Our Buses

Can I store my luggage with you?

Yes, however we can only provide luggage storage on the Milford Track as our lock up is in Te Anau. If you require luggage storage for the Routeburn or Kepler Track we recommend that you speak to your hotel about their luggage storage facilities. 

Do you operate all year round?

We offer a regular service throughout the Great Walks and track season which runs from the 1st November - 30th April. We also operate during fridge season (the first month of off season) which is when the huts become available. Please bear in mind that during fridge season the huts are unavailable to book so operate on a first come first serve basis and they also do not have power.

If you are looking to walk outside the Great Walks season (1st May -31st October) then we do also offer a private charter service.

Can I be picked up or dropped off at my accommodation?

To ensure all buses leave and arrive on time, we pick all our guests up from set locations - please see below. 

Where do the buses depart from, and return to?

Our buses all depart and return to convenient pick up locations: 

• Central Queenstown, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown, 9300

• Frankton Bus Terminus, Queenstown, 9300

• Queenstown Airport Pick-up/Drop -Off, Frankton, Queenstown, 9300

• Te Anau Central, Fiordland Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 9600

• Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe, 83 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound, 9679

When do your buses depart?

You can find our 2025/2026 bus time table here.

How big are your buses?

We offer three sizes of our comfortable buses: a 20 seater, 17 seater and 12 seater.

Do you offer child car seats?

Yes we do. And we strongly recommend that if your child is under 8, you reserve a child car seat that allows our seat belts to fit your child correctly and safely. If your child is younger than 8 and you do not reserve a car seat and there are none available, they will be unable to travel. 

Am I able to bring a bike on the bus?

Our bus is able to take one bike in a box. If you would like to book this, please specify when booking so that the necessary permissions can be granted. For more details including charges (subject to the bike) please get in contact.

Tickets & Payments

Do I have to prebook or can I pay on the day?

Whilst you can pay on the day, we highly recommend that you pre-book online, as many of our services sell out and we don’t want you to not be able to get to the track. 

Do I need to collect any tickets or are they emailed to me?

All transport tickets are emailed out in advance, we also suggest that you check your email for DOC confirmation tickets.

Cancellation & Amendments

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel 24 hours before departure then we can issue a full refund. If you cancel at any time within 24 hours of departure you are charged the full amount. If you want to travel at another time, get in touch and we can amend your booking.  

What happens if the weather means I can't do the walk?

If the weather means that it is unsafe or unsuitable for you to head out on your tramp, we recommend that you first head to the Department of Conservation's website to see what they recommend to do next (whether you need to postpone your walk to another day or if you can get out on the track later) and the options available to you.  Then give us a call and we can rearrange your transport.

What if I finish the walk earlier or later than expected?

DOC (Department of Conservation) requires you to book your Great Walk on set days. If you finish on a different day to the one that you selected when booking, it’s against the terms of condition of the DOC hut tickets.

Our buses are timed to give everyone space and time to finish the walk. However, if you arrive later than the bus, please get in contact so that we can help you arrange another means of transport. If you finish your walk before the bus arrives,then take the time to relax!

Contact

What are your office hours/contact details?

Want to chat with one of The Great Walks Bus team?
Give us a call on +64(0)3 398 1249 or if you’re calling from outside of New Zealand you can reach us on 0800 882 665. Our number is monitored between 8am and 5:30pm during the Great Walks season (1st November - 30th April).

Or send us an email at bookings@greatwalksbus.com and we will reply within 24 hours.