How to travel from Franz Josef to Wanaka, New Zealand

The distance between Franz Josef and Wanaka is around 285km (177 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 3h 15m.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Franz Josef 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 WanakaFranz Josef if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Wanaka.

  • Duration6h 25m
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    NZ$46($28)
Operated by

GreatSights

🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Wanaka.

  • Duration3h 15m
  • Distance285km (177 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Franz Josef and Wanaka

There are several options for getting from Franz Josef to Wanaka by bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around NZ$46 ($28) and will take around 6h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 3h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$64 ($39).

The distance between Franz Josef and Wanaka is around 285km (177 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 167km (104 miles)

It takes around 6h 25m to get from Franz Josef and Wanaka by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 15m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Franz Josef to Wanaka is to drive which takes around 3h 15m and will set you back approx NZ$64 ($39).

The cheapest way to travel between Franz Josef and Wanaka, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around NZ$46 ($28) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Franz Josef and Wanaka. We recommend that you drive to Wanaka. instead which will take 3h 15m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Franz Josef and Wanaka. It typically takes around 6h 25m and departs 3 times a week.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Franz Josef and Wanaka with no changeovers required. The bus runs 3 times a week and takes 6h 25m.

GreatSights run regular bus services between Franz Josef and Wanaka. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 6h 25m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Franz Josef to Wanaka. We recommend that you take the bus to Wanaka. instead which will take 6h 25m.

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.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Franz Josef and Wanaka. The distance is around 285km (177 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 15m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Franz Josef to Wanaka is to take the bus which takes, on average, 6h 25m and will usually cost around NZ$46 ($28).

How do I get from Franz Josef to Wanaka

Compare travel optionsbetween Franz Josef and Wanaka

Transport options from Franz Josef to Wanaka
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
6h 25m
NZ$46($28)
3 times a week285km (177 miles)
Drive
3h 15m
NZ$64($39)
on demand285km (177 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Franz Josef and Wanaka

Bus companies

Airports near Wanaka

The following major airports near Wanaka offer regular flights to various popular destinations within New Zealand and internationally.

WKA
Wanaka Airport (WKA)
Domestic Airport
Distance
9km (6 miles) from Wanaka
ZQN
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
International Airport
Distance
48km (30 miles) from Wanaka
DUD
Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
International Airport
Distance
160km (99 miles) from Wanaka