Here's what works: Orbus Route 1 costs $2.50 with Bee Card, takes 25 minutes to Shotover Street with stops at Frankton and Lake Wakatipu. Runs every 15 minutes until midnight. Super Shuttle door-to-door shared van hits $25-30. Taxi/Uber to central Queenstown accommodation ranges $45-60 depending on Remarkables traffic.

Look, the bus works fine if you're staying near the lakefront or Shotover Street area and traveling light. Taxis make sense for late Jetstar arrivals or when you're loaded down with ski gear for Coronet Peak. Don't overthink the 7km from ZQN - just pick based on your Queenstown base and luggage situation.