While Orbus patronage in Queenstown continues to increase, numbers have fallen in Dunedin. Latest figures released by Otago Regional Council (ORC) show for the first half of the current financial year — from July to December 2025 — passenger numbers in Queenstown rose by 6%, to 1,031,075. However, ORC transport portfolio co-lead Councillor Matt Hollyer, of Queenstown, said the council was not concerned at the slight drop, given the city had experienced three consecutive years of record patronage. Along with increased patronage in the Wakatipu, fare revenue increased by 19%, to $1,847,171, while in Dunedin fare revenue grew by 11% to $2,200,106. Cr Hollyer said given the increasing cost of fuel — 91 petrol in Queenstown yesterday cost as much as $3.429 per litre — the council expected patronage to grow.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2026 16:02 UTC