Queenstown & Wānaka Ski Bus - Transport & Access Guide

Queenstown and Wānaka are two of New Zealand’s premier ski destinations, offering access to world-class ski fields like Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone. But navigating alpine roads in winter - especially after fresh snow - can be daunting.

Wānaka & Queenstown ski bus services make reaching the slopes easy and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-timer, a family with kids, or a seasoned skier chasing powder, these shuttles get you up the mountain without the hassle of driving or parking.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, free on-mountain shuttles at both Cardrona and Treble Cone offer a backup - letting you park lower down and ride up the final stretch.

How ever you choose to travel, getting to the snow is simple - so you can focus on the turns, not the access roads.

Why Take the Ski Bus to Cardrona & Treble Cone?

Alpine roads in winter are no joke. Icy corners, snow-covered gravel, and chain bays aren’t exactly the most relaxing way to start your ski day. That’s why the Queenstown ski bus and Wānaka ski bus are such popular choices. You’ll be driven by professionals who know the alpine terrain inside out, meaning all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the views.

For those who’d rather share a laugh with fellow passengers than focus on the drive, the ski bus is a no-brainer. Families love it for its convenience, while budget and environment-conscious travellers skip the rental car altogether and put that money towards après snacks or another day on the hill. And when the lifts stop spinning? No need to skip happy hour - your ride home is sorted.

Our highlights: 

• Park the Parking Stress: Get dropped right at the base lodges. 

• More Chill, Less Drill: Relax, catch the sunrise, or make new bus buddies. 

• Kinder on the Planet: Fewer cars = happier mountains.

Ski Bus to Cardrona Alpine Resort

Cardrona’s a crowd-pleaser; heaps of terrain, cruisy groomers, and all the bells and whistles you’d expect from New Zealand’s largest ski resort. It’s also one of the easiest ski fields to reach by bus. 

If you’re coming from Queenstown, expect a scenic ride of just over an hour. The Queenstown to Cardrona bus picks up in central Queenstown and Frankton, with dedicated seating and gear storage sorted for the trip. From Wānaka, the ride is even shorter - around 40 minutes from the lakefront to the base building. Buses run daily during the season, but spots fill quickly, so book ahead, especially around weekends, school holidays, and snow days.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular chasing early tracks, the ski bus to Cardrona is one of the simplest ways to start your snow day on the right foot.

Queenstown to Cardrona Bus

• Journey Time: ~1 hr 10 mins 

• Pick-Up Points: Fernhill, Queenstown Station Building, Frankton. See all. 

• Best For: Anyone skipping the rental car, or who’d rather not drive. 

Wānaka to Cardrona Bus

• Journey Time: ~40 mins 

• Pick-Up Points: Lakefront, select accommodations. See all.  

• Best For: Skiers eager for first lifts and families juggling gear. 

Ski Bus to Treble Cone

Treble Cone is legendary for its steeps, chutes, and wide-open powder bowls - but also for a slightly longer drive. That’s why many seasoned riders opt for the Treble Cone ski bus, especially after snowfall.

From Wānaka, the journey takes about 35 minutes, passing by some of the most scenic alpine vistas in the country. For those based in Queenstown, you’re looking at around 1 hour 40 minutes of relaxed, scenic travel - plenty of time to relax before a big day on TC’s iconic terrain.

The Wānaka to Treble Cone bus is your best bet for safe, reliable access, especially on busy days or when the road conditions get tricky. And if you're heading up from Queenstown, the Queenstown to Treble Cone ski bus turns what would be a full-on drive into a comfortable commute.

Wānaka to Treble Cone Bus

• Journey Time: ~35 mins

• Pick-Up Points: Lakefront, select accommodations. See all.

• Best For: Snow Core diehards and seasoned Mountain Escapers who know TC’s terrain is worth the early start. 

Queenstown to Treble Cone Bus

• Journey Time: ~1 hr 40 mins 

• Pick-Up Points: Station Building, Frankton. See all.  

• Best For: Core skiers looking for the ultimate day mission. 

Ski Bus to Coronet Peak & The Remarkables

Staying in Queenstown and keeping it local? The ski bus network also services Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, with quick, regular rides from the town centre and Frankton.

Coronet Peak is just 20 minutes up the road and is known for its night skiing and early-bird First Tracks sessions. The Remarkables, slightly further out at 45 minutes, offers beginner-friendly terrain, creative freestyle zones, and great views over Lake Whakatipu. Both fields have sealed access roads, but can still get icy and snowfall, so hopping on the Queenstown ski bus can save the stress, especially if you're not used to alpine driving.

Coronet Peak Ski Bus 

• Journey Time: ~20 mins

• Pick-Up Points: Station Building, Frankton

• Highlights: Night skiing, First Tracks, cruisy groomers.

The Remarkables Ski Bus

• Journey Time: ~45 mins 

• Pick-Up Points: Station Building, Frankton 

• Highlights: Epic views, beginner terrain, terrain parks. 

 Insider Tips for Taking the Ski Bus 

• Book Early: Seats fill fast—especially on pow days. 

• Arrive 10 Mins Early: The bus won’t wait! 

• Layer Up: Conditions can change fast. 

• Snacks & Water: Fuel up before you ride. 

• Check Snow Reports: Live updates from 6am on our website.

Driving Yourself? Here’s What to Know

If you’d rather hit the road yourself, you can access all four major resorts - Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables - from both Queenstown and Wānaka. Just be aware that alpine driving has its challenges, especially after fresh snowfall.

Cardrona and Treble Cone both have gravel access roads that can be icy or require chains on certain days. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables have sealed roads, but conditions still vary - especially in the early mornings. Whatever you’re driving, always carry chains and check the daily road reports before you set off.

Cardrona Access Road 

• 13km of gravel road 

• Chains occasionally required 

• 4WD or 2WD with chains ok 

Treble Cone Access Road 

• 7km gravel road 

• Steep and challenging after snowfall 

• 4WD recommended 

Coronet Peak & The Remarkables 

• Both have fully sealed alpine roads 

• Chains sometimes required 

Free On-Mountain Shuttles

Not feeling the final stretch? We get it. Both Cardrona and Treble Cone offer free mountain shuttles from the bottom of the mountain access road carparks to the base building. These run throughout the day and don’t require a booking - just show up and hop on.

It’s a great option if you’re renting a 2WD vehicle, forgot your chains, or just want to avoid the final section of the drive. Families love the help with the gear, it saves you fuel, and it gives confidence to those who aren’t keen on driving up snow-covered switchbacks.

Whether you’re heading up for your first day on snow or your five hundredth lap of the Saddle, getting there should never be the hard part. With the Queenstown ski bus, Wānaka ski bus, and on-mountain shuttles all in the mix, you’ve got options to suit your style, budget, and comfort level.

Forget the faff, skip the stress, and focus on what really matters - those bluebird days, fresh turns, and après laughs.