Getting here by land
New Zealand has a very well signed road system, making it very easy to navigate your own way around. If driving yourself doesn't appeal, there are bus and coach services as well as trains.
We can book any transport that you may need.
Driving yourself
Road conditions are excellent, with all major routes sealed and well signed. Petrol stations are easy to find, usually on the outskirts of small towns and towards the centre of most towns and cities.
Travel times by road from Dunedin are as follows (allowing for petrol stops only, not sight seeing):
- Christchurch - 5 hours
- Oamaru - 1.5 hours
- Queenstown - 4 hours
- Catlins - 1.5 hours
- Te Anau - 4 hours
- Invercargill - 2.5 hours
Look for the Visitor Information Network 'i' for information about the area you are travelling through. Most dairies, convenience stores and petrol stations are also happy to help lost travellers find their way.
Main routes
You will approach Dunedin from one of three main directions:
- South from Christchurch and Canterbury
- East from Queenstown and Central Otago
- North from Invercargill and Southland through South Otago
By coach or bus
We recommend that you prebook your seats as buses fill very quickly, especially during peak season. If your first choice is full, we can suggest alternatives. All bookings for these services can be made with the i-SITE Dunedin Visitor Centre.
Some companies offer the usual one way and return tickets, while others operate a flexible ticketing system, allowing you to get on and off the bus a number of times in a specified travel period.
Other companies cater specifically to the budget or backpacker markets offering deals that appeal to free and independent travellers.
By train
The Taieri Gorge Railway operates daily services connecting with coach services through to Queenstown.
The scenic train journey takes you through the heart of historic Otago. The train crosses impressive viaducts constructed during the late 1800s. Tunnels, huge cliffs dropping away to the river below and the stark, almost unreal landscape makes this a very memorable journey indeed.
The train is fully serviced with licensed snack bar, commentary, photo opportunity stops and optional coach connections through to Queenstown. Passengers wanting to travel on to Queenstown must arrange this at time of booking.
Last reviewed: 25 Jul 2008 1:56pm
Phone us on 477 4000
