Queenstown Airport to Arrowtown by Campervan: Pickup to First Night

Quick summary: For campervan travellers collecting a vehicle at Queenstown Airport, Arrowtown is the perfect first night. The depots are around Frankton, near the airport, and Arrowtown is only around 15 km away, an easy 20-minute drive past Lake Hayes. Stock up at Frankton’s supermarkets on the way out, settle into Arrowtown’s holiday park, and spend your first evening strolling the village instead of navigating Queenstown’s busy streets in an unfamiliar campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Depots	At or near Queenstown Airport, around Frankton
To Arrowtown	Around 15 km, about 20 minutes
Route	State Highway 6 east, then the road past Lake Hayes
Supplies	Large supermarkets and fuel in Frankton
First night	The Arrowtown holiday park, a short walk from the village
Tours	Tours from Queenstown

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Why make Arrowtown your first night?

Because it’s close, quiet and easy. After a flight and a vehicle walkthrough, the last thing most travellers want is a long drive or a busy town. The road to Arrowtown is short and straightforward, the holiday park is easy to find, and the village is perfect for a relaxed evening walk. You’ll wake up rested and ready to explore. If you’ve arrived on a long-haul flight, consider a night’s rest in Queenstown before collecting the vehicle.

What is the route from the airport?

From the Frankton depots, head east on State Highway 6 towards Cromwell, across the Shotover River and along the flats past Lake Hayes Estate. At Lake Hayes, turn off onto the road to Arrowtown, which runs along the lake’s western shore and past Millbrook to the village. The roads are flat or gently rolling and well signposted.

Where should you stock up?

In Frankton, close to the airport, where large supermarkets, fuel stations and outdoor stores make it easy to buy everything you need before leaving. Arrowtown has a small supermarket for top-ups, but the choice is smaller. Fill the water tank at the depot or the holiday park.

How long should you allow for pickup day in the RV?

Allow at least an hour at the depot for paperwork and the vehicle walkthrough, plus time for shopping in Frankton. Even so, you can be settled in Arrowtown well before evening. Check the depot’s hours when planning your flight and pickup times.

What can you do on the first evening?

• Walk Buckingham Street and have dinner in the village.
• Stroll to the Arrow River and the Chinese settlement.
• Book bikes or a tour for the next day.

See our self-guided village walk and campsites near Arrowtown.

Where does the trip go from Arrowtown?

To Gibbston and Central Otago, over the Crown Range to Wānaka, or back through Queenstown towards Glenorchy, Te Anau and Milford Sound. See first and last nights in Arrowtown, and for general pickup advice, our sister site’s Queenstown pickup guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions