Frequently Asked Questions

Yes – but only if you use a Bee Card.

There will be half price fares to 30 June 2023. If you use a Bee Card on an Orbus bus, the fare will be $1. Find out more here.

Long distance and special buses such as ski field or bungy jump buses are not part of the network.

Check the fares here.

Buses run regularly from 6am, seven days a week, and there are several return routes:

Go to the journey planner to find the best itinerary or click here to see the Orbus Queenstown network.  

In Queenstown, we offer real time tracking. Click on your route and find the link that says real time tracking. 

The real-time information, provided by TrackAbus, works on both the desktop and mobile versions of the website.

From May 2021, you'll also be able to track your bus on the Transit real time app. Download for free from Apple Store or Google Play. 

Everything you need to know about the Bee Card in Otago - where to get one, how much to top up, how to register - is here.

You can order and register the card itself at www.BeeCard.co.nz.

No, you will get a free transfer if you tag on your next bus within 45 minutes of tagging off your last bus. Remember to tag off both buses.

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi on all of the buses. Search for the ‘Orbus’ network.

Click here to find out about what you can and cannot take on the bus. ​​​​​​​

The Regional Public Transport Plan 2021-2031 signed off in June 2021 allows for pets to travel with their owners on buses. We’re still working through the detail with our operators and considering feedback from passengers who have service dogs. We hope to make this service available from Spring 2021. Click here to find out more.

At that time, pets will be allowed in enclosed carriers on buses on weekday services between 9am and 3pm, after 6:30pm, and all day on weekends. There may be other restrictions, for example where the passenger and pet can sit, but these are still being worked out. 

Yes. Find out more about accessibility on our buses here.  

If you have lost something on the bus, or had property damaged, call us on 0800 ORBUSQT (672877) or the the service provider directly. In Queenstown the Orbus service is provided by Ritchies and they can be reached on 03 441 4471.

From 11:59pm 12 September 2022, mask rules will change and they will no longer be required on public transport. However the use of masks is still encouraged while you're on the bus to protect others and yourself.

You can track your bus on our website. Click on your route and find the link that says real time tracking. 

The real-time information, provided by TrackAbus, works on both the desktop and mobile versions of the website.

From May 2021, you'll also be able to track your bus on the Transit real time app. Download for free from Apple Store or Google Play. 

The Transit Realtime app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play, and easy to use. 

Adult Travel fares apply during peak times for SuperGold card holders. Fare information can be found here.

Otherwise out of peak time, travel is free of charge when you travel with a registered Bee Card. 

You must register your Bee Card with your SuperGold details to get your SuperGold concession.

Get the details here. 

You can email transport@orc.govt.nz or give us a call on 0800 ORBUSQT (0800 672 8778).

Make sure you follow the Facebook page here.

Alerts are also posted on our website www.orc.govt.nz/OrbusQT. 

The fleet has to be accessible to all passengers and the buses are used across all routes and all times, not one dedicated route.

That means the fleet needs to be consistent in size and standard to ensure no matter which route or time it is on, it can accommodate our diverse range of passengers.