Key facts
- Fact 01
The Orbus ferry between Queenstown Bay and Frankton has doubled from one trip per hour to every 30 minutes, on a trial.
- Fact 02
The Orbus ferry trip takes 20 minutes and stops at Queenstown Bay, Bayview, Frankton Marina and The Hilton Hotel.
- Fact 03
The extra Orbus ferry sailings are a trial by owner Watersports Ltd at no extra cost to Otago Regional Council ratepayers.
- Fact 04
Children under five travel free on the Orbus ferry, and a Bee Card gives discounted fares.
The Orbus ferry across Lake Whakatipu between Queenstown Bay and Frankton has doubled its frequency, from one trip per hour to every 30 minutes. The Otago Regional Council (ORC) says most trips now run every 30 minutes, with a focus on more sailings at peak travel times. We read the ORC statement, published on Wednesday 28 October 2026, and the details below come from it.
The extra sailings are a trial run by the ferry's owner, Watersports Ltd, at no extra cost to ORC ratepayers. ORC Transport portfolio co-lead Councillor Matt Hollyer called it the first agreement of its kind between the two organisations and said more frequent departures mean greater flexibility for locals, commuters and visitors. He said traffic and parking in Queenstown are a problem.
The ferry trip takes 20 minutes and links four stops: Queenstown Bay, Bayview, Frankton Marina and The Hilton Hotel. ORC describes it as an alternative to the road for Kelvin Heights residents, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa guests, visitors and anyone travelling regularly between Frankton and the town centre.
ORC says to check service updates before you travel, because sailings can occasionally be affected by the weather. Tag on with a Bee Card for discounted fares, and children under five travel free. The statement does not give the new timetable or an end date for the trial, so check the latest schedule before you plan around a sailing.
For more ways to get around without driving, see our car-free stay guide, and for the trip in from Frankton our airport to town guide.
Questions visitors are asking
How often does the Queenstown ferry to Frankton run?
The Orbus ferry between Queenstown Bay and Frankton now runs every 30 minutes for most trips, up from one trip per hour. The Otago Regional Council says the change is a trial focused on peak travel times, so check the latest timetable before you head to the wharf.
Where does the Orbus ferry stop?
The Orbus ferry links four stops across Lake Whakatipu: Queenstown Bay, Bayview, Frankton Marina and The Hilton Hotel. The Otago Regional Council says the trip takes 20 minutes, which makes it an alternative to driving between Frankton and the Queenstown town centre for visitors and locals.
How do I pay for the Orbus ferry in Queenstown?
The Otago Regional Council says to tag on with a Bee Card for discounted fares on the Orbus ferry, and children under five travel free. The council statement about the 30 minute trial does not list the fares themselves, so check the current fare before you travel.
Can weather cancel the Queenstown ferry?
Yes, occasionally. The Otago Regional Council says Orbus ferry sailings between Queenstown Bay and Frankton can sometimes be affected by weather conditions, so it asks passengers to check service updates before travelling. Allow a backup plan, such as a bus or taxi, if you have a tight connection.