Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary: All the Best Stops

New Zealand’s South Island is a road tripper’s paradise. The drive between Christchurch and Queenstown is one the most scenic and enjoyable drives in the country, and one of the most popular road trips among international visitors. Whether you have one day or one week to spend, here is a full guide to all of the best places to stop on your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary!

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Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary planning

The stops in this post are listed in chronological order, meaning you can go down the list and plan out your trip from point A to point B easily.

If a stop is listed as a detour, that means that you’ll need to go out of your way a bit to get there. I’d highly recommend stopping at these places, though, because they’re some of the most scenic and interesting ones!

How long is the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown?

The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown is a scenic journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand’s South Island. The distance between the two cities is approximately 482 km (300 mi), and the driving time can vary depending on the route you take and what stops you make along the way.

There are essentially two separate routes you can take: through Cromwell or through Wanaka.

The Cromwell way takes about 6 hours. It is the more direct route but is less interesting overall. I’d recommend going the Wanaka way — it adds a bit of driving time, but you’ll get to cross the Crown Range, the highest main road in New Zealand! The views are awesome and you can add Wanaka to your list of stops along the way.

How many days do you need for this road trip?

While the entire trip can be completed in about 6 hours, the best way to enjoy the journey is to spend a couple of days exploring!

At a minimum, I’d recommend spending 3 days to travel between Christchurch and Queenstown. That way, you’ll be able to visit all of the detours, do a few hikes, and not spend your entire day behind the wheel.

For a more leisurely trip, you can easily spread out the stops in this itinerary to last a week or longer. If you have the time, diving deeper into each destination is more than worth it.

Best time for a Christchurch to Queenstown road trip

You really can’t go wrong doing this drive at any time of year — each season is beautiful in its own way. When you visit will be influenced by what kinds of things you want to do.

In the summer months (December through February), you’ll likely have warmer weather and sunnier days. Summer is the most popular time to visit New Zealand, so hotels, excursions, and Great Walk huts will book out sooner. If you visit at the right time, you can also see the lupins blooming!

Spring (September through November) and Autumn (March through May) are both great options as well. You’ll encounter fewer tourists and will still be able to do most of the warm-weather outdoor activities.

Winter (June through August) is a beautiful time to embark on the scenic drive — you’ll pass the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps! If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, you’ll get plenty of opportunities along the Christchurch to Queenstown drive.

Is it safe to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown in winter?

While the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown can be done at any time of year, there are certain safety precautions to keep in mind in the winter months.

Roads are often icy and the weather can turn in the blink of an eye. If you can, try to keep the driving limited to daylight hours so any ice has the chance to melt. It’s also a good idea to have snow chains and an emergency kit in your trunk, just in case.

Can I turn this into a Queenstown to Christchurch road trip instead?

Definitely! This road trip itinerary can easily start in Queenstown instead — just reverse the order of the stops. The Queenstown to Christchurch drive takes the same amount of time as the drive from Chch to Queenstown.

Extending the Christchurch to Queenstown itinerary

If you have more time in New Zealand, you can totally extend this Christchurch to Queenstown tour. Te Anau and Milford Sound are some of the best places to visit on the South Island and can be tacked on once you reach Queenstown.

Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives from Queenstown and adds an extra 4 hours of driving time. The total drive from Christchurch to Milford Sound would take about 9.5 hours.

Where to rent a car or campervan in New Zealand

If you’re planning to do the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown and you’re in need of a campervan or rental car hire, there are plenty of options available.

Ideally, you’ll want to pick up your rental in Christchurch and drop it off in Queenstown. That way, you won’t have to double back — you can simply fly back out of Queenstown’s Airport (ZQN). One-way car and campervan rentals will be a bit more expensive, but the cost is usually worth it.

Here are a few popular campervan rental companies that offer pick-up/drop-off in Christchurch and Queenstown:

• JUCY Rentals
• Britz Campervans
• Travellers Autobarn

Christchurch to Queenstown road trip

Christchurch

Your first stop is Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and beautiful natural surroundings (it’s also known as the Garden City!). Here are just a few of the many things you can do while there.

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens: The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. They are part of the larger Hagley Park, a public space that often hosts events and festivals. Once you’ve strolled through the gardens, pop over to the Canterbury Museum to see exhibitions on local history and culture (it’s free!).

Take a tour of the city’s art galleries: Christchurch is known for its vibrant arts scene, and there are many galleries and art spaces to explore in the city. The CoCA (Centre of Contemporary Art) is a popular destination as it features exhibitions by local and international artists. The Christchurch Art Gallery is another popular spot, with its collection of contemporary and historical artworks.

Enjoy the outdoors: Christchurch is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is a great place to start your outdoor adventures. The Port Hills are a good option for day hikes and spectacular views, and the nearby Banks Peninsula offers scenic drives and wildlife-watching opportunities. For a unique outdoor experience, visit the Christchurch Gondola and take a ride to the top of the city’s highest peak for the best views of the surrounding landscape.

Detour: Rakaia Gorge

Driving time from Christchurch: 1 hour 10 minutes

If you have the time, the Rakaia Gorge area is a great place to break up the drive and stretch your legs. Instead of driving along State Highway 1, you’ll take Inland Scenic Route 72.

The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is an easy 3-hour hike that stretches over 9 km (5.6 mi). For those that don’t want to walk the whole thing, you can simply walk as far as you like down the track and then turn around. Washpen Falls is another short (but more difficult) hike nearby that features a waterfall at the end.

Geraldine

Driving time from Rakaia Gorge: 1 hour 5 minutes

From Rakaia Gorge, your next pit stop will be the town of Geraldine (blink and you’ll miss it!). Here, you can make two quick stops: Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery and Geraldine Cheese Company.

At both places, you can sample the jams, chutneys, and cheeses on offer before buying. I’d recommend stocking up on some picnic supplies for the road!

Fairlie

Driving time from Geraldine: 30 minutes

Your next stop is the small town of Fairlie, a 30-minute drive from Geraldine. Admittedly, there’s not much to do in Fairlie — except get a delicious and world-famous pie from Fairlie Bakehouse. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch and have a picnic before heading on.

If you want to spend more time around the Canterbury Plains, there are a few nice hiking and camping options. The Kakahu Track, Te Moana Gorge, and Peel Forest are good places to start.

Lake Tekapo

Driving time from Fairlie: 30 minutes

Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful places to stop on this classic New Zealand road trip.

Located right off of State Highway 8, the town of Tekapo is flanked on all sides by a bright blue lake, stunning mountain ranges, and lush pine forest.

In the town centre, check out the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mt John Observatory, and Tekapo Springs for some scenic hot pools. In the early summer months, walk the area around the lake for a chance of spotting fields of pink and purple lupins!

⇉ Tekapo Travel Guide: 14 Can’t-Miss Things To Do Around Lake Tekapo

Lake Pukaki

Driving time from Lake Tekapo: 30 minutes

Just a 30-minute drive down the road is Lake Pukaki, another one of the South Island’s iconic turquoise lakes.

On a clear day, the reflection of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook on the lake is breathtaking. This is a good place to stop for pictures and soak in the view. You can also try cycling part of the Alps 2 Ocean trail or hiking the Pukaki Kettle Hole track, a short walk with panoramic views.

Detour: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Driving time from Lake Pukaki: 40 minutes

Even though this National Park is a bit of a detour off of the main road, I’d consider it a must-see!

Before even getting to the park itself, the scenic drive from Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mount Cook will blow your mind. As New Zealand’s highest mountain gets closer and closer, the views just get more incredible. There’s tons of opportunities to stop for photos along the way as well.

In Mount Cook Village, the tiny town within the park, you can check out the visitor centre for an interesting free museum related to tourism in New Zealand. You’ll also find the Hermitage Hotel, which served as historic accommodation when the park was founded.

The diverse hiking options within the park are endless. Hooker Valley Track, Red Tarns, Kea Point, Mueller Hut, Tasman Glacier — the list goes on! No matter which short hike you decide to do, you’re sure to get epic views.

⇉ The Ultimate Guide to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Twizel

Driving time from Mount Cook National Park: 45 minutes

In my opinion, Twizel is the most underrated small town on the South Island.

Located in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, Twizel has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor activities. Cycling trails, fishing in the canals, a plethora of nearby hiking trails, and several surrounding lakes guarantee that you’ll never be bored.

Because of its central location, Twizel also makes a great place to base yourself for a few days while exploring the southern Canterbury region. You can find several unique, boutique accommodation options, such as High Country Cabin, SkyScape, and Alpine Cubes (just to name a few!).

⇉ Welcome to Twizel: New Zealand’s Hidden Gem

Detour: Lake Ohau

Driving time from Twizel: 25 minutes

Lake Ohau is worth the detour, especially if you’re keen to do a day hike with unreal views.

The Greta Track is one of the best hikes in the southern Canterbury region — it has sweeping mountain views, diverse terrain, and looks out onto Lake Ohau. On a sunny day, the mountains are reflected off of the lake. It’s amazing.

The 17.9 km (11 mi) hike will take anywhere between 5 and 7 hours to complete.

Other than hiking the Greta Track, Lake Ohau is also a great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing (just make sure that you have a permit).

⇉ Hiking the Greta Track for Stunning Views Over Lake Ohau

Detour: Clay Cliffs

Driving time from Lake Ohau: 50 minutes

The Clay Cliffs are a group of unique, pinnacle-shaped rock formations. They are unlike any other landscapes you’ll see in this part of the South Island and are definitely worth a stop!

There is a trail into the Clay Cliffs that takes about 30 minutes to walk, but you’re also free to just explore the area at your leisure.

Since the Clay Cliffs are on private land, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of $5 when you arrive — make sure to bring some spare cash!

Omarama

Driving time from the Clay Cliffs: 20 minutes

Just a short drive away from the Clay Cliffs is the town of Omarama. The main attraction here is the Omarama Hot Tubs — perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day of driving and hiking!

These private, outdoor wood-fired spa tubs have excellent views of the nearby landscape. The mineral water that feeds the tubs comes from the surrounding mountains, meaning it’s as fresh and clean as possible.

You’re allowed 90 minutes in the tub during your booking. Each tub can fit anywhere between 1 and 8 people. (The more people in your tub, the cheaper it ends up being per person!) I’d recommend booking in advance, especially around school holidays, because time slots do book out.

Detour: Lake Benmore

Driving time from Omarama: 20 minutes

From Omarama, Lake Benmore is a quick 20-minute detour down State Highway 83.

The best things to do around Lake Benmore including hiking the Benmore Peninsula Track and checking out the historic Hydro Station and dam.

Located right outside the town of Otematata, the Benmore Peninsula Track offers views of rolling hills, fresh cedar trees, and bright blue water. At 4.7 km (2.9 mi) round-trip, the hike shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half, making it a great way to break up the long journey from Christchurch to Queenstown!

⇉ Hiking the Lake Benmore Peninsula Track

Lindis Pass

Driving time from Lake Benmore: 45 minutes

Driving through the Lindis Pass is the only way to get from Omarama to Wanaka (unless you want to drive all the way around the east coast of the South Island through Oamaru and Dunedin!). Thankfully, the 60 km (37 mi) road is a stunner.

Make sure you stop at the Lindis Pass Viewpoint — from there, you can climb up the short trail to get panoramic views of the tussock-covered mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a well-worn path that goes even farther up the hill for even better views. You’ll need to duck under a wired fence, so only do so at your own risk.

Wanaka

Driving time from Lindis Pass: 1 hour

Wanaka is one of my all-time favorite cities on the South Island.

With a super laid-back vibe and beautiful surroundings, it’s impossible not to love Wanaka. Despite the relaxing atmosphere, there are also a ton of fun things to do in the area to keep yourself occupied.

Here are some must-do activities while in Wanaka:

Hike Roy’s Peak: This iconic hike rewards you with brilliant views of Lake Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. It’s best done at sunrise or sunset — you’ll avoid the worst of the mid-day crowds and you’ll get the best golden hour lighting.

Stroll around the lakefront: Wanaka’s lakefront is a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon. If you want a nice walk, the Lakeshore Walkway connects to the Glendhu Bay Track all the way around the west side of the lake. Make sure to take a peek at #ThatWanakaTree, a famous tree growing out of the water!

Eat and drink (a lot): There are sooo many good cafes, restaurants, and bars in Wanaka. My favorites include Scroggin for brunch, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen and Kai Whakapai for lunch/dinner, and Charlie Brown Crêpes for dessert.

Detour: Blue Pools Track

Driving time from Wanaka: 1 hour

The Blue Pools Track within Mount Aspiring National Park is an easy 1-hour roundtrip walk that crosses through the forest, over some swing bridges, and ends with the bright blue-colored water of the Makarora River. This walk is great to do on a warm summer day because you can take a dip in the frigid water to cool off.

And yes, the water really is that blue in real life!

If you want to spend an entire day exploring the Haast Pass, simply continue up the road to Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, and Roaring Billy Falls. You can also add a longer side trip down New Zealand’s West Coast to your road trip itinerary if you have time — Franz Josef Glacier, Hokitika, and Punakaiki are popular stops.

⇉ West Coast Road Trip Day 7: Haast Waterfalls & Blue Pools

Crown Range Road

Crown Range Road, the 69 km (43 mi) drive between Wanaka and Queenstown, is the highest main road in New Zealand. It’s super scenic, with hairpin turns, steep grades, and lots of chances to stop off and take pictures.

While the road is definitely worth driving down for its amazing views, there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing this route.

The road conditions can be hazardous in the winter months (May through September). Ice and snow can make the road slippery and harder to drive. Because of the difficult driving conditions and potential hazards, some campervan companies will not let you drive the Crown Range Road at all — double-check with your rental company before heading out.

Alternate route: If conditions don’t permit driving down the Crown Range Road, take State Highway 6 through Cromwell instead. You’ll drive through the Gibbston Valley and pass some world-class wineries — stop for a wine tasting if you have the time!

Cardrona

Driving time from Blue Pools Track: 1 hour 10 minute

In the winter months, you’ll definitely want to stop by Cardrona if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder.

Located in the middle of the Cardrona Valley, this tiny little gold-rush era hamlet is a scenic stop along the Crown Range Road. You’ll pass the popular Cardrona Alpine Resort, which is home to world-class Southern Alps ski runs, and the Cardrona Hotel, which is a great place for some après-ski drinks.

The Cardrona Distillery is another nice spot to spend an afternoon between Wanaka and Queenstown. They offer daily distillery and cellar door tours, as well as a restaurant with contemporary small plates. Make sure to check out the adjacent Cardrona bra fence, a funky (and controversial!) tourist attraction.

Detour: Arrowtown

Driving time from Cardrona: 35 minutes

Arrowtown is a quaint and historic gold mining town near the outskirts of Queenstown. The town centre is like something out of an old Western film — the storefronts and surrounding walking trails are simply adorable.

Spend a lazy afternoon exploring Arrowtown’s Chinese settlement, shopping at the boutique stores on Buckingham Street, or walking the Arrowtown River Trail. There are plenty of tasty cafes and restaurants in the area as well (I really enjoyed Provisions of Arrowtown for brunch!).

Queenstown

Driving time from Arrowtown: 20 minutes

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final destination of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip. As the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is a haven for adventure junkies and relaxation seekers alike. There is tons to do here, but here are just a few options.

Jet boat down the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers: This thrilling jet boat ride takes you around Lake Wakatipu, through the Kawarau Gorge, and down the braided Shotover River. It’s a lot of fun and is a great way to see more of Queenstown from the water!

Take the Skyline Gondola: The Queenstown Skyline Gondola lets you take a scenic ride up to one of the best views of the city. If you’re not keen on paying the $46 ticket fee, you can also hike up the moderately difficult Tiki Trail to reach the top of the hill!

Explore the city centre: Queenstown is chock full of amazing cafes, shops, and places to hang out. Grab some food from Blue Kanu (Asian fusion) or Fergburger (a super popular burger joint), have an ice cream from Patagonia, and take a stroll around the Queenstown Gardens.

Other places to visit on a South Island road trip

If you have more time, these places make awesome add-ons to any road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. Or, consider embarking on a more thorough 3-week South Island road trip!

West Coast

The West Coast of the South Island is incredibly picturesque. Green rainforest, lush hiking tracks, and salty coastlines combine to form a picture straight out of Jurassic Park.

Adding the West Coast to your road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown can make it into a full loop. Continue through the Haast Pass from Wanaka and then connect back around to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass National Park on State Highway 73.

⇉ West Coast New Zealand Itinerary: An Adventurous 7-Day Road Trip

Te Anau & Milford Sound

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand, the town of Te Anau and the road to Milford Sound are both stunningly beautiful. Dramatic fjords, misty mountains, and otherworldly hiking tracks make this part of the South Island a must-visit. Cruising down Milford Sound is an iconic South Island adventure for any tourist.

From Queenstown, it’s an easy 2-hour drive to Te Anau. From there, it will take another 1.5-2 hours to reach Milford Sound. Alternatively, you could drive 20 minutes south from Te Anau to Manapouri to take a cruise of Doubtful Sound instead.

⇉ 16 Exciting Things to Do in Te Anau, New Zealand

New Zealand road trip tips

• If you’re planning on freedom camping, take note that you can’t just freedom camp anywhere you want. Look out for the designated spots, make sure that you have a self-contained campervan, and leave no trace.
• Pack your patience. New Zealand’s roads can be winding and narrow, and you may encounter some unexpected delays due to construction or animals crossing. It’s all part of the adventure, so try to relax and enjoy the journey!
• Plan your route, but leave room for detours. New Zealand is full of hidden gems and breathtaking scenery, so don’t be afraid to take a detour to check out a cool attraction or scenic overlook. Just make sure to leave enough time in your schedule to get back on track.
• Pack smart. New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring layers and plenty of warm clothes. It’s also a good idea to bring along a few basic supplies like a first aid kit, a flashlight, and some non-perishable snacks. And don’t forget your camera — New Zealand is full of breathtaking views and photo ops!

⇉ How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip

⇉ Everything You Need to Know About New Zealand Freedom Camping

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Thanks for reading this Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary!

xoxo Niki