How to travel from Taupo to Queenstown, New Zealand
The distance between Taupo and Queenstown is around 1,265km (786 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 Taupo to Queenstown by 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 → Taupo if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN).
- Duration3hrs
- Flight time2h 35m
- Typical costNZ$445($270)
+ 2 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Ferry
Take the bus to Johnsonville then take a ferry to Picton then take the bus to Christchurch and then to Queenstown.
- Duration23h 35m
- Departs4 times a week
- Typical costNZ$245($150)
Multiple operators
Car and Ferry
Drive to Wellington then take a ferry to Picton then drive to Queenstown.
- Duration17h 45m
- Departs4 times a day
- Typical costNZ$325($200)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Taupo and Queenstown
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Taupo to Queenstown by plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take a ferry which costs around NZ$245 ($150) and will take around 23h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately NZ$445 ($270).
The distance between Taupo and Queenstown is around 1,265km (786 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 927km (576 miles)
It takes around 3hrs to get from Taupo and Queenstown by plane.
The quickest way to get from Taupo to Queenstown is to fly which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx NZ$445 ($270).
The cheapest way to travel between Taupo and Queenstown is to take the bus and then take a ferry which will typically cost around NZ$245 ($150) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Taupo and Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Taupo and Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Taupo and Queenstown. Flights depart from Taupo (TUO) and arrive at Queenstown (ZQN) - via Auckland (AKL). The flight takes around 2h 35m.
There is no direct flight from Taupo 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 Taupo to Queenstown typically takes around 2h 35m. Flights depart from Taupo (TUO) 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 Taupo to Queenstown. We recommend that you fly from Taupo (TUO) to Queenstown (ZQN). instead which will take 3hrs.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Taupo to Queenstown is to fly which takes, on average, 3hrs and will usually cost around NZ$445 ($270).
Compare travel optionsbetween Taupo and Queenstown
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 3hrs | NZ$445($270) | every 20 mins | 1,265km (786 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 4h 55m | NZ$270($165) | once daily | 1,306km (811 miles) |
Bus and Ferry | 23h 35m | NZ$245($150) | 4 times a week | 1,295km (805 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 17h 45m | NZ$325($200) | 4 times a day | 1,284km (798 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Taupo 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