Where to Buy: PaperPlus store immediately after exiting arrivals at Queenstown Airport. Card costs NZ$5 plus minimum NZ$5 credit (NZ$10 total). Same card works across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch — Keep it for future New Zealand travel.

Route 1 (Orbus) Service: Departs every 15 minutes during peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm), every 30 minutes off-peak. Journey from airport terminal to central Queenstown takes 25-30 minutes, stopping at Frankton, Remarkables Park, and multiple CBD stops.

The Savings: Bee Card fares cost NZ$2.50 per ride versus NZ$5.00 cash fare. Airport express buses charge tourists NZ$10+ for the same route. Free transfers within 45 minutes between connecting Orbus services means exploring Arrowtown or Frankton costs nothing extra.

Pro Tip: Top up your card at any PaperPlus, New World, or Countdown store. Having used transit cards in 30+ cities worldwide, New Zealand's integrated system rivals anything in Europe for tourist convenience. Don't be the traveler fumbling for exact change while locals queue behind you.