Getting to Arrowtown by Campervan: From the Airport, Queenstown and Wānaka

Quick summary: Arrowtown is one of the easiest campervan destinations to reach in the South Island. The Queenstown Airport depots are around 15 km away, about 20 minutes by road, and the drive from central Queenstown is barely longer. From Wānaka, the Crown Range Road descends straight into the village. These guides cover each route for campervan and motorhome drivers.

FromDistanceTimeGuide
Queenstown AirportAround 15 kmAbout 20 minutesFrom Queenstown Airport
Central QueenstownAround 20 kmAbout 25 minutesQueenstown to Arrowtown routes
WānakaAround 60 km over the Crown RangeAbout 1 hourCrown Range from Wānaka

Is Arrowtown a good first stop after collecting an RV?

Yes. The drive from the airport is short and simple, mostly on main roads, so it’s an easy introduction to driving the vehicle. You can be settled at the holiday park within half an hour of leaving the depot.

Can you get to Arrowtown without a vehicle?

Yes. Buses and shuttles run between Queenstown and Arrowtown, and many tours collect from both. See tours from Queenstown.

For the full overview, see our Arrowtown by campervan hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Arrowtown from Queenstown Airport?

Around 15 km, about 20 minutes by road via Lake Hayes.

Can you drive from Wānaka to Arrowtown?

Yes, over the Crown Range Road, around 60 km, which descends steeply into the village on the Arrowtown side.

Is there public transport between Queenstown and Arrowtown?

Yes. Buses and shuttles run between the two, and many tours collect from both.