttle services with a personal driving experience around the Central Otago region.

With a range of vehicles, all your needs are covered. Our late model Toyota ten seater minibuses, twelve-seater minibus, Subaru Outback or Toyota Prado can comfortably transfer up to 40 people with all your gear.

And we have Wanaka Transfers’ trailers available to transfer your gear to and from Queenstown Airport. Let me know how many are travelling, how much gear you have and we can take it from there!

We will pick up and drop-off our clients in the transfer area of the airport in one of our Wanaka Transfers vehicles.

Click here to see our pickup/drop-off area.

Queenstown Airport to Wanaka

From $195 1 or 2 passengers with one bag each

Thereafter $35 per additional person with one bag. Max 11 passengers per vehicle

Queenstown Airport to Cardrona Apartments

$295 for up to four (4) passengers plus one bag each 

To view pricing please click on the book tab or click here

A 20% surcharge will be applied on public holidays to cover increased wages.

Clients can either book online or still continue to send a web enquiry or book by email or phone.

Any queries or special requests please contact us here

TESTIMONIALS

“It was a pleasure having Kirsty pick us up right outside the airport in Queenstown and take us all the way to Wanaka – at a very reasonable price too! Thank you!" Jo, Auckland

“Thank you Kirsty – you couldn’t have made it any easier than our trip from Queenstown to Wanaka (and back again 5 days later). With golf clubs, gear and bikes it was a great way to move us and our stuff seamlessly and easily”. Suzanne, Cambridge

"Taking our car from Wanaka to Queenstown to pick us up at Queenstown Airport was a godsend! We had booked the shuttle across but it had left by the time we had arrived. Kirsty went around to our place in Wanaka, got the keys out of our safe, drove over and dropped our car off to us at the airport – wonderful service and only $10 difference." Rose, Auckland

Kirsty was amazing we missed our shuttle connection (we won’t use them again) and at very short notice drive our car to Queenstown airport. It was super quick and streamlined. Kirsty and Warren are so reliable, organized and professional. I would not hesitate to use them again and recommend them to anyone. It’s a great service that is flexible and reliable and fits in with your schedule. An asset to Wanaka. Ingrid Jeffries, Auckland

Thank you for great service on our recent trip from Queenstown to Lake Wanaka. Also a big thank you to Mel who was so friendly and informative and made the drive personable and enjoyable. Would thoroughly recommend your company to anyone looking for transfers in the area. Janine Newman

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
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Lake Wanaka with Mt Aspiring in the background

Rob Roy Glacier Track Swing bridge

Luxury comfort

KT Sightseeing Wanaka

1 Little Oak Common , Wānaka Town , New Zealand .

KT Sightseeing Wanaka provides airport transfers to/from Queenstown, Christchurch & Wanaka. We run a shuttle service up the Matukituki Valley, Wine Tours & Personalized tours. We provide taxi services & local sightseeing.

Pricing and Conditions

Bookings preferred to be made 48 Hrs prior to day of travel

Our modern 6 seater luxury vehicles will take you where you want to go with added 4WD safety. With our 9 seater mini bus now added to the fleet we provide a Taxi service up the Matukituki Valley where you can do the Rob Roy Glacier track ($160 for up to 4 persons return (xtra persons $40 ea)) with Stunning view of the glacier and surrounding Mountains. This is a 3.5 to 4 hour hike. Other tracks include Roys Peak ($10 P/P return), Diamond Lake ($30 P/P return), and Motatapu ($20 P/P return. Other tracks around Wanaka and the Mt Aspiring National Park include Blue Pools, Hawea, Luggate & Albert Town. All track transfers min 2 persons per booking Travel over to Queenstown / Airport in our 4WD Wagon from $155 for up to 4 persons.

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Getting around Wanaka like a pro: bus, taxi or car rental?

Wanaka is charming town in the south island of New Zealand. Known for its beautiful surroundings, it’s situated by the side of Wanaka Lake with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The town itself is small and you can easily get around on foot to sample one of their many cafes and restaurants. There’s even an old-style cinema that serves warm, straight-out-of-the-oven cookies during an old fashion intermisson! We’re not kidding. The whole cinema smells like cookies. Already found the perfect villa? Good on you! Had a look at things to do in and around town? Excellent! If you’re wondering how to get around, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some useful tips on transport possibilities!

Getting to Wanaka

Wanaka is just a 1-hour drive from Queenstown. There are 3 international airports in relative close proximity to Wanaka: Queenstown Airport (ZQN), Dunedin (DUD) and Christchurch (CHC) . The most convenient one is Queenstown as it is the nearest. If you land in one or the other of the 2 airports, although a bit further, you’ll enjoy a stunning, picturesque drive to Wanaka. 

From the airport, there are several options to get to Wanaka:

There are frequent bus services running from Queenstown and Dunedin to Wanaka. You can use Alpine Connexions, Connectabus or InterCity. The fares start at NZD$35 and they have drop-off (and pick-ups) at the main ski areas.

From Queenstown, you can hop on the train to get to Wanaka and get there in no time. The price for a one-way ticket is NZD$26 . Dunedin Railways offers a beautiful train ride to Wanaka for NZD$50 .

You can also get a private driver or rent a car at the airport and drive to Wanaka yourself. Coming from Queenstown, head to Crown Range Road and Cardrona Valley Road. When coming from Dunedin, take State Highway 8.

Getting Around in Wanaka

Get those legs moving and explore the centre of town on foot. It is very pedestrian-friendly town so there is no excuse not to go walk around and explore. Feeling tired after all those hikes and outdoor adventures? A quicker way to get around is renting a bicycle (mountain biking is great in this area!!) or you can call a taxi to get your from A to B, safe and sound. What if you want to explore more the surroundings (and of course you do!)? There is no shortage of transportation options in Wanaka! Here’s a quick overview;

Wanaka has metered taxis . Fares start at NZD$3 and each mile after costs NZ$1,73. Yello! Cabs is a great company for those in need of a taxi ride any time of the day. Call them on this number:03/443-5555. Yello! Cabs also offers services in the winter season to famous ski stations such as Cardrona and Treble Cone Ski Fields. The fee is NZD$35 for a return ticket.  

Car Rentals

There are several car rental companies. Hireup, A car Wanaka and Adventure Rental Cars Wanaka are recommended. 2WD cars start from NZD$45/day and 4WD from NZD$77/day.

Related:  12 things to do in Wanaka: Make the most out of your New Zealand trip

There are free buses from Wanaka to Treble Cone Ski Field and regular shuttles to Queenstown and other towns on the southern Island in New Zealand.

How about Uber?

Whilst Uber is already up and running in Queenstown, they don’t do drop-offs and pick-ups to Wanaka for safety reasons. Stick with Yellow! Cabs, for now!

Related Posts

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Best time to visit Queenstown – Find the right time for your trip

Get to know Wanaka weather: when is the best time to visit Wanaka?

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Getting Around

Getting Around in Wanaka

Orientation

Tiny Wanaka is walkable from end-to-end, although there are several shuttle services that transport passengers around. Rural pubs often offer courtesy shuttles, so drinkers won’t have to drive.

By Bus -- Connectabus makes twice daily trips between Queenstown and Wanaka in both directions, with drop-offs and pick-ups at all the main ski area turnoffs and the Cardrona Pub, for NZ$35 one-way per person. Alpine Shuttles (tel. 0800/754-9262) depart from Outside Sports to Treble Cone and Cardrona ski areas at 8:15am every day of the ski season. Flying Bus’s (03/443-9193) vehicles pick up from anywhere in Wanaka and Albertown and only go to Treble Cone, for NZ$30 round-trip.

By Taxi -- Taxis are hard to hail here, so call Yello! Cabs to arrange a ride (tel. 03/443-5555).

More Information

www.connectabus.com

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Wanaka Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

From here you can explore the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, hike Rob Roy Glacier, go skiing, boat or kayak on the lake, hike one of the many trails around town, or just chill out. You’ll also find vineyards and wineries in the famed Otago Valley, home to mountains, dramatic skies, and picturesque lakes.

As nearby Queenstown has become overcrowded in recent years, travel to Wanaka has exploded and this sleepy little town has become popular with backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s a really cool little town but there’s not a ton to do here beyond enjoying the outdoors. You can easily see everything in a day or two. Most people come here for a few nights to hike, relax, and move on.

This Wanaka travel guide will help you make the most of your time here — and help you save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Wanaka

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Wanaka

1. Go skiing

Wanaka is a big ski town, and if you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll definitely want to check out the Treble Cone, Snow Farm, and Cardrona ski resorts. They are all located within a 40-minute drive from Wanaka and offer excellent skiing/snowboarding. Lift passes start at 105 NZD per day or 175 NZD per day including equipment rental. Multi-day passes offer the best value for your money.

2. Trek Around Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is a smaller lake located about a 20-minute drive from Wanaka. You can choose from several trails that go around the lake, including the 45-minute loop and a 1-hour hike to the lookout which affords incredible views over the surrounding lakes and mountains. Hiking is easy and suitable for all levels. For a longer hike, the Rocky Mountain Summit Track is 7 kilometers (4 miles) and takes 3 hours (return).

3. Explore Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site, is full of pristine lakes, tall mountains, and epic glaciers. Its namesake mountain stands 3,000 meters (985 feet) tall in the middle of it all, covered in glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and beech forest. There is excellent hiking here, including the 1-hour Blue Pools Track and the 4-hour Roby Roy Track. You can go to the Mount Aspiring Visitor Center in Wanaka before heading out to get detailed maps and tips.

4. Visit wineries

The climate here is ideal for growing grapes, and the primary wine in the area is Pinot Noir. The best way to see the wineries is to rent a car and go on your own. The nearby town of Cromwell has a self-guided 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail, and Alexandra has the Pedal 4 Pinot Trail, which is a 25-kilometer (15-mile) loop in which you cycle to all the different wineries. You can also do a guided tour anytime throughout the year. If you decide to do a full-day tour, you’ll get to do some tastings in the Wanaka Region and then into Central Otago. However, I think that the wine tours are overpriced (they cost around 150 NZD for a 2-3 hour tour or 265 NZD for a full-day tour).

5. Hike Roy’s Peak

With beautiful Wanaka as the backdrop, you can climb to Roy’s Peak from lake-level through farmland and then up to the 1,578-meter (5,177-foot) summit. The peak offers spectacular views of Lake Wanaka, its islands, bays, and the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps/Tiritiri-o-te-Moana, including Mount Aspiring. It’s a 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike (return) that takes about 5-7 hours.

Other Things to See and Do in Wanaka

1. visit puzzling world.

For some quirky fun, visit Puzzling World just outside town. It’s an outdoor maze and sculpture gallery that’s a quick and entertaining visit, especially if you have kids! It’s probably the best family activity in town. Admission to the maze is 18 NZD and the optical illusion space is 20 NZD. A combo ticket for both is 25 NZD.

2. Go horseback riding

Wanaka offers some of the best horse trekking in New Zealand. You can ride with cowboys in the high country and get an idea of what farm life is all about, or you can just enjoy an easy jaunt around Lake Wanaka. A ride along the Gold Discovery Trail in the Cardrona Valley is a great way to learn about the gold rush in the area as well, and you don’t need horseback riding experience to do it. Most two-hour group treks are 100-130 NZD.

4. Cruise Wanaka Lake

Take a boat cruise with Eco Wanaka to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, which is home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). A one-hour guided bush walk is included, which takes you up to a lake right on top of the island! Tours last eight hours and cost 204 NZD. If you’d like to take a shorter cruise, Wanaka Cruises offers a one-hour cruise around the lake for 49 NZD, or a happy hour cruise for 59 NZD (which includes a drink).

5. Go jet boating on the Matukituki River

The glacial Matukituki River is the best place for experiencing river jet boating in New Zealand. Enjoy a 50-minute walk through remote moss-covered forest, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. Wander beneath Avalanche Glacier (when conditions permit) or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Four-hour tours start at 239 NZD.

6. Bike the Glendhu Bay track

From Waterfall Creek the Glendhu Bay track follows the terraces above Lake Wanaka, offering spectacular views. Eventually, it leads to a small north-facing beach — Damper Bay — which is ideal for swimming in the summer. This first section of the track is hilly with some short, steep sections so you’ll want a reasonable level of fitness to do this. There are some really amazing views of Mount Aspiring from Glendhu Bay. You can rent mountain bikes in the area for about 50 NZD a day.

7. Attend the TUKI Festival

If you happen to be in Wanaka in February, attend the Tuki Festival (formerly the Rippon Festival). TUKI showcases some of the best New Zealand musical talent in a beautiful setting at Glendhu Bay. The stage is literally just 50 meters (165 feet) from the lake. A lot of people camp out at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp across the road, but you’ll have to book super quickly because all the spots sell out fast. Tickets start from around 140 NZD.

8. Hike Rob Roy Glacier

Take the Rob Roy Glacier Track into Mount Aspiring National Park, where you’ll get to experience the stunning mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and river valleys of the area. This route is an easy 10-kilometer (6-mile) trek, suitable even for children — and it’s doable in just a few hours. You should check ahead on the national park’s website to make sure there are no avalanche warnings or road closures. The hike starts at the Raspberry Creek car park which is about 54 kilometers (33 miles) west of Wanaka.

9. See Bremner Bay

Bremner Bay on Lake Wanaka is where the locals like to hang out, especially families who like to take advantage of the bay’s sheltered and shallow waters for swimming and picnicking in the warmer months. There’s a long, peaceful stretch of sandy white beach, and the water is clear and perfect for fishing and water sports. There isn’t a whole lot going on here; it’s definitely a place to relax!

10. Trek Mount Iron

This trek is just slightly more difficult than the Rob Roy Glacier Track, but it’s still an easy track. The hike itself is only 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) and shouldn’t take you longer than 90 minutes to do the whole loop. Mount Iron is a glacier-carved mountain rising 250 meters (820 feet) above the countryside, so when you reach the summit you’ll get panoramic views over the Pisa Range.

11. Walk the Outlet Track

The Outlet Track is an easy 3-kilometer (2.8-mile) walk following the clear waters of the Clutha River, stretching from the Lake Wanaka Outlet to Albert Town. It’s an easy route for families (even those with strollers), as well as cyclists and runners. It takes about an hour to do each way.

13. See the Famous Wanaka Tree

The Wanaka Willow is all that is left from a fence that is now on the shore of Lake Wanaka. It’s pretty overrated — it’s just a photogenic tree that got popular on Instagram. Talk about good marketing, right? But if you’re doing the lake walk, you’ll pass it so you might as well stop and snap a photo and tag #ThatWanakaTree!

  For more information about other destinations in New Zealand, check out these guides!

• Auckland Travel Guide
• Bay of Islands Travel Guide
• Christchurch Travel Guide
• Franz Josef Travel Guide
• Nelson Travel Guide
• Queenstown Travel Guide
• Rotorua Travel Guide
• Taupo Travel Guide
• Waitomo Travel Guide
• Wellington Travel Guide

Wanaka Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms cost between 35-40 NZD per night for a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm and 30-33 NZD per night in a dorm with 8 beds or more. Private rooms start at 65 NZD per night for a twin room with a shared bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels here have kitchens for cooking your own meals. None offer free breakfast.

Camping in Wanaka is affordable with tent sites starting from 10 NZD per night for a basic plot (for two people) without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels and motels begin around 140 NZD per night, though most hotels in the area cost over 180 NZD. Expect free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Free breakfast is almost never included.

There are only a handful of Airbnb properties around Wanaka, with private rooms starting at 70-85 NZD per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 120 NZD.

Food – Food in Wanaka consists mostly of seafood, lamb, fish and chips, and meat pies. Expect to indulge on things like roast lamb, muscles, scallops, oysters, and snapper. Like everywhere else in the country, eating out here isn’t cheap (though it’s a little cheaper here than in other cities).

A meal of traditional cuisine costs around 20-25 NZD while a three-course restaurant meal with a drink costs about 40 NZD. There are no McDonald’s (or similar fast-food chains) here, and there are aren’t many affordable takeout places. You can find burritos, burgers, and pizza though, which all cost around 12-15 NZD.

Beer at the bar is 10-12 NZD, a glass of wine is 11-14 NZD, and a cocktail is 16-20 NZD. A latte/cappuccino costs 4.75 NZD while bottled water is 2.75 NZD.

If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend between 70-85 NZD per week for basic foodstuffs like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. PaknSave is typically the cheapest supermarket.

Some of my favorite places to eat here are Federal Diner, Tititea Steak House, and Water Bar.

Backpacking Wanaka Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 65 NZD per day, you can sleep in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, and do free activities like hiking. If you camp or Couchsurf you can lower this by 20 NZD per day. If you plan to drink, you’ll need 10-20 NZD more per day.

On a mid-range budget of 200 NZD a day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, enjoy the occasional drink, eat out for a few meals, do some paid activities (like visit Puzzling World), and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 340 NZD a day or more, you can stay in a hotel, do any activities you want, take a self-guided wine tour, eat out as much as you want, enjoy as many drinks as you want, and rent a car. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NZD.

Wanaka Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

In Wanaka, it’s not too hard to stay on budget. All that surrounding nature is free! You’ll end up spending most of your money on any adventure sports, wine tours, meals, or nights out. Here are all the high-impact ways you can save money in Wanaka:

• Learn to cook – Wanaka receives a lot of tourist traffic so you can expect to find high prices at restaurants. You’re better off preparing your own meals to save yourself some money. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap!
• Take a hike – There are tons of free hiking trails around the area. Rob Roy Glacier and Diamond Lake are two popular trails to try.
• WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a great way to work for your accommodation and food. In return for working on a farm or B&B, you get free room and board. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it lets you stay in a place cheaper and longer. You can do it for a few days or a few months. Keep in mind that most farms will require you to have some experience, as too many inexperienced workers have caused trouble in the past.
• Clean in exchange for your room – Many hostels let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask when you check in if this is possible — it might just save you some money!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is pretty popular in Wanaka. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch, this is a great way to save some money and meet locals.
• Find cheap activities – The book.me.nz website provides last minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. Most of the activities are last minute, but if you’re flexible in when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions! I can’t recommend it enough. You can also check out backpackerguide.nz/deals for great deals.
• Visit off-season – Wanaka is at its busiest in the months of March, June, and July. The area receives the least amount of tourism traffic in November, meaning you’ll find much cheaper prices!
• Walk everywhere – Wanaka is a small, pedestrian-friendly town so you will be able to walk everywhere within the town.
• Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.
• Get the multi-day ski pass – If skiing or snowboarding is your main priority, go for the multi-day passes rather than single passes. They offer pretty decent savings.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Wanaka is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Wanaka has a few hostels that are fun, social, and affordable. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Wanaka Bakpaka
• Mountain View Backpackers
• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy

How to Get Around Wanaka

Wanaka is a small, pedestrian-friendly town so you will be able to walk everywhere during your stay.

Buses – Wanaka is small (under 10,000 people live here) so there is no public city bus. You can arrive/depart via Intercity (the main bus service). The bus to Queenstown takes two hours and costs 30 NZD while the bus from Christchurch takes around nine hours and costs 90 NZD.

Bike rental – You can rent mountain bikes in Wanaka for around 50 NZD per day. E-bikes start at 120 NZD per day.

Taxis/Rideshares – Taxis start at 3.25 NZD and go up by about that much for every kilometer. Avoid them if you can as they aren’t cheap! There are no ridesharing services (like Uber) here.

Car rental – Renting a car is expensive if you pick it up in Wanaka. Small cars can be rented for around 80-100 NZD per day on a multi-day rental. You’ll need an International Driving Permit to rent a vehicle here, which you can get in your home country before you leave. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Wanaka

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning when most North Americans are dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, Kiwis are enjoying their beaches. The climate here is temperate. Summer is from December-February and is the most popular time to visit. Kiwis also take their holidays during this time, so things get busy! Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The average daytime temperature is 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Fall is from March-May, and it’s one of the best times to visit. The crowds have dispersed, prices are lower, and the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 8-20°C (47-69°F).

Winter is from June-August, and it’s a great time to visit if you’re into snow sports. Temperatures in Wanaka are generally between -1-8°C (29-47°F) at this time.

Spring (September-November) is also a nice time to visit as the weather is getting warmer but you still have a good chance of snow. Temperatures are around 2-14°C (36-57°F). It is also very quiet at this time of year.

There’s really no bad time to visit Wanaka, depending on the sort of things you’d like to do. Since New Zealand is so expensive, shoulder season is one of the best times to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Wanaka

Wanaka is super safe. Violent crime and theft are super rare here. That said, it never hurts to always be aware of your surroundings just in case.

If you have a vehicle, be sure to never leave valuables in it overnight or while hiking. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re going hiking or spending time outdoors, bring water and always check the weather in advance so you can dress and prepare accordingly. Bring sunscreen too.

As earthquakes and tsunamis do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and will also send out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Theft and petty crime are very rare.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in New Zealand though.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your important documents, like your passport, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Wanaka Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
• bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
• treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Wanaka Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on New Zealand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Christchurch

Where to Stay in Christchurch: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Auckland

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay in Auckland: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Car seats aren’t required, but you may bring your own if you wish. Everyone is reserved a seat regardless of age. Bus drivers do not help with the installation of car seats, or look after them during the day.
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Breaking news, uber will pay car owners to stop driving — here’s how to get $1,000.

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Uber will pay $1,000 in credits to certain commuters in the US and Canada who ditch their cars for five weeks in favor of public and other transport services, it said Thursday, in its latest effort to drum up business and help reduce emissions.

The ride-hailing and food delivery platform operator has, for several years, battled for the adoption of environment-friendly electric vehicles and has pledged $800 million to support its driver partners’ shift entirely to EVs by 2040.

It has partnered with rental car company Hertz to offer Tesla cars as a rental option for its drivers in the US and Europe, although it is not clear how much of its total fleet currently comprises EVs.

Under the “One Less Car” initiative , Uber will select up to 175 car owners in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver, based on certain eligibility, for the five-week program beginning 22 July.

They will get $500 in credit redeemable on the Uber app, a $200 voucher for car rental or carshare services and $300 for use on alternate modes such as public transport.

A similar initiative by Uber in Australia last year showed that commuters mainly took to walking, cycling and ride-share after ditching their cars.

The move comes as transport operators, including  major US airlines , expect robust tourist activity and travel this summer.

According to Uber, the US has 233 million private vehicles, about 80 million of which are driven less than 10 miles a day on average.

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Bustang for summer travel season

News release.

Statewide  — With the high traffic season underway, the Colorado Department of Transportation is enhancing its Bustang service, providing additional travel options and improving the passenger experience.

“We continually invest in our public transportation services to make it as convenient as possible for residents and visitors alike to get around the state,” said CDOT’s Director of the Division of Transit and Rail, Paul DesRocher. “Timed for the summer travel season, we have added trips to our most popular lines, introduced new coaches to the fleet, resumed our Estes Park service, and have special Pegasus shuttle van ticket offers throughout the summer to make it easier for people to enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer.”

2024 Summer Travel Enhancements

Service Expansion: CDOT is expanding three of its most popular Bustang routes with four additional trips on the West Line between Denver and Glenwood Springs, two additional trips on the South Line between Denver and Colorado Springs, and one additional trip on the North Line between Denver and Fort Collins. CDOT also has adjusted the timing on its North Line holiday and weekend schedules for added convenience.

New Coaches: CDOT is introducing 25 new coaches to its Bustang fleet. The investment underscores CDOT’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation alternatives. All Bustang coaches are equipped with a restroom, bike racks, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports, as well as gear storage under the coach—perfect for family travel and adventure enthusiasts.

Seasonal Service: The Bustang to Estes seasonal service is back this summer, making two roundtrips on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day - between Denver Union Station, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. This year’s schedule includes two new stops in the Boulder area to accommodate travelers.

Pegasus Ticket Offers: The Pegasus shuttle van offers year-round daily express service to/from the mountains originating at Denver’s Union Station, great for single riders and couples, and for day trips. Summer promos include 25% off tickets for travel July 13–31 with promo code JULY25. Pegasus utilizes the I-70 Express Lanes at no additional cost.

In addition, Bustang Outrider provide service to several of the state’s rural locations and convenient connections to all Bustang routes. Outrider currently serves seven routes: Gunnison-Denver, Durango-Grand Junction, Craig-Denver, Lamar-Colorado Springs, Trinidad-Pueblo, Alamosa-Pueblo, and Sterling-Greeley/Sterling-Denver.

Schedules and tickets are available at RideBustang.com

The Bustang family provides statewide public transit service to help improve connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve air quality.

Additional media information: bit.ly/bustangmediakit. Media kit can be obtain by emailing [email protected] .

Statements of Support

Margaret Bowes, Director, I-70 Coalition "Demand for public transportation between Denver and mountain communities continues to grow. The I-70 Coalition is pleased that CDOT has expanded Bustang service on the West Line to include an additional daily route.”

Anna Russo, Public Engagement Specialist, Transport & Parking Services (Fort Collins) “Transfort is excited for the new Bustang North Line schedule changes offering our passengers more convenient weekend travel options. Day trips to Denver or a weekend getaway will be easier than ever without worrying about driving. We are grateful for our partnership with Bustang and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Mayor Gary Hall,Town of Estes Park “The return of the Bustang to Estes service signals the start of the summer season in the Town of Estes Park! Our mission-aligned partnership with CDOT helps us advance our transit goals to enhance the experience of accessing downtown for both locals and visitors. It helps us improve the multimodal transportation options to provide convenient alternatives for those who choose not to drive and park and identify cost-effective options to meet future parking and access needs in a way that promotes continued economic vitality for the Town. Welcome back, Bustang!”

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PM Luxon and Health Minister Open New Primary Birthing Unit in Wānaka

Dr. reti emphasized that the event demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving health infrastructure, particularly in supporting families before birth and during the early days of life..

• New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti to officially open a new primary birthing unit in Wānaka today.

Dr. Reti emphasized that the event demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving health infrastructure, particularly in supporting families before birth and during the early days of life.

“We are honored to open Wānaka’s first birthing unit and to be here in person for the naming of the new facility, Rākai Kahukura,” stated Dr. Reti.

The birthing unit features a birthing room with an ensuite and birthing pool, four post-natal rooms with ensuites, an onsite antenatal clinic with four rooms, a community room for relaxation and education, and a whānau room.

“This facility and the incredible staff who will work here will make a real difference for many local families, who until now have faced long and potentially stressful travel to give birth,” Dr. Reti added. “Each year, we expect Rākai Kahukura to support about 400 families and 50 births. The unit will welcome pregnant women and families from 29 July this year, following an open day for the community to explore the new facility.”

The birthing unit marks a significant step forward for infrastructure in Otago. However, Dr. Reti acknowledged that there is still work to be done to expand access to healthcare in the Central Lakes area.

“This Government is focused on improving the public services New Zealanders rely on, including healthcare. Our goal is for all New Zealanders to have timely access to quality healthcare,” he stated. “The Central Lakes community has experienced significant population growth, and we are committed to improving access to services and delivering quality healthcare, especially for rural communities and growing areas such as Wānaka.”

Dr. Reti also announced further investment for a new Primary Birthing Unit in Clyde. The additional funding will see construction start at the Dunstan Hospital site in early 2025, with the facility expected to welcome patients by 2026. As a combined investment of $11 million, the Wānaka and Clyde Primary Birthing Units bring crucial health services to the region.

“This will add further birthing facilities to the region, improving access to services and the delivery of quality healthcare,” Dr. Reti concluded.

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Getting To Wānaka

The Wānaka region is centrally located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Getting here is easy, with both driving and flying options available.

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.

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.

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.

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