The distance between Arthur's Pass and Wanaka is around 517km (321 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 5h 55m.
We've found 2 different ways to get from Arthur's Pass to Wanaka by bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Wanaka → Arthur's Pass if you're planning a return trip.
Take the bus to Christchurch then Cromwell and then to Wanaka.
Multiple bus operators
There are several options for getting from Arthur's Pass to Wanaka by bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$115 ($69) and will take around 10h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 5h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$115 ($70).
The distance between Arthur's Pass and Wanaka is around 517km (321 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 275km (171 miles)
It takes around 10h 35m to get from Arthur's Pass and Wanaka by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 55m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Arthur's Pass to Wanaka is to drive which takes around 5h 55m and will set you back approx NZ$115 ($70).
The cheapest way to travel between Arthur's Pass and Wanaka, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$115 ($69) for a standard one-way ticket.
There is no train service that runs between Arthur's Pass and Wanaka. We recommend that you drive to Wanaka. instead which will take 5h 55m.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Arthur's Pass and Wanaka. It typically takes around 10h 35m and departs 3 times a week.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Arthur's Pass to Wanaka. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Christchurch and Cromwell. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 10h 35m.
Atomic Travel, InterCity and GreatSights run regular bus services between Arthur's Pass and Wanaka. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 10h 35m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Arthur's Pass to Wanaka. We recommend that you take the bus to Christchurch then Cromwell and then to Wanaka. instead which will take 10h 35m.
The closest major airport to Wanaka is Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Wanaka. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) and Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Arthur's Pass and Wanaka. The distance is around 517km (321 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 55m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Arthur's Pass to Wanaka is to take the bus which takes, on average, 10h 35m and will usually cost around NZ$115 ($69).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bus | 10h 35m | NZ$115($69) | 3 times a week | 633km (393 miles) |
Drive | 5h 55m | NZ$115($70) | on demand | 517km (321 miles) |
Atomic Travel
GreatSights
Ritchies Auckland
Sounds Air
The following major airports near Wanaka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.