The landing itself is easy
You know that feeling when you fly into Queenstown. The plane swoops between the mountains, you have the Remarkables on one side of your window and someone lets out a gasp. You walk off the plane onto the tarmac, catch your carousel and get through biosecurity. All of a sudden you’re on the kerb with your two suitcases, ski bag and child who hasn’t slept since 4am.
It’s not as far as you think. The Queenstown Airport is located in Frankton. This is still a distance away from the CBD, about 15-20 minutes depending on the traffic on Frankton Road. However during the winter evenings it can get pretty busy. The shuttles will be busy, taxis will queue up and rides can be hit or miss using apps.
Why I don’t wing it anymore
In the past I’ve always found something on arrival. Sometimes this works out, but sometimes it means standing around for 40 minutes or sharing a van with other people who get dropped off first.
Now I always pre-book a private transfer. This is mostly for groups but if there is any equipment involved it’s best to pre-book. Queenstown Luxury Chauffeurs is one of the companies in Queenstown offering this service. Their service is straightforward. As per their site, the driver will be monitoring your flight, waiting for you to get through biosecurity and will meet you in arrivals with your name on a sign. They will also help you with your luggage. This is a private vehicle so there’s no sharing and no detours to another hotel. Their prices are also fixed so this is a big thing to consider. Whilst they do say there may be additional charges for significant delays, this seems fair.
Read more here: Queenstown private airport transfer
What to send ahead
This is usually what people forget to do, however it will make your pickup easy. I’ll send the following:
- Flight number – Flights to ZQN get changed around when the weather is being moody.
- Number of people and, honestly, how much luggage – 4 adults with backpacks will need a different car to 4 adults with skis, boot bags and a folded pram.
- Exact drop off location – Queenstown is a big area. Are you staying at a hotel on the lake front, a rental in Fernhill, out at Jacks Point or in a cottage in Arrowtown?
- Any awkward items – Child seats, guitars, anyone who gets carsick on hills.
Just give them a 2 minute call whilst you’re at the gate.
Which car to choose?
They have a small fleet so you can see exactly what you’ll get. A Mercedes-Benz EQC which is a great electric SUV for a couple or small family. The BMW X5 is a 7 seater so perfect for larger groups or a couple of ski bags. They also have a Cadillac CTS Sedan, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Prius for simpler journeys.
I like to always go up a size. Luggage seems to get bigger in Queenstown! Someone will always buy a merino jumper and someone will always bring back 3 bottles of pinot from Gibbston.
They also have female chauffeurs available. You can tick a box on the booking form. If you often travel alone for work this is a good feature.
Local tips
During the winter months (June to September) you may experience some delays or diversions due to fog or snow. Knowing your driver will be monitoring your flight will take away a lot of stress.
Don’t plan to drive straight to Cardrona or over the Crown Range if you haven’t driven these roads before. Stay in town for your first night.
If you’re staying in Arrowtown this is a short drive however it’s dark and an unfamiliar road. Get someone else to drive you.
Use the toilet before leaving the terminal. It’s a small airport and can get very busy when two flights arrive at the same time.
Is it worth it?
If you’re travelling alone with a carry on and arriving during the day, probably not. Just take the bus, it’s cheap and easy.
However if you’re travelling with a family, group, work or arriving in the dark during the winter months I think it’s worth booking a transfer. You’ll walk outside and someone will be there with your name. Your luggage goes in the boot and 20 minutes later you’ll be looking out over Lake Wakatipu rather than looking at your phone wondering where your ride is.
If you’d like to see what other services they offer such as wine tours, weddings and self drive rentals, please check out their website: Queenstown Luxury Chauffeurs. I’m happy I don’t have to stand on a cold kerb for the first hour of my holiday anymore!
