THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the breathtaking journey from Invercargill to Queenstown with a top-rated tour operator offering seamless service and unforgettable views through New Zealand’s stunning Southland landscapes. Travel comfortably while soaking in alpine vistas and wild beauty en route to adventure in Queenstown.
Discover the breathtaking journey from Invercargill to Queenstown with a top-rated tour operator offering seamless service and unforgettable views through New Zealand’s stunning Southland landscapes. Travel comfortably while soaking in alpine vistas and wild beauty en route to adventure in Queenstown.
Book with Catch-a-Bus South
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Catch-a-Bus South · Makarewa, Southland
The journey from Invercargill to Queenstown unfolds as one of New Zealand’s most captivating travel experiences outside the famed Milford Sound. Operating along the southern spine of the South Island, this route offers expansive vistas of rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and verdant valleys that showcase New Zealand’s wild beauty at every turn. The tour starts in Makarewa, a gateway in Southland, and winds northward through landscapes carved by glaciers and shaped by volcanic history. Travelers can expect panoramic views of the Southern Alps’ foothills, alongside rich farmlands and pristine waterways.
This ride isn’t just a transportation service — it’s a carefully curated adventure. Providing reliable door-to-door pick-up and a welcoming, knowledgeable driver, the tour ensures an easy and immersive way to experience this iconic stretch without the stress of driving or navigating. Unlike typical shuttle experiences, this journey is rated the #1 tour operator on TripAdvisor in 2021 and continues to win accolades through 2025, a testament to exceptional service and authentic local insight.
Along the way, passengers can marvel at the striking contrasts between the lush Southland lowlands and the dramatic alpine scenery near Queenstown. You’ll pass through areas rich in natural history, with geological formations from ancient rock beds to glacial valleys that hint at Southland’s dynamic earth science story. Though the route skips nearby destinations like Arrowtown and Arthurs Point, the direct Invercargill to Queenstown trip delivers concentrated exposure to the grandeur of the region’s landscapes.
Queenstown itself sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, framed by jagged peaks ideal for adrenaline-packed outdoor pursuits. This trip offers a perfect precursor for travelers eager to start their adventure here, from hiking and biking to water sports and cultural tours.
What sets this experience apart is its blend of comfort, convenience, and connection to place, all backed by repeat recognitions from travelers seeking more than just a ride. The driver’s local knowledge brings stories and context to the sights, enriching the journey and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re arriving to chase thrills in Queenstown or simply savor Southland’s wide-open spaces, this tour delivers an unmatched gateway into the soul of New Zealand’s southern wilderness.
Hop on for a ride that turns travel time into a highlight, not just a transfer, and discover why this route is a must-try for outdoor and adventure travelers visiting the South Island.
easy.
6–8 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels since this is a seated transfer with sightseeing
The journey typically takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on stops and traffic conditions.
Yes, the service includes stops at scenic viewpoints for photo opportunities along the route.
Yes, there is space to store luggage safely on the vehicle during the journey.
The tour offers door-to-door pick-up services within Invercargill and Queenstown.
Passengers are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks as onboard catering is limited.
Absolutely, the drivers provide informative commentary about the region’s geography and history.
Southland's landscape was shaped dramatically by glaciation during the last Ice Age, leaving valleys and fjords that define the region today.
This tour operator supports sustainable travel practices including waste reduction and educating visitors on protecting Southland’s fragile ecosystems.
Catch-a-Bus South is a regional transport and tour operator serving Southland, Otago and the Queenstown-Lakes district. The business specialises in tailored charter services for groups of up to 11 passengers and offers scheduled and door-to-door transfers linking Bluff, Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown and Dunedin. Catch-a-Bus South operates a range of trip types: private charters, VIP transfers, short scenic connections (such as Bluff–Invercargill and Invercargill–Bluff), and longer regional transfers between Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown. The operator also runs guided day tours including the Bluff Half Day Tour, The Catlins Day Tour and the Southern Catlins Shore Excursion, and provides specialised cycle transport for Milford Sound departures. Service details and constraints are stated clearly: some services exclude certain local stops (for example, Queenstown transfers do not serve Arrowtown or Arthurs Point and require flights to arrive by 1pm), and some routes have specific bike policies (Dunedin to Invercargill bus-stop-to-bus-stop service is not available for bikes). Catch-a-Bus South is featured on The Adventure Collective and presents clear pick-up options, mid-trip stops and charter flexibility that suit travellers heading to Stewart Island, Fiordland walks and regional attractions. All service descriptions, destination links and booking instructions are provided up front to help passengers plan seamless regional journeys.
Book with Catch-a-Bus South