Summer 101 - Transport & Parking

It's always busy on the roads over the holiday season - here are some tips to help you plan ahead and get where you need to go safely. 

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Tips for getting around

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Where to park

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Stay safe

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Getting around the district

Don’t spend your summer break stuck in traffic! It’s our busiest time of year and that always means more cars on the roads trying to get to the best spots. It’s always a bit of a crazy time but if more of us try some of these tips, even just occasionally, it might make things a bit less hectic out there.

  • Avoid peak travel times, or even consider ditching the car for shorter journeys where possible. 

  • Choose different modes of transport to ease congestion on our roads – we have plenty of beautiful trails to get you from A to B!

  • Consider using the bus to travel around Whakatipu – it's cheap and easy plus no parking planning involved!  

  • Always allow extra time for your journey over this period and avoid getting ‘hangry’ or worse, dehydrated, by making sure you keep plenty of snacks and water in the car – just in case you get stuck for a while.

And as always, plan ahead for your journey by using Waka Kotahi’s journey planner app.

Overflow parking

Sleigh your parking game this holiday season by using our free overflow parking areas.

  • Wānaka Showgrounds: Monday 18 December - Friday 12 January 2024 (all day parking).

  • Queenstown Primary School (Robins Road): Wednesday 20 December - Sunday 21 January 2024 (max 2 hours parking).

Other parking options can be found on our parking page.

Free evening parking in Queenstown Town Centre

Don’t forget all Council-owned parking spaces are free to use in Queenstown Town Centre from 6.00pm through to 8.00am the following morning.

So there’s no need to rush that festive dinner or late night shopping!

Stay safe

The best Christmas is a careful Christmas. If you’re going to be behind the wheel these holidays, please take your time and plan ahead. It’s not about getting there as fast as possible. It’s about getting there safe and sound.  Slow down and enjoy the ride, it's the holidays after all! 

Here are some safety tips: 

  • always drive sober - if you’re going to enjoy a few drinks with family and friends, make plans to have a sober driver or an alternative and safe way home ready to go

  • always wear your seatbelt

  • don’t drive tired - for longer trips you should take a rest break every two hours

  • stay patient - it's busier than usual at this time of year