Transport to and from Tuatapere
The Southern Scenic Route is a fantastic journey into the remote Deep South of New Zealand. Approximate travelling times to Tuatapere from Queenstown (2.5hrs), from Te Anau (1hr 20min) and from Invercargill (1hr).
Transport From Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill
Bus Service
The Humpridge Shuttle collects and drops off in both Te Anau and Invercargill (see the schedule below). Connecting legs to and from Queenstown are booked through us, but carried by Tracknet. This helps us ensure that all the dots are connected.
If travelling from Queenstown, Te Anau or Invercargill, then passengers will need to travel down to Tuatapere the day before their designated walk starting date. One can return to Te Anau or Queenstown the same day as finishing, as long as walkers have come off the Track by 2.30pm, or alternatively, the following day at the scheduled times.
Bookings are essential, as the shuttle does not run if there are no bookings for a particular day.
When booking our any of our transport shuttles for your walk, you must book the return track transport as well. (See below)
| Destination | Departs | Arrives | Departs | Arrives | Days | Return | One-Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Queenstown → Tuatapere |
QTN 4:35pm |
Mossburn 6:15pm |
Mossburn 6:15pm |
TUI 7:15pm |
Daily | $195 | $145 |
|
Queenstown → Tuatapere (Guided Walk Only or Group of 4 or more) |
QTN 2:00pm |
TUI 4:30pm |
On Request | $195 | $145 | ||
| Tuatapere → Queenstown |
TUI |
Mossburn |
Mossburn |
QTN |
Daily | $195 | $145 |
| Tuatapere → Queenstown (Guided Walk Only or Group of 4 or more) |
TUI 3:30pm |
QTN 6.00pm |
On Request | $195 | $145 | ||
| Te Anau → Tuatapere | TNA 4:30pm |
TUI 5:45pm |
On Request | $110 | $75 | ||
| Tuatapere → Te Anau | TUI 3:00pm |
TNA 4:15pm |
On Request | $110 | $75 | ||
| Invercargill → Tuatapere | INV 12:30pm |
TUI 2:00pm |
On Request | $110 | $75 | ||
| Invercargill → Tuatapere | INV 4:35pm |
TUI 5:45pm |
Daily | $110 | $75 | ||
| Tuatapere → Invercargill | TUI 10:30am |
INV 11:30am |
On Request | $110 | $75 | ||
| Tuatapere → Invercargill |
TUI 3:30pm |
INV 4:35pm |
Daily | $110 | $75 |
Transport to and from Track
Tuatapere to Rarakau Car Park $45 return per person
Track transport, in the Humpridge bus, is available from Tuatapere to the start of the Track at Rarakau (and back again). Track transport is available every day during the summer season. All transport must be booked and paid in advance. You can do this at the time of booking your walk.
Please note that Track Transport is included with Guided Walks.
| Destination | Departs | Arrives | Departs | Arrives | Days | Return | One-Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuatapere → Rarakau |
TUI |
|
|
RAR |
Daily | $45 | $30 |
|
Rarakau → Tuatapere |
RAR 2:30pm |
TUI |
Daily | $45 | $30 |
Briefings
Briefings commence at 7.30am, the shuttle then departs Tuatapere at 8.00am and arrives Rarakaua at 8.30am. The shuttle returns from Rarakau at 2.30pm to enable a 3pm departure for those onward to Te Anau and Queenstown.
Self Drive to Rarakau
You may of course drive yourself from Tuatapere but please bear in mind the road is unsealed (gravel) in some parts, this will require you to keep your speed down and the road may have corrugations during high season.
Rarakau Carpark
Private vehicles can be left at the Rarakau Carpark. The carpark area is on private land, is fenced and is overlooked by the farm house. $5 per vehicle koha or donation is appreciated. All vehicles are left at the owner's risk.