Help · Frequently asked
Most passengers want to know the same things - about bags, kids, connecting flights, fares and refunds. We’ve answered those here. If yours isn’t, get in touch.
Standard Fares
How much does a ticket cost?
This Schedule forms part of the Tekapo Bus Limited Terms and Conditions and may be amended from time to time. The Price for a Ticket is the Price as set out in this Price Schedule.
Standard Fares
The standard fares are as set out below:
Adult (Age 13+)
$89
Any journey where you board or leave the bus at Tekapo, Fairlie, Christchurch (Hornby) or Christchurch Airport
Adult (Ashburton/Geraldine)
$79
Any journey where you board or leave the bus at Ashburton or Geraldine
Child (Age 2-12)
$71
Discounted child fare · must travel with an adult 18+
Child · (Ashburton/Geraldine)
$63
Any journey where you board or leave the bus at Ashburton or Geraldine
Infant (under 2 years)
Free
on a caregiver’s lap, no seat
The prices under this clause are non-refundable and non-negotiable. The parties acknowledge that no amendment can be made to any part of the Ticket.
A $5 booking fee applies per booking and is non-refundable.
This Price Schedule was last updated on 23 June 2026 at 2.25pm.
How much do children and infants pay?
Children aged 2 to 12 travel at the discounted child fare - $71, or $63 to/from Ashburton or Geraldine. Infants under 2 years travel free on a caregiver’s lap. Both must travel with a paying adult (18+).
Is a return cheaper than two one-way tickets?
No. A return is simply two one-way legs booked together, each at the standard one-way fare.
Is there a booking fee?
Yes - one flat $5 booking fee per booking. A family of four pays a single $5 fee.
Booking & payment
How far ahead can I book?
Bookings are available for the full season (1 August - 31 May). Most travellers book one to two weeks ahead, but as Tekapo is a popular destination with limited transport options, we recommend booking early to avoid missing out.
What’s the $5 booking fee?
It covers payment processing and the booking system. If you’re travelling as a family of four, the booking fee is still just $5 total.
Can I pay cash on the bus?
No - all seats must be pre-booked and paid for online before travel.
Do you take Wise, Amex, debit cards?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex (credit and debit), Google Pay and Apple Pay through Stripe. Wise debit cards work too. We can’t accept bank transfers for individual bookings.
On the day of travel
How early should I be at the stop?
Please be at the stop 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. The bus only stops long enough to load passengers and bags, and it leaves on time.
Where exactly does the bus stop?
In Tekapo: the bus stop outside the Dark Sky Project building, (1 Motuariki Lane). In Christchurch: the international arrivals kerbside at the airport, zone A. Intermediate stops (Fairlie, Geraldine, Ashburton, Christchurch (Hornby)) are shown on the route page.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No, the bus itself doesn’t have an onboard toilet - most buses this size don’t, and we find a proper stretch-stop is more comfortable than a tiny onboard one. There’s a 10-minute comfort stop in Geraldine with toilets and a café.
Will there be power outlets?
Yes - USB charging port at every seat. There’s no onboard Wi-Fi, but mobile coverage runs for most of the route.
Bags & gear
Luggage policy
Our full luggage policy covers checked bags, carry-on limits, restricted and prohibited items, oversized baggage, and what to do if luggage is lost or damaged. Read the full luggage policy →
How much luggage can I bring?
2 checked bags (up to 25kg each) in the hold. Please see our luggage policy.
Oversized or additional baggage?
Oversized or additional baggage may be accepted where storage space permits; however, availability cannot be guaranteed on any service or travel date. Please refer to our luggage policy for more details.
Kids & pets
Do children need their own seat?
Yes - every passenger aged 2 and over needs a paid seat. Infants under 2 years travel free on a caregiver’s lap. Children aged 2 to 12 pay the discounted child fare and must travel with a full-fare paying adult (18+).
Can I bring my dog?
Certified service dogs travel free. We can’t take other pets, sorry - the bus interior isn’t set up for them and we can’t guarantee other passengers won’t have allergies.
Changes & refunds
Change and refund policy
Changes are not permitted and fares are non refundable as set out in the pricing schedule.
Can I change my booking date?
No, tickets are not amendable.
My flight was delayed and I missed the bus. What now?
You will need to book another ticket on the next available service.
Still stuck?
If your question isn’t here, send us a note - we usually reply within a few hours during operating season.
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Daily Service Linking Lake Tekapo with Christchurch Airport
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