I used to think booking a Queenstown private chauffeur was for the stars. That was before I took the Coronet Peak road on a snowy July morning in a rental that was fitted with summer tyres. I was white-knuckle for the entire ride up. That was then.
A great driver isn’t a luxury on treacherous roads, under the influence of alcohol, or when you need to travel a long distance in less than three hours. Sometimes it’s just a wise decision. Here are a few situations where I believe it’s worthwhile.
When a Queenstown Private Chauffeur Makes Sense
Not every trip requires a driver. There are a number of cases however that pop up over and over.
Ski days
Coronet Peak, Queenstown’s ski field, has an access road up to the slopes that can be icy or a bit daunting. And you may be expected to put on chains. It’s also parking before the car park even opens if there’s fresh snow. With a driver, you don’t have to bother with any of that.
Even better for groups. All can fit, gear in the back and not one person getting the ride as designated driver.
Trips to Wānaka
Wānaka is a wonderful day trip or overnight trip. The direct road is via the Crown Range, one of the highest of the main roads. It is stunning. It’s also winding, and in winter can be icy or closed. Luckily a driver familiar with the route can look at the views rather than the white line.
Winery afternoons
Central Otago is known for pinot noir. You’ll find cellar doors in the Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn and Cromwell that are well worth the trip. Naturally, you can’t drink and drive New Zealand has tough drink-drive laws, and rightly so. Having a driver makes a fun afternoon really easy and enjoyable.
Longer Journeys Across the South Island
Those tourists also wish to see more than the Wakatipu Basin. Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook and Milford Sound all feature on maps in the brains of tourists. They all involve hours’ driving through lonely country.
For these, a private transfer works particularly well. You can relax, take photos and make the most of your trip without having to worry about exhaustion, dodging other drivers or navigating the roads.
For example, QT Chauffeurs and Rentals offers private transfers from Queenstown to Wānaka, Tekapo and other spots. If you’re booking, ask about timings, routes and even the taxi that will be appropriate for your party. They are also great for airport transfers or corporate travel.
Getting to and From the Airport
Most of us meet their chauffeur for the first time when we touch down at the airport, and there’s nothing quite like it. You’ve had a long flight, it’s always nice to have a friendly face there with your name on a sign, they collect the luggage and you relax in the rear seat while the lake welcomes you through the window a matter of minutes later. An early morning pickup means there’s no dash to get back to the hire car in time, and no need to stop for petrol at that time in the morning either.
What Makes a Good Chauffeur Service?
I’ve played a bunch over the years. The best are probably pretty similar to one another.
- Proper licensing: Commercial drivers in nz have the right endorsements so ask
- Pristine, maintained vehicles: You’ll feel the difference over a long drive
- Local knowledge: the best drivers double as unofficial guides
- Clear pricing: know what’s included before you go
- Flexibility: Things shift in the mountains, so let them roll.
One small thing I’ve grown to like is a driver who reads the room. Some days we wanted to hear about the neighborhoods. Other days we just wanted silence after a ski day. A good driver notices that pretty fast.
Special Occasions
Queenstown is a hugely popular wedding location. It has the mountains, the lake, the light. Organising guests transport between venues however can be a bit of a logistical nightmare.
Getting a driver for the wedding party gets rid of that stress. It allows the guests to enjoy the celebrations without having to fret about getting home. The same can be said for significant birthdays and anniversaries, and even proposals! Arriving in style is often a part of the occasion.
Female chauffeurs
Some women in particular prefer a female driver, and a handful of Queenstown operators have these. Is it something you need to know?
Driving Yourself vs Being Driven
Let me be fair here. Car rentals are a wonderful thing in good weather in Queenstown. Any vehicle rental with a good car and any direction you care to explore is a small quote by many.
However there’s a limit. On our previous trip, we did both. We got a car to cruise around in the sunshine in summer days to Glenorchy. And then we found a driver to take us for our winery tour and to Wānaka. Doing both worked for us.
Tips for Booking
- Things to Know Book in advance during ski season and summer holidays
- Share your complete route and luggage stops
- Mention kids so the appropriate car seats are available
- See what occurs when weather makes a road impassable
- Save the number of the driver to your cellphone
And feel free to ask! Local drivers often will know some good bakery stops and quiet lookouts.
What to Wear and Bring
Changeable weather in the car is cold one minute, roasting the next. Pack layers, a waterproof windbreaker and comfy shoes for making photo stops. If you’re there in winter, gloves and a woolly hat are essential. Sun glasses are useful in any season – the sun glare bouncing on the lake and snow is fierce. And remember to charge your camera. You’ll be snapping away far more than you think you will.
Final Thoughts
A Queenstown private chauffeur is not about drawing attention. It’s about looking out for you, keeping you warm and secure and taking in the surrounds. When the road is covered in ice, or you’re tired, it simply makes sense to hand over the keys.
Consider your options. If you’ve got snow, wine or large distances in mind, then let a driver make the best decision for your trip. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the mountains, while someone else takes care of the sharp bends.
