Transport
*Changes to start line transport for 2024
Support vehicles are no longer allowed to transport competitors to the start line. All competitors will be taken by bus from Te Anau (part of your race entry) to the start of the race at the Divide. NO EXCEPTIONS.
The buses will depart from the Distinction Hotel, 41 Town Centre at 6:30am. Click here for Google maps location.
This enables more space in the car park and allows supporters enough time to get to the finish line (Routeburn Shelter) in enough time to watch you finish.
Please see below for transport options to Te Anau on Friday evening and from the finish line to Queenstown on Saturday.
| Flight Transfer Options | Date | Price Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown to Race Start line (Helicopter) | 20 April | $ 595 |
| Routeburn Finish Line to Queenstown (Helicopter) | 20 April | $ 380 |
Helicopter Information
Helicopter flights are with the Helicopter Line departing from Queenstown the morning of the Routeburn Classic. Competitors will need to meet at The Helicopter Line, 29 Lucas Place Queenstown Airport at 6:45am. Limited seats so be in quick. No other flights are to be chartered for groups within the event. The Helicopter Line offer athletes the best fares and event management need to know who is on choppers and where they are for a number of logistical reasons.
What if the helicopter can't fly?
The decision is made on the morning of the event. Fiordland is notoriously changeable and factors such as fog which can come in the valleys play a part. That said typically we have a pretty good idea the evening before the Classic. Also in case fog was a factor we have an alternate flight plan for heli-athletes and would get you as far in as possible flying in the Te Anau direction basically above Milford Road to a place 25 minute bus ride from the start. The race wouldn’t start without you. No fly no pay. Full refund. A full refund on the chopper is credited also to athletes forced to withdraw from the event.
| Bus Transfer Options | Date | Details | Price Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown to Te Anau | 19th April | Travel Time: 2 Hours. DEPARTURE: From the Station Building in Queenstown From 3pm Friday / last bus departs at 4pm PICK UP: From Frankton Bus Shelter at 4:15pm – Te Anau next stop. | $ 80 |
| Routeburn Shelter (Race Finish) to Queenstown | 20th April | Travel Time: 2 Hours The Routeburn Shelter is the finish line and Queenstown is where the prize giving event happens. DEPARTURE: As buses fill via PA announcement at the finish line. | $ 55 |