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Twizel, Canterbury to Wanaka, Otago from $18: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Twizel, New Zealand
to
Wanaka, New Zealand

How to Get from Twizel to Wanaka: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$18 by busBest price
143.2 kmDistance
1h 39m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Twizel to Wanaka with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
InterCity
Bus
Average Duration
3h  4m
Estimated price
$18-60
Cheapest
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  39m
Estimated price
$24-40
Recommended
route map
Distance: 143.2 km
Duration: 1h 39m

See more options

Company
InterCity
Bus
Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$10-40
Company
GreatSights
Bus
Average Duration
1h  34m
Estimated price
$14-30
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Traveling From Twizel to Wanaka

The journey from Twizel to Wanaka offers a vibrant contrast, with Twizel’s tranquil lakeside charm giving way to Wanaka’s lively alpine activities and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Best Neighbourhoods in Wanaka

Wanaka boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.

Lakefront
• Stunning views of Lake Wanaka
• Ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics
Cardrona Valley
• Close to Cardrona ski fields
• Gorgeous landscapes year-round
Albert Town
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Access to bike trails and riverside walks

Best Times To Visit Wanaka's Attractions

Plan your visit around these key times to enjoy Wanaka's best attractions without the crowds.

Lake Wanaka
Early mornings or late afternoons offer serene views and fewer visitors.
Puzzling World
Weekdays typically see smaller crowds, enhancing your puzzle-solving experience.
Mount Iron
Sunrise hikes provide breathtaking views and peace on the trails.

Wanaka Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Wanaka enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, offering warm summers ideal for outdoor activities and crisp winters perfect for skiing. Planning your visit around the milder months of spring and autumn can enhance your overall travel experience by avoiding extreme temperatures and crowds.

Dining Recommendation in Wanaka

For an unforgettable dining experience, try the seasonal lamb dish at the trendy restaurant ‘Kika,’ which showcases Wanaka's local ingredients with a creative twist—a stark contrast to Twizel’s more traditional fare. The vibrant atmosphere and innovative flavors at Kika elevate your meal into an experience that embraces the region's culinary artistry.

Twizel - Wanaka operators

Explore transport companies operating between Twizel and Wanaka, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780
Website
https://www.intercity.co.nz/

Bus from Twizel to Tarras

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$14-30

Bus from Tarras to Wanaka

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$10-40
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5790
Website
https://www.greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/

Bus from Twizel to Tarras

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$8-12

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Twizel to Wanaka.

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The distance between Twizel and Wanaka in New Zealand is 92 km, with a road distance of 144 km. The typical travel time by car to reach Twizel from Wanaka is approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes. Alternatively, the bus journey from Twizel to Wanaka takes around 3 hours and 4 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Twizel to Wanaka is by car. It takes approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes to drive, and the cost is around $24-$40. Driving allows you the flexibility to explore the scenic route at your own pace. Other transportation options such as taking a bus may take longer, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 4 minutes.
The prices for a bus ticket from Twizel to Wanaka range from $27 to $53.
To travel from Twizel to Wanaka without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two is approximately 145 km, and the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes. The prices for renting a car and driving from Twizel to Wanaka can range from $24 to $40.
The best way to travel from Twizel to Wanaka without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes. The bus ticket prices range from $26 to $55 depending on the type of bus and the time of travel.
There is no direct link between Twizel and Wanaka by bus. However, there are services available that involve a transfer at Tarras. The journey using this route takes approximately 3 hours and 4 minutes. Twizel to Wanaka bus services are operated by InterCity, departing from Twizel station and arriving at Wanaka station.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Wanaka. With over 437 hotels to choose from, you will have a wide range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Wanaka start at $72 per night, ensuring there are options for every traveler's budget.