Track Transport FAQs
Where do your buses depart from... in Queenstown?
All services depart from the town centre. For buses to Glenorchy and the Routeburn Shelter, Rees/Dart, or Greenstone car park, the default pick up location is from our shop at 37 Shotover Street. We are directly opposite the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. Services to Te Anau, Milford or The Divide are operated by Tracknet or Kiwi Discovery. Both operators depart from Camp Street, and the precise location will be included in your confirmation email. If you have booked accommodation in Queenstown, let us know on the booking form and if we can arrange a closer pick up location for you, we will.
... In Glenorchy?
All our services depart from the Glenorchy Holiday Park & Information Centre on Oban Street. You will see this building on the right hand side as you drive into town.
Do I need to collect bus tickets if I book online or over the phone?
No. We send confirmation emails for all online bookings which detail your pickup and drop off points, departure times, trip duration, service provider (if not Info&Track), and booking reference numbers. We offer to send the same info for phone bookings. Once you have booked transport and payment has been taken, your name will be on the driver's manifest and this should be all you need to board the bus, although it is always a good idea to keep a copy of the confirmation email handy whilst travelling.
Do I need to check in at Info&Track before boarding a bus?
No. As long as you have pre-booked, just wait out the front of our shop (or at your designated pick up location) 10 minutes prior to departure. The driver will take your name or booking reference number before you board the bus.
Do I need to book track transport or can I just turn up and get on?
Reservations are essential for all track transport services and a surcharge may apply to non-reserved travel. In the quieter months, you risk not having a bus there at all, and during the busier periods it is likely that the most popular services will get booked out a few days in advance.
What if I finish the track early? Can I hop on an earlier departure or will I have to pay again?
If there is space available on an earlier departure by the same service provider, yes. You must let the driver know that you were booked onto another scheduled service. Please note that not all the services listed on this website are provided by Info&Track, so if you are undecided between two departure times, check before you book whether you will be able to switch between them.
Where can I park my vehicle... In Queenstown?
Your accommodation may allow you to store your car while you are walking if you intend to stay upon return. This is something that would have to be cleared before you left. If not, there is free parking on residential streets within walking distance to town and theft and vandalism is minimal. Town centre car parks cost from $12 per week for Pay & Display spaces.
... In Glenorchy?
You can leave your vehicle in a locked paddock at the Glenorchy Holiday Park for a fee of $3.50 per day.
Is there anywhere to store my bags while I am walking the tracks?
We offer storage at our shop, Info&Track, 37 Shotover St, Queenstown on a first come, first served basis for a charge of $5 per item per night. Most accommodation will allow you to store luggage with them provided you are staying with them on your return. The Glenorchy Holiday Park also offer storage for a small fee for people who are returning to Glenorchy.
Is there any way to transfer my bags to Te Anau? Queenstown? Milford?
Yes, Topline Tours provide a bag transfer service between all 3 areas. The cost is $10/bag (up to 15kg) between Queenstown and Te Anau or Milford and Te Anau, and $20/bag between Queenstown and Milford Sound. Please note that bags weighing over 15kg will be charged extra. This can be arranged through our shop in Queenstown; ideally the day before if you are taking an early morning bus from Queenstown to the walking tracks. Please note that bags cannot be freighted to or from track ends.
Will I save money on track transport if I drive my car to Glenorchy and park it there?
If you are walking the Routeburn and doing a loop on the Greenstone or Caples, you will save money. However, if you are finishing your walk at the Divide, you will miss out on the Routeburn Track Loop package options, and transport will end up a little more expensive. You will also need to spend a night in Queenstown before returning to your vehicle (see below).
Is there a bus service that operates between the Divide Shelter and Glenorchy or the Routeburn Shelter?
No. All buses from Milford, the Divide and Te Anau terminate in Queenstown. You would have to use a separate operator from Queenstown to Glenorchy or the Routeburn Shelter, and as the latest bus from Queenstown to Glenorchy leaves at 12.15pm, you would also need to spend a night in Queenstown.
Track FAQs
Please note that you should consult the Department of Conservation (DOC) for specific advice on walking tracks or hiking issues.
Do I need to book the huts or campsites on the Milford/Routeburn/Kepler Tracks?
Due to the limited numbers allowed in the huts and campsites, you are required to have reservations on the tracks during the 'Great Walks' season (from late October to April). This can be done through the DOC website.
How far in advance should I make my hut bookings?
To avoid disappointment, it is always recommended you book the walks well in advance. If you are planning on walking the Milford, it is advisable to begin planning at least 6 months ahead. During the summer, the Routeburn and Kepler tend to fill up a few weeks in advance, so allow yourself at least a month or two for planning - more if you intend to hike over the very busy holiday period. Campsites are less busy, but should still be booked a few days ahead.
Do I need to book huts on the Rees & Dart, or Greenstone/Caples?
As these tracks are not officially 'Great Walks', you do not need to make bookings for specific dates. You do however need to have purchased back country hut tickets from the DOC before heading onto the track.
Do you have to wear hiking boots?
We do advise that you wear hiking boots or at the very least, a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
What is the weather going to be like?
The weather is very unpredictable in New Zealand and you must always be prepared for rain, snow and wind. Generally speaking, January and February are the warmest months. March tends to be the most consistent weather-wise but the evenings are cooler. November and December are the perfect time to view snow-capped peaks.
What level of fitness is required?
You should be able to carry your full backpack approximately 4-8 hours each day. Track surfaces vary from smooth and well-formed to rough and rocky. If you are not a regular walker, it is recommended you begin getting in shape several weeks before your departure.
Do I need enough water to last me the whole trip or can I refill along the way? Does the water need to be boiled?
You can refill your water bottle at the DOC huts and at running streams along the route. Generally speaking, you won't need to boil the water on the Milford, Kepler or Routeburn Tracks but check with DOC before leaving to see if there have been any recent problems. It is a good idea to boil the water on the Rees, Dart, Greenstone and Caples Tracks.
What can I do with my rubbish?
There are no waste facilities on any of the walking tracks so keep this in mind when packing. You will have to carry all your rubbish out with you.
What clothing do I need to bring?
For day.... Boots, walking socks, t-shirt, polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), hat, gloves, fleece jacket, walking shorts, rain jacket and pants. For night... long-sleeve shirt, trousers, underwear, sandals or light shoes, sleepwear.
How bad are the sandflies?
Pretty bad, especially on the Milford Track. Bring insect repellent.
Are there any walks around Miford Sound?
The Piopiotahi/Milford Foreshore Walk; an interpretive walk of up to 30mins, begins from the main visitor carpark.
Are there any walks from Glenorchy?
There are several walking tracks just outside the town centre, although most require a vehicle to get to. A trail from the main town pier meets a boardwalk looping through the Glenorchy lagoon. This walk takes approx an hour. Maps and walking information can be obtained from the Glenorchy Holiday Park.
What accommodation is available in Milford Sound?
It's important to remember that Milford Sound is not a town and therefore has limited services. Milford Sound Lodge provides camping sites, dorm beds, double and twin shared-facility rooms, and a few luxury riverside chalets. Real Journeys also operate fully-catered overnight cruises with bus connections from Te Anau or Queenstown.
