How to travel from Auckland to Queenstown, New Zealand
The distance between Auckland and Queenstown is around 1,060km (659 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3hrs.
2 routes found
We've found 2 different ways to get from Auckland to Queenstown by train, plane, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Queenstown → Auckland if you're planning a return trip.
Train and Plane
Take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN).
- Duration3hrs
- Flight time1h 55m
- Typical costNZ$295($180)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Queenstown.
- Duration20h 40m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$385($235)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Auckland and Queenstown
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Auckland to Queenstown by train, plane, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to take the train and then fly which costs around NZ$295 ($180) and will take around 3hrs.
The distance between Auckland and Queenstown is around 1,060km (659 miles).
It takes around 3hrs to get from Auckland and Queenstown by train and plane.
The quickest way to get from Auckland to Queenstown is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx NZ$295 ($180).
The cheapest way to travel between Auckland and Queenstown is to take the train and then fly which will typically cost around NZ$295 ($180) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Auckland and Queenstown. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Auckland and Queenstown. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Auckland to Queenstown. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
The closest major airport to Queenstown is Queenstown Airport (ZQN) (ZQN) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Queenstown. Wanaka Airport (WKA) (WKA) and Dunedin International Airport (DUD) (DUD) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Auckland to Queenstown. We recommend that you take the train to Puhinui Train Station then fly from Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Auckland to Queenstown is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 3hrs and will usually cost around NZ$295 ($180).
Compare travel optionsbetween Auckland and Queenstown
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Train and Plane | 3hrs | NZ$295($180) | every 20 mins | 1,060km (659 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 20h 40m | NZ$385($235) | 4 times a day | 1,555km (966 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Auckland and Queenstown
Airlines
Train operators
AT Metro
Ferry operators
Airports near Queenstown
The following major airports near Queenstown offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
- Distance
- 6km (4 miles) from Queenstown
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
- Distance
- 57km (36 miles) from Queenstown
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
- Distance
- 156km (97 miles) from Queenstown