The Public Transport Options
We would like you to consider and share your thoughts on the options below:
If you wish, you can compare these options with the current bus and ferry services.
Feedback is open until 11.59pm Monday, 2 October.
On this page (jump to):
What have we considered?
Which type of buses will be used?
What options are possible?
Option 1: Minimal transfers
Option 2: Town Centre to Jack’s Point (connection to other routes at Frankton Bus Hub)
What will both bus options offer?
Ferry Service
On-demand services – Queenstown Hill & Goldfield Heights
Arrowtown via Malaghans Road sub-option
How much will this cost?
When would bus service changes happen?
When will the final decision be made?
What have we considered?
We considered and tested a range of technologies and types of public transport, including buses, ferries, and in the longer-term, off-road solutions, such as gondolas. This work showed that once planned bus priority measures are in place, a bus-based solution is best for Queenstown for at least the next 30 years.
Due to Queenstown’s stunning geography limiting route choice, the options are about where and how the network operates.
Which type of buses will be used?
These services would start out operating with existing buses, transitioning to a fleet of zero emission buses over time.
As demand increases, these buses could be replaced as and when needed by articulated or even bi-articulated buses.
An example of a bi-articulated bus (source: Brisbane City Council).
In line with the Government’s zero emission bus mandate, all new buses from 2025 will be zero emission, and the entire Queenstown bus fleet will be decarbonised by 2035. Battery electric buses are most suitable as the technology is ready, well-proven in service across New Zealand, and produces zero tailpipe carbon emissions.
What options are possible?
We now have two preferred bus network, ferry and on-demand options, which have been evaluated and could offer:
- Increased use of public transport in Queenstown to support a functional transport network in the future
- Reduced public transport CO2 emissions in Queenstown to contribute to meeting national and local policy targets
- Access by public transport to jobs and social destinations in line with Queenstown’s future growth predictions as set out in the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan
Option 1: Minimal transfers
This is where many journeys can be accomplished without transferring. This is similar to what most people experience now on the current network. Three frequent routes work together to provide frequent service on Frankton Road (SH6A) between central Queenstown and the Frankton Bus Hub. These frequent routes are:
- Sunshine Bay and Fernhill to Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate (parts of current Routes 1 and 5)
- Arthurs Point to Arrowtown via Frankton and Ladies Mile (current Route 2)
- Queenstown Town Centre to Hanley’s Farm and Jack’s Point via Frankton (current route 4 extended to Queenstown Town Centre)
From the Frankton Bus Hub, individual services will fan out and provide service to:
- Jack’s Point via Queenstown Airport and Hanley’s Farm (current Route 4)
- Arrowtown via SH6 and Ladies Mile (current Route 2)
- Lake Hayes Estate via Shotover Country (current Route 5)
- Kelvin Peninsula and Quail Rise (current Route 3)
And from the Stanley St Bus Hub to:
- Fernhill and Sunshine Bay (current Route 1)
- Arthurs Point via Gorge Road (current Route 2)
How would it be different to now?
- More frequent and evenly timed services between Queenstown Town Centre and Frankton Bus Hub via Frankton Road (SH6A)
- Passengers in Arthurs Point, Jack’s Point, Shotover Country, Lake Hayes Estate, and Arrowtown would have a frequent service, at least every 15 minutes every day of the week, direct to the Town Centre
- One seat ride from Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm to Queenstown Town Centre without needing a transfer at Frankton Bus Hub
Figure 2 — Option 1: Minimal transfers
Option 2: Town Centre to Jack’s Point (connection to other routes at Frankton Bus Hub)
A single frequent spine service from the Town Centre to Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm via Frankton Bus Hub and Queenstown Airport, connecting to all other services listed below at the Frankton Bus Hub:
- Kelvin Peninsula and Quail Rise via Frankton Flats (current Route 3)
- Arrowtown via SH6 and Ladies Mile (current Route 2)
- Lake Hayes Estate via Shotover Country (current Route 5)
And from the Town Centre/Stanley St Bus Hub to:
- Fernhill and Sunshine Bay (current Route 1)
- Arthurs Point via Gorge Road (current Route 2)
How would it be different to now?
- There would be a one-seat ride from Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm to Queenstown Town Centre without needing to change buses at Frankton Bus Hub as at present
- Passengers in Arrowtown, Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover Country would need to change buses at Frankton Bus Hub to get to and from Queenstown Town Centre, whereas at present they have a one-seat ride
- Passengers in Arthurs Point, Jack’s Point, Shotover Country, Lake Hayes Estate, and Arrowtown will have a frequent service, at least every 15 minutes every day of the week
- While this network could require less public funding to operate than Option 1, it would require many more passengers to change buses at the Frankton Bus Hub to continue their journeys, including many passengers who now have a one-seat ride to Queenstown Town Centre
Figure 3 — Option 2: Town Centre to Jack’s Point (connection to other routes at Frankton Bus Hub)
What will both bus options offer?
Both bus options will offer the following features:
- The bus service area would be the same as the current network – from Sunshine Bay to Arrowtown and from Arthurs Point to Jack’s Point
- Continued frequent service to Sunshine Bay, Fernhill, Frankton Road (SH6A), Frankton Bus Hub and Queenstown Airport
- New frequent service to Arrowtown, Shotover Country, Lake Hayes Estate, Hanley’s Farm and Jack’s Point
- Bus priority on the state highway network for more reliable and faster bus operation
- Similar fare structure to the present, with discounts for many groups
- Upgrades to the Frankton and Stanley St Bus Hubs
- Continuation of the ferry service
- Ability to include on-demand service to Queenstown Hill and Goldfield Heights
Ferry Service
The existing ferry service between Steamer Wharf, Frankton Marina, Bayview and the Hilton would be retained, but the frequency and span of service could be improved. Other options, including ferries to Frankton Beach and Lake Hayes Estate, were considered. However, these were discounted due to technical and feasibility challenges.
On-demand services – Queenstown Hill & Goldfield Heights
We are looking to complement the public transport network options described above with an on-demand public transport service, provided in vans with 8-12 seats.
The vans have flexible routes and timetables which change based on the location and destinations.
Passengers book a trip using an app or through a contact centre. There is no fixed route or regular timetabled schedule.
Queenstown Hill and Goldfield Heights are good candidates for on-demand services because the steep terrain makes it challenging to walk to fixed bus routes on SH6A, and the steep and winding streets better suit on-demand services rather than conventional buses. It could be implemented in either Option 1 or Option 2.
An example of an On Demand bus (source: Metlink).
Arrowtown via Malaghans Road sub-option
In past engagement, Arrowtown residents have asked for a direct service to Queenstown via Malaghans Road to avoid congestion on State Highway 6 and 6A. It could be implemented in either Option 1 or Option 2, and this service would not replace the existing service connecting Arrowtown to workplaces and retail opportunities in Frankton. However, this option requires more public investment as it provides an additional bus service to Arrowtown.
How much will this cost?
Fares, including free travel for children aged 13 and under, and for seniors outside of peak periods on buses, are expected to remain the same until they are next reviewed. View current fare information here.
Because fares do not cover the full cost of operation, the proposed networks are designed to be implemented in stages, as demand increases and funding is found. We are aware of the limited ratepayer base within the district and the heavy use of current and future services by visitors. To that end, we are exploring a range of funding options, including ratepayer and Waka Kotahi funding support.
When would bus service changes happen?
Subject to funding, bus and bus driver availability, it may be possible to make some bus service changes from mid-2024. The longer-term solution requires extensive bus priority works, including upgrading the State Highway 6-6A intersection and bus lanes to be completed — and for us to begin the transition to a new electric bus fleet. Due to the impact of major construction works, including the State Highway 6-6A intersection, the new services would likely tie in with the expiry of current Queenstown bus service contracts from late in the decade.
What do you think?
Whether you mostly cycle, walk, bus, or drive to get around the Queenstown area, we want to hear what you think about the public transport options mentioned above.
Your feedback will help inform the business case, which sets out these future public transport investment opportunities for the Queenstown area.
We are also interested to hear your thoughts on public transport service improvements in Queenstown, including, but not limited to, Queenstown Town Centre, Lakeview, Arthurs Point, Arrowtown, Ladies Mile, Frankton, Coneburn Terrace, Jack’s Point and Homestead Bay.
We will always keep on improving public transport services to accommodate the needs as they arise.
Feedback is open until 11.59pm Monday, 2 October.
When will the final decision be made?
Your feedback will help us shape a final report. This is a critical stage in making decisions that will affect transport in Queenstown for years to come. Following the feedback period, we expect to provide a summary of what you told us in November 2023, with the final decisions being made in early 2024.
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