17 BEST Places to Stop on the Drive From Queenstown to Mt Cook

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The drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook is 275 kilometres (171 miles) long and one of the most scenic road trips in New Zealand. It is a must-do experience when visiting the South Island. There is so much to see and do along the way that it can easily be turned into a whole day journey. 

In this blog I’m sharing 17 of the best places to stop along the way to help you create your own customised road trip itinerary. The historic Cardona Hotel, outdoorsy Wanaka, otherworldly Lindis Pass, and Lake Pukaki are all in there along with some lesser known but equally beautiful spots.

Queenstown to Mt Cook
Mount Cook Road

We’ll also cover the best route to take, tips to help you prepare for the drive and information for when you arrive in Mount Cook National Park such as where to stay and the best things to do. It’s a complete guide for the ultimate Queenstown to Mount Cook road trip!

This list also applies if you are driving from Mt Cook to Queenstown. I’ve listed stops in order so If you are wondering where to stop between Mt Cook and Queenstown, you can start with number 17 and work your way back to number 1.

The map below highlights all the stops and the recommended route to take driving from Queenstown to Mt Cook for the most scenic road trip experience.

Benefits of Self-Driving from Queenstown to Mt Cook

Queenstown to Mt Cook is one of the most scenic road trips in New Zealand
Queenstown to Mt Cook is one of the most scenic road trips in New Zealand

Although the drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook should take around 3.5 to 4 hours you could easily make an entire day of it, and I highly recommend you do! There are so many great places to stop. Some are quick stops at scenic viewpoints while others will take a bit more time.

It’s worth planning the stops you really want to see and having a rough idea how much time you’re prepared to dedicate to each stop to ensure you don’t run out of time, especially if you are travelling in winter when the days are shorter.

Driving yourself allows you complete flexibility to choose where you want to stop and for how long. You also have the flexibility to turn this into a multi-day adventure with a stopover in Wanaka or Twizel (or both!), which is worth doing if you can.

I have driven this route on numerous occasions, both as a one day trip and as a multi-day with a stopover in Wanaka. While a day trip is a perfectly doable and fun experience, a stopover in Wanaka for a night or two is worth the added time. There is so much to see and do there and the town has such a great vibe.

About the Drive

How long does it take to drive?

Between 3.5 and 4 hours depending on which route you take. With so many great places to stop along the way I’d allocate a whole day.

How far is the drive?

It is 275 kilometres (171 miles) from Queenstown to Mt Cook.

Do I need snow chains?

In winter (June to September) you should carry and be able to fit snow chains.

How do I get from Queenstown to Mt Cook?

Hiring a car provides the most freedom and flexibility. I recommend taking State Highway 6 via the Crown Range Road to Wanaka.

There are two main routes you can take driving from Queenstown to Mt Cook.

State Highway 6 to State Highway 8 via Cromwell is the fastest option which will take around 3 to 3.5 hours.This is a good option if you simply want to get from point A to point B or are travelling in winter or bad weather and it is not safe to pass through the Crown Range Road. 

My recommended route, State Highway 6 via the Crown Range Road to Wanaka, is the more scenic option and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. Some of my favourite stops are along this route and it is worth making a whole day of it. This is the route we will be focusing on for this blog.

With that said a separate trip to Cromwell, perhaps via a winery tour, is another great day trip from Queenstown.

The Crown Range Road is the highest main road in New Zealand
The Crown Range Road is the highest main road in New Zealand

Can I take a bus?

There aren’t any public buses that go directly from Queenstown to Mt Cook. If driving yourself is not an option there are several private bus tour options that will take you to Mt Cook from Queenstown.

Queenstown to Mt Cook One-Way Bus

This one way journey is a good option if you just want to get to Mount Cook and spend a few nights there. You’ll need to arrange accommodation in Mount Cook Village in advance as well as a return bus to Queenstown. Alternatively you can carry on to Christchurch.

Guided Day Tour

There are also one day bus tours which will bring you back to Queenstown at the end of the day. It’s a long day and you will need to be comfortable with spending a lot of time on the bus. It stops at some of the popular spots along the way and you get the benefit of a knowledgeable guide plus free time to explore on your own.

Multi-Day Tour

There are multi-day tour options that will take you from Queenstown to Christchurch with a stop in Mt Cook. Most stay in Franz Josef which is near Mt Cook and some include a mixed journey on a bus and the TranzAlpine Train. Another multi-day tour option stays for a night in beautiful Lake Tekapo and returns to Queenstown via bus.

Scenic Flight

Alternatively you can get from Queenstown to Mt Cook by a scenic flight tour for the ultimate experience! You will take a scenic flight to Mt Cook and back to Queenstown with a few hours to explore Mount Cook National Park. It’s the most expensive option but a great way to see the Southern Alps from above which is pretty spectacular! You will miss all the great stops covered below though.

What to Know Before You Go

Lindis Pass between Wanaka and Mt Cook
Lindis Pass between Wanaka and Mt Cook
  • If you are unfamiliar with New Zealand roads, especially in the South Island, then take it slow. There are plenty of places to pull over and let other drivers pass. Roads can be narrow and winding in parts and slippery in bad weather.
  • As mentioned above, if you are travelling in winter you’ll want to carry and know how to fit snow chains on your vehicle. Roads such as the Crown Range may require you to carry them and you could be subject to a fine if you are caught without them.
  • It’s also worth checking the NZTA for road closures and conditions when driving this route in winter. The Crown Range Road is narrow and curvy with a steep grade. As New Zealand’s highest mountain, road conditions can change quickly and it can be closed if the weather is bad.
  • Be sure to stock up on essentials such as water, snacks and fuel before you leave Queenstown. I’ve added an extra pin to the map for Pak n Save in Frankton where you can get snacks and fuel for a fair price.
  • You can also find petrol stations and places to eat in Wanaka, Omarama, Twizel and once you get to Mt Cook. Although Mt Cook is generally more expensive and options for food are limited. It’s worth bringing your own food and snacks especially if you are staying in accommodation that has cooking facilities.
  • Make sure you have your licensing (if not on a NZ drivers licence) and insurances sorted and access to GPS to help navigate.

Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Mt Cook

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are 17 of the best stops to help you build your own Queenstown to Mt Cook road trip itinerary. I’ve broken the journey into three sections to make it easier. 

Queenstown to Wanaka

Queenstown to Wanaka: 68.4 km (42.5 miles) via Crown Range Road

1. Lake Hayes

Beautiful Lake Hayes in autumn
Beautiful Lake Hayes in autumn

Lakes Hayes is a beautiful and tranquil lake located just a 15 minute drive from Queenstown and the first stop on our list. It is a beautiful lake and a great stop for photos especially if you are travelling in autumn when the Lake is surrounded by golden hues. 

There are several access points to the Lake. If you are travelling from Queenstown the most direct route is via highway 6 and the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road. The North Lake Hayes picnic area has the most parking although we’ve never found it to be too busy. 

There is an easy walking track that is an 8 km (5 mile) loop around the perimeter of the lake and will take about 2-3 hours to complete. A great little excursion for another day.

2. Arrowtown

A stroll through historic Arrowtown
A stroll through historic Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the South Island of New Zealand rich in history, character and charm. Located a short 20 minute drive from Queenstown, its is a great place to stop for breakfast before hitting the road.

The main drag is Buckingham Street and it has such a vibe. Boutiques, offices and cafes occupy the historic buildings left from the gold rush era that feels like you’ve been transported back in time. There are some wonderful cafes and restaurants to choose from.

With its network of trails, nature walks, activities and boutique shops to explore you could easily spend a whole day in Arrowtown. A great day trip if you have extra time in Queenstown.

3. Arrow Junction

Stunning views from Arrow Junction
Stunning views from Arrow Junction

The Arrow Junction Lookout Point is at the bottom end of the Crown Range about 2.8km (1.7 miles) once you turn onto the Crown Range Road. You’ll drive through several switchback turns before you come to a turnoff on the right hand side. Take caution pulling into the small car park, it is right after a sharp bend in the road.

This stop is popular among photographers for the epic views across the Wakatipu Basin and surrounding mountain peaks. You won’t need long at this stop and the views are absolutely worth it.

4. Crown Range Lookout

Sweeping views from the Crown Range Lookout
Sweeping views from the Crown Range Lookout

The Crown Range Summit Lookout is a little further along from the Arrow Junction Lookout. After about 6.5km (4 miles) you’ll see a turn off to a gravel parking lot on your right hand side.

The Crown Range Road is said to be the highest mountain road in New Zealand with the lookout point reaching an altitude of over 1,100 metres (3,609 feet). You can imagine the views are pretty spectacular with tussock covered hills, Queenstown in the distance and the Crown Range Road cutting its path into the mountain. 

From the parking lot there is a quick 10 minute walk to the true summit.

5. Cardrona Hotel

New Zealand's most photographed building
New Zealand’s most photographed building

The Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels located on the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka. It’s even said to be the most photographed building in New Zealand.

Inside is seriously charming in an old west kind of way. There is an award-winning restaurant and souvenir shop on site. The pub restaurant has a cosy rustic feel with stone walls, wood beams and a roaring fireplace in winter. In summer the beer garden is a pleasant spot to grab a drink and take in the mountain views.

We always make a point of stopping here for a coffee or bite to eat when travelling this route.

6. Cardrona Bra Fence

Cardrona Valley Bra Fence
Photo courtesy of Cardrona Valley Bra Fence offical Facebook page

A few minutes up the road from the Cardrona Hotel on the right hand side of the road is one of New Zealand’s more unconventional attractions, the Cardrona Bra Fence. As the name suggests it actually is a bunch of bras hanging from a fence. 

It’s rumoured to have started after 4 bras mysteriously appeared on the fence back in the late 90s. It sparked a bit of controversy with some of the locals at the time but more bras kept being added to the fence and it quickly became a popular tourist attraction. 

In 2015 the Cardrona Bra fence was rebranded to Bradrona and a collection box added to the site in an effort to raise money for breast cancer. As of 2021 over $120,000 has been raised for the Breast Cancer Foundation through donations. 

It’s a quick stop for a photo and you can leave your bra on the fence if you dare!

7. Wanaka

The famous Wanaka Tree on a winters day
The famous Wanaka Tree on a winters day

Wanaka is a quintessential alpine resort town perched on the edge of Lake Wanaka and a little over an hour’s drive from Queenstown. It’s a vibrant outdoorsy town with a community keen for adventure. 

Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts are nearby making Wanaka a popular base for skiing in winter. It’s also home to the iconic Wanaka Tree and Roy’s Peak along with many other great hiking trails. Mount Aspiring National Park is located close by, making Wanaka a great base for exploring the Southern Alps.

The town centre has a fun energy about it with many great restaurants and cafes to try, making it the perfect stop to grab lunch and stretch your legs. Although, I highly recommend spending a night or two in Wanaka if you can spare it. Its a great place to get out amongst nature with lots of things to do and boutique shops to explore.

Wanaka to Twizel

Wanaka to Twizel: 143 km (89 miles) via State Highway 8

8. The Red Bridge

The Red Bridge
The Red Bridge

Not long after leaving Wanaka you will come to a little town called Luggate and home to The Red Bridge. The Red Bridge is a historic steel truss bridge that opened in 1915 and spans over 100 meters long! 

The Red Bridge crosses over the Clutha River and the views are absolutely stunning. If you want to stop to enjoy the views and photograph the bridge you can find a safe place to pull over or there are two short walking tracks that will take you to the edge of the river.

The Upper Clutha River Track is actually 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles) long but you can pick it up via Short Cut Road and walk a few minutes until you see the bridge from the river’s edge. 

The other option is the Luggate Creek Track which is a short 1.9 kilometer (1 mile) out and back track that takes you to the Clutha River.

9. Lindis Pass

The Lindis Pass during winter
The Lindis Pass during winter

The Lindis Pass is a stretch of road that crosses a saddle between the valleys of the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers and can only be described as otherworldly!

It reaches an elevation of 971 meters (3185 feet) and it is here at the top where you will find a carpark for the viewing platform as well as two short trails to other lookout points. Surrounded on all sides by rolling hills of tussocks which can be blanketed in snow in winter will leave you in awe. Make sure the camera batteries are charged!

10. Clay Cliffs

The moody Clay Cliffs on a foggy day
The moody Clay Cliffs on a foggy day

You won’t be coming back to planet earth just yet because the Clay Cliffs will certainly feel like you have arrived on another planet. You will see the turnoff to the Clay Cliffs as you near Omarama. They are about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Omarama along a dirt road.

The Clay Cliffs are natural rock formations consisting of towering pinnacles and narrow ravines that were formed from the movement of glaciers millions of years ago.

It is a unique landscape to explore. Be sure to venture inside the pinnacles too. You can climb the interior and if you get high enough you can see the valley below on a clear day. It was foggy when we visited so we couldn’t see the views but the eerie fog made for a dramatic mood making it all the more exciting.

11. Hot Tubs Omarama

Photo credit: Hot Tubs Omarama

After all that climbing you will be ready for a soak in the hot tubs. These rustic outdoor tubs are filled with mineral water from the mountains and have beautiful views of the Mackenzie country.

It’s a unique hot tub experience not to be missed. Being a popular and sought after experience in the South Island I recommend booking well in advance for the best chance of securing your preferred day and time. You can book via their website Hot Tubs Omarama.

12. Twizel

Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel
Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel

Twizel is a picturesque town located in the Mackenzie District of the Otago Region. The town center has a supermarket, petrol station and a selection of cafes and restaurants. You could easily spend a day or even overnight in Twizel but for the purpose of this stop there are two places I’m going to focus on.

The first is Lake Ruataniwha which is more of a ‘pull over to the side of the road photo opportunity’. As you drive into Twizel on State Highway 8 you’ll see Lake Ruataniwha on the left hand side.

It’s a popular spot for photographers. The lake is surrounded by the most beautiful scenery and on a calm day you can see the mountains and forest reflected in the lake which make for stunning photos.

The next place is the Mint Folk & Co located in Twizel Town Centre. It is a nice cafe with good food and descent coffee. It is a personal favourite of mine that I recommend but there are other cafes and restaurants here as well.

Twizel to Mt Cook

Twizel to Mt Cook: 65.7 km (40 miles) via Mount Cook Road

13. Alpine Lavender fields (December to March)

Photo credit: New Zealand Alpine Lavender

This stop is a seasonal one so if you are travelling this route between December and March it’s worth visiting New Zealand Alpine Lavender. It is one of the largest certified organic lavender farms in the Southern Hemisphere in a breathtaking location.

The scenery is absolutely beautiful with expansive fields of lavender and mountains in the background. They have a shop on site where you can purchase products made of lavender and you must not leave without trying their homemade lavender ice cream!

14. Peter’s Lookout

Scenic views of Mt Cook from Peters Lookout
Scenic views of Mt Cook from Peters Lookout

Just up the road from the lavender fields you will see the turnoff to the Peter’s Lookout carpark. This is where you will find the iconic road shot of Mount Cook Road winding its way alongside the icy blue water of Lake Pukaki with Aoraki Mount Cook in the background.

It is tempting to venture down onto the road to take a photo but please bear in mind this is a busy high speed winding road. You can take amazing shots from up around the carpark. Walk around the perimeter of the grassy area and you’ll find many awesome compositions. Bring a compression lens if you have one!

15. Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki

About 10 minutes up the road from Peters Lookout you’ll see a turnoff for the Lake Pukaki Lookout. Lake Pukaki really is as blue as you see in the photos and shimmers like diamonds on a sunny day.

There are a few places you can turn off to take in the views of Lake Pukaki, some up high and some down by the lake’s edge. You can have a look on google maps to see the different options and pick your favourite or stop at all of them!

16. Glentanner

Braided river through Glentanner Mount Cook
Braided river through Glentanner Mount Cook

Glentanner is a beautiful area on the way into Mt Cook where you can see the braided rivers running through the valley from Mount Cook.

Once you turn off onto SH80/Mt Cook Rd you’ll drive for about 35.8km before you come to the Glentanner area (or approximately 20km front the Lake Pukaki Lookout pinned in the map above).

You’ll see a gravel area on your right hand side that you can pull into so you can safely hop out and take in the magnificent views.

17. Mount Cook Road

Mount Cook Road shot
Mount Cook Road shot

Our final stop is the road into Mount Cook. This is where the famous Mount Cook Road shots are taken that you may have seen on social media.

About 10 kilometers (6 miles) before you reach Mt Cook Village, a few minutes drive from Glentanner,  you’ll start to see the peak of Mount Cook in the distance. The road will curve to the right with Mount Cook in the background.

Find a safe spot to pull over, put your hazards on and have someone be on the lookout for cars. It is a quick stop but do take caution. As mentioned above this is a fast moving road that can be very busy at times. Unlike Peter’s Lookout this stretch of road is pretty straight so you should have visibility for a good distance in either direction.

Now you are almost to Mount Cook and ready to explore!

But is it really worth staying in Mount Cook?

Yes! Mt Cook is definitely worth visiting and I recommend staying in Mount Cook Village for at least 2 or 3 days. Its remote location, towering mountain peaks and pure alpine landscape feels far away from civilization. A place where you can feel immersed in nature with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy.

You will have time to experience the variety of walks, hiking trails, viewpoints and activities on offer. Plus at least one or two nights to get out there and experience what feels like the world’s largest planetarium.

Being in the dark sky region with next to no light pollution, it is one of the best places in NZ for stargazing. On a clear night you may even be able to see the milky way core with your naked eye. Truly spectacular!

A snow covered Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook National Park
A snow covered Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook National Park

Its also home to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain with a height of 3,754 metres (12,316 ft). Having visited Aoraki Mount Cook National Park on numerous occasions ranging from one day to a whole week it never gets old. Each visit provides a new perspective and new experiences.

Where to Stay in Mount Cook Village

There aren’t a huge amount of options when it comes to accommodation in Mt Cook and they can book out so I recommend booking early. However, there are a few different options to suit a range of budgets.

The iconic Hermitage Hotel is a popular place to stay and the more luxurious option offering hotel rooms with spectacular views of Mt Cook. 

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels, also owned by The Hermitage, is a more budget friendly option with self-contained rooms featuring a kitchenette and separate bedrooms.

Aoraki Alpine Lodge is another budget friendly option. Their rooms are basic but they have a fantastic common area with a full kitchen, comfy couches and spectacular views of Mt Cook.

Aoraki Alpine Lodge in Mt Cook
Aoraki Alpine Lodge in Mt Cook

Glentanner Park Centre is a backpacker style budget option with dorm rooms and a communal kitchen. It’s about a 15 minute drive to and from the village though.

The White Horse Hill Campground is centrally located right in the village and costs less than $20 per day to camp there. Bookings can be made through the DOC website.

For a truly rustic experience you can stay in one of the huts located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The Hooker Hut is located just off the Hooker Valley Track and Mueller Hut is located higher up past the Sealy Tarns.

Both can be booked on the DOC website and will take a bit of effort to get there. Mueller Hut is a challenging climb so be sure to assess fitness levels and experience before undertaking this one.

Things to do in Mount Cook

Whether you are here for one day or a whole week there are lots of things to see and do in Mount Cook National Park.

Here are some of my favorites.

  • Explore the national park on foot. Easier walking tracks include the Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Lake Lookout and Kea Point Lookout. All offer stunning views of the glacial lakes and Aoraki Mount Cook.
  • Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and picnic on the glaciers. There are several tour options to choose from and you can fly by helicopter or skiplane. Prices upwards from around $450 but if you can fit it into the budget it truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
Scenic flight over the Southern Alps is a bucketlist experience
Scenic flight over the Southern Alps is a bucketlist experience
  • Stargazing in the dark sky region. With almost no light pollution Mt Cook turns into a giant planetarium at night. You can book a stargazing tour or just step outside and look up but those twinkling skies are not to be missed.
  • If you are looking for something a little more adventurous try skydiving or glacier kayaking!

Conclusion

Driving from Queenstown to Mt Cook is the ultimate New Zealand road trip experience! One that will take you through quaint towns, scenic landscapes and unique attractions. No matter how many stops you make along the way it is bound to be a memorable journey.


Travel Planning Guide

🚗 Where should I book my rental car?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.

🚐 What about a campervan?

Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.

🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.

🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?

For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.


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17 Best Places to Stop on the drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook
17 Best Places to Stop on the drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook.

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