How to travel from Rotorua to Queenstown, New Zealand
The distance between Rotorua and Queenstown is around 1,227km (762 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3hrs.
4 routes found
We've found 4 different ways to get from Rotorua to Queenstown by taxi, plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Queenstown → Rotorua if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Queenstown (ZQN).
- Duration3hrs
- Flight time2h 30m
- Typical costNZ$245($150)
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Wellington - Central then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch and then to Queenstown.
- Duration1 day 2h
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$260($160)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Queenstown.
- Duration18h 35m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$345($210)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Rotorua and Queenstown
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Rotorua to Queenstown by taxi, plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around NZ$245 ($150) and will take around 3hrs.
The distance between Rotorua and Queenstown is around 1,227km (762 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 992km (617 miles)
It takes around 3h 35m to get from Rotorua and Queenstown by taxi and plane.
The quickest way to get from Rotorua to Queenstown is to fly which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx NZ$245 ($150).
The cheapest way to travel between Rotorua and Queenstown is to fly which will typically cost around NZ$245 ($150) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Rotorua and Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Rotorua and Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Rotorua (ROT) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Rotorua and Queenstown. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and arrive at Queenstown (ZQN) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 30m.
There is no direct flight from Rotorua to Queenstown. There is however a flight that goes via Auckland (AKL). This services will take at least 3hrs (not including layover time).
The flight from Rotorua to Queenstown typically takes around 2h 30m. Flights depart from Rotorua (ROT) and and arrive into Queenstown (ZQN).
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 Rotorua to Queenstown. We recommend that you take a taxi to Tauranga (TRG) then fly from Tauranga (TRG) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3h 35m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Rotorua to Queenstown is to take a taxi and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 35m and will usually cost around NZ$700 ($425).
Compare travel optionsbetween Rotorua and Queenstown
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 3hrs | NZ$245($150) | every 2 hours | 1,227km (762 miles) |
| Taxi and Plane | 3h 35m | NZ$700($425) | every 20 mins | 1,247km (775 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 1 day 2h | NZ$260($160) | 4 times a week | 1,417km (880 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 18h 35m | NZ$345($210) | 4 times a day | 1,364km (847 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Rotorua and Queenstown
Airlines
Sounds Air
Ferry operators
Bus companies
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