Help and FAQs
Have some questions about our SkyDrive services? You’ve come to the right place.
Check out our frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer you are after, connect with our customer support team.
Most popular questions
How do I change my booking?
You can book in advance with confidence and manage your booking yourself if your plans change. Just use the booking reference ID from your emailed ticket and log into our online portal.
- Go to the My Bookings section in the SkyDrive reservation screen.
- Click on the three dots at the top right hand to access the menu or use the direct links below. Select the booking you want to adjust and click Edit.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer a special multi-buy discount for SkyDrive Express services in Auckland with duo discounts at a great rate and 60% off each ticket price if you book three tickets.
There are also discounts for seniors, students and children under 2 who travel free. Relevant proof of ID will be required such as a Gold Card or student ID. Group discounts may work for your business – get in touch with our team here to enquire.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Regardless of the time booked, tickets for our Auckland services will be accepted on any shuttle on the day of your booking – as long as there is availability. For travel between Queenstown and Wānaka, check the booking portal to reschedule your booking or Contact our customer team.
Where do I go at Auckland Airport to get the shuttle?
The SkyDrive bus stop at the Domestic Terminal is located at Bus Stop A, between Door 3 and Door 4. The International Terminal location is Bus Stop E, situated between the Transport Hub and the Novotel, in the covered pedestrian access.
How long will it take to get from Wānaka to the airport in Queenstown?
When travelling via Crown Range, the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. When travelling via Cromwell, the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Please always allow extra time when you plan your travel.
Booking and tickets
How do I book a ticket?
You can book tickets directly on our website from the main page. Alternatively, use the booking links on the information pages for SkyDrive Express in Auckland or Central Otago.
After you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email – your digital ticket to travel.
Can I buy tickets on the bus?
It is strongly recommended that you always book online ahead of your travel. Walk-ins are not guaranteed if vehicles are at full capacity.
Do I need to print my ticket out?
We are a sustainable business, and we recommend using the digital confirmation of your booking. Our tickets are digital, so just make sure you have your confirmation email with you – that has your ticket and a QR code that the driver can scan from your phone or tablet.
Do I need my reservation number to travel?
Yes. Keep your reservation email and booking confirmation as it is your proof of booking and is required for travel. Please note that tickets are not transferable.
Will my SkyDrive tickets expire?
Your ticket is only valid for the date (s) booked. You can update your travel and booking in advance logging into our online booking portal – see our Changes and Refunds section.
Are guide dogs permitted?
We welcome passengers accompanied by service dogs or disability assistance dogs. All dogs must be on a harness or lead. You might have to sit at designated areas depending on the allocated vehicle.
If I book a return fare, do I have to select a time and date for that?
Yes. We need a date and time for return tickets, but you can simply change your return booking later if you need.
What are the advantages of booking tickets early?
Securing your seat with an advance booking should provide peace of mind particularly if you are travelling in times of high demand, such as Christmas or on public holidays.
Can I purchase a return ticket from the driver?
As long as you arrive early enough at the stop, as our drivers have to keep to a schedule. With Wi-Fi on most of our coaches you are probably better to sit onboard, relax and book your return during the first journey.
Why haven’t I received an email confirming my booking?
Our system should automatically confirm the booking by email. It is possible your email address was not entered correctly or there are issues with our portal. If you haven’t received your confirmation email within an hour of booking, please Connect with our team and they will follow up for you.
Changes and refunds
Can I change my booking date or time?
You can manage your booking online and make changes to a new date or time up to one hour before your departure, although changes will be dependent on availability for the services you want to change to.
Bookings for travel to and from Dunedin cannot be managed online – passengers should Contact our SkyDrive customer support team to request changes.
How do I make changes?
Log into our booking portal to manage your booking. You will need the booking reference ID from your emailed ticket and the email address used.
- Go to the My Bookings section in the SkyDrive reservation screen.
- Click on the three dots at the top right hand to access the menu or use the direct links below.
- Select the booking you want to adjust and click Edit.
SkyDrive Auckland
Regardless of the time booked, tickets for our Auckland services will be accepted on any shuttle on the day of your booking – as long as there is availability. For other changes:
SkyDrive Central Otago
Bookings for services between Queenstown and Wanaka can be managed online. Reach out to our team if you are wanting to make changes within 24 hours of departure as availability may be tight.
Is there a charge for making changes?
No, we understand that people’s plans can change. You can reschedule for no charge as long as there is availability. If you booked your tickets in advance and there has since been a fare change you may have to pay an additional fare amount, or you may receive a refund if the fare has been discounted.
Can I fully cancel my booking?
You can cancel and any travel cancelled up to 24 hours before the start of your journey will receive a refund of up to 80%. Please refer to our Cancellation, Refund and Rescheduling Policy.
Will my SkyDrive tickets expire?
Your ticket is only valid for the date (s) booked. You can update your travel and booking in advance logging into our online booking portal.
If I cancel what kind of refund will I get?
You are entitled to an 80% refund if you cancel your booking more than 24 hours before the departure time. The remaining 20% covers credit card processing, administrative and other booking fees.
Unfortunately, if you cancel your travel with less than 24 hours’ notice to us no refund will be provided.
What happens if I miss the service I booked for?
We are not able to offer you a refund if you miss your scheduled shuttle. It is recommended that you arrive at the departing stop at least 10 minutes ahead of schedule. We are also not responsible for, or able to refund your fares if services provided by a third-party disrupt your travel plans.
- Passengers travelling on SkyDrive Express in Auckland can still use a ticket for any service that day of travel, as long as there is availability.
- With the smaller coaches on our Queenstown and Wanaka services Connect with our team to see if they can accommodate travel on a shuttle later that same day.
In the unlikely event that a service is cancelled by SkyDrive, you can choose to reschedule or cancel for a full refund.
Stops and schedules
Where can I find the SkyDrive schedules?
You can see shuttle timetables by clicking through to our booking portal from the website main page or the information pages on our services in Auckland and Central Otago. This will give you the estimated time our shuttles depart each stop on the chosen day of your travel.
How long will my trip take?
SkyDrive Auckland
- SkyDrive Express in Auckland takes approximately 35 minutes.
- Please always allow extra time when you plan your travel.
SkyDrive Central Otago
- SkyDrive services between Wanaka and Queenstown will vary.
- If going via the Crown Range it will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Travel from Wānaka to Queenstown Airport via Cromwell takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
Do your shuttles run 7 days a week?
Yes. Every day in Auckland the first shuttle leaves the SkyCity bus terminal at 5:00am direct to the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes after that with the last bus from Auckland Airport’s domestic terminal at 22:30pm. In Central Otago the first shuttles leave Wānaka at 7.45am and the latest shuttle from Queenstown arrives into Wānaka at 7.50pm
Where are the SkyDrive stops?
There are maps showing the route and location of our stops on the SkyDrive Auckland and SkyDrive Queenstown services pages.
Are your airport stops close to the terminals?
- The SkyDrive bus stop at Auckland Airport’s domestic terminal is located at Bus Stop A, between Door 3 and Door 4. The International Terminal location is Bus Stop E, situated between the Transport Hub and the Novotel, in the covered pedestrian access.
- At Queenstown Airport our shuttles also stop in the pick-up area right outside the terminal.
How long do SkyDrive buses stop for?
Our drivers will stop just long enough to collect waiting passengers, so please plan to be at the bus stop 10 mins before the official pickup time.
What route do your shuttles run between Queenstown and Wānaka?
You can see the full timetable and departure times from each stop when booking.
SkyDrive Routes are either Queenstown Central > Queenstown Airport > Frankton Bus Hub > Cromwell > Wānaka OR Queenstown Central > Queenstown Airport > Frankton Bus Hub > SH6 Crown Range Carpark > Cardrona Hotel > Wānaka
In Wānaka the SkyDrive service stops at the Wānaka Medical Centre and the Lakefront Bus Stop.
Are your shuttle services similar in Auckland and Central Otago?
No. SkyDrive Express Auckland is a fast non-stop service between Auckland’s CBD and the Auckland Airport terminals. Shuttles run every 30 minutes and are direct. SkyDrive Queenstown shuttles run four times each day, each way between Queenstown and Wānaka and make several stops.
Can your shuttles drop me somewhere different along your route?
We can only stop at scheduled locations. This helps our drivers stay on time and on schedule for all passengers.
Luggage
Are there luggage restrictions?
There are some capacity limits, but with advance notice we can work to accommodate your luggage needs.
- There is a luggage allocation included free of charge per paying customer. This allows 1 small item of hand luggage and one checked bag up to 23 kg (Queenstown) or two checked bags (Auckland).
- Any luggage over this limit should be pre-booked (luggage/sports equipment/bikes or cargo) ahead of time and carriage is subject to space availability. Bikes must be packed in a bike bag or travel pack.
- Additional charges may apply– review the details as you book.
Are dogs permitted to travel on SkyDrive?
Passengers can bring a small pet (up to 7kg) for an additional fee of $10 per journey. The pet must carried on the passenger’s lap, in a proper pet cage, and cannot occupy a seat.
Can I bring a pushchair or stroller on the bus?
Only if your pushchair can be folded up and secured. We can’t allow loose objects in our services for safety reasons.
Should I label my luggage?
It is recommended that your luggage and other items are clearly marked with your name and destination.
Are there other luggage restrictions?
For the comfort and safety of our staff and all passengers there are some items which are not able to be carried on our services. These include gas bottles, fireworks, flammable liquids and corrosive substances like bleach or acid.
You should not pack or carry with you any poisonous, toxic, infectious or hazardous substances, solvents, fuel, illegal drugs or substances, or any form of firearm, weapon, explosives or ammunition.
If in doubt please Contact our team to check, before you travel.
What happens if my luggage is damaged during the trip?
If you believe your luggage has been damaged as a result of your travel with us, please Contact our Customer Support team. They will ask you to provide proof of damage.
What happens if luggage goes missing?
Let our team know, but if your stowed luggage contains valuable items, such as jewellery, computers, fragile or perishable goods, you travel with them at your own risk. It is recommended that you arrange insurance cover and keep these with you at all times.
Lost property
Who do I contact about lost property?
If you believe you left an item behind during a trip with us, please complete the form below as soon as possible. If the matter is urgent you can Contact our Customer Support team directly.
- If you find an item someone has left behind on one of our shuttles, please hand in immediately to the driver.
We do our best to return any left behind items to their rightful owner however we cannot keep items indefinitely. Unclaimed lost property may be donated or disposed of after one month.
Fares and discounts
Will the fare go up once I have booked?
One of the advantages of travelling with SkyDrive is that we offer a fixed fare that is locked in at the time of booking. No surge rates apply, and you can book months in advance securing your seat at that price regardless of future fare changes.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes, our SkyDrive services offer generous discounts for a range of travellers – including seniors, students and Auckland airport staff. Children under the age of 2 years old travel completely free. Relevant proof of ID will be required such as a Gold Card or student ID.
Do I get a discount if I book a return ticket?
We have special offers at times including for return travel. To stay up to date with the latest SkyDrive promotions, you can opt into our loyalty emails when purchasing your ticket or creating an account in the SkyDrive booking portal.
Do you offer discounts for businesses?
We can offer discounts for businesses purchasing 25 or more tickets. For further information, please email [email protected] or call 0800 405 066.
Who is eligible for airport staff discounts?
Airport staff fares are available for all employees whose permanent workplace is located at Auckland Airport. When boarding the coach ensure you have an authorised airport ID. Book your journey in advance or use a card to pay the driver at time of travel.
Are there discounts for large group travel?
Generally, we offer discounts for groups of 25 or more. First check availability for the date and time you wish to travel. Then before completing your booking Connect with our team to discuss your discount options.
Travelling with us
What are your conditions of carriage?
At SkyDrive we aim to offer an enjoyable and relaxing experience. When you travel with us, there are certain rules or conditions which apply.
- Boarding the shuttle, you must show the driver your valid ticket or pay the correct fare for the journey.
- You should let our driver know as soon as possible if you receive any injury or feel unwell during the journey.
- All passengers must remain seated once the coach is in motion. You must not distract the driver in any way while the coach is moving, except in the event of an emergency.
We expect our drivers and passengers to be pleasant and respectful at all times. You may be refused travel or asked to leave if you:
- Behave in a way that causes offence to our staff or other passengers, including verbal or physical abuse or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Smoke at any time onboard our service including vaping or using e-cigarettes or pipes
If we have reasonable cause to suspect unlawful conduct is or will occur, we reserve the right to refuse any passenger travel on our services.
Can I bring food to eat on the bus?
To ensure a clean and pleasant journey for all passengers, we ask that you do not consume food or drinks on our shuttle services. This includes takeaway items like coffee. The only exception is water in a resealable bottle.
Are guide dogs permitted?
We welcome passengers accompanied by service dogs or disability assistance dogs. All dogs must be on a harness or lead. You might have to sit at designated areas depending on the allocated vehicle.
Can I travel with a pet?
Small pets are welcome but must travel in a secure travel cage and there will be an extra charge of $10. Booking ahead is strongly advised.
Are there prohibited items?
Yes, there are a number of items not able to be carried with you in the coach or in luggage on SkyDrive services. These include:
- Gas bottles, fireworks, flammable liquids and corrosive substances like bleach or acid
- Any poisonous, toxic, infectious or hazardous substances including solvents and fuel
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Any form of firearm, weapon, explosives or ammunition.
Contact our team if you need to bring an oxygen cylinder or unit for medical reasons.
Are there security cameras on your shuttles?
Closed circuit television cameras with audio are in place on many of our buses to help provide a safe and secure environment for passengers and employees. By using our services passengers will be deemed to have agreed to the terms and conditions of our Privacy and Data policies.
Enquiries & feedback
How can we help?
If you can’t find the answer to your question in our FAQs, please contact our team. You can also contact us to provide feedback, information or report an issue.
General enquiries
For more information on becoming a SkyDrive agent, or if you are interested in advertising on our coaches, please get in touch with [email protected]. Check out our Careers website to register interest for any upcoming vacancies.
Enquiries & Feedback
If you need help, want to share feedback or report an issue, please connect with our customer team. If you are unhappy with our service for any reason we would like to hear from you directly.
For passengers who have enjoyed their SkyDrive experience our drivers love to hear about it. Please leave any positive feedback for them in an online review.
If you lose an item on a SkyDrive shuttle, complete the Lost Property form or contact Customer Support as soon as possible.