New Zealand’s South Island, with its stunning landscapes, quaint towns, rich history and unique experiences, is a treasure chest of delights waiting to be discovered. From the rugged beauty of Mt Cook National Park to the vibrant towns of Lake Tekapo, Wanaka and Queenstown, this itinerary hits some of the best highlights (and hidden gems) in the South Island.
If you’re up for the crisp smell of mountain air mingled with the bluest lakes you’ve ever seen, otherworldly landscapes, and charming towns that will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a postcard, then let’s start planning your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary!
» You might also be interested in this Queenstown to Mt Cook road trip itinerary.
» Looking for more travel inspiration in New Zealand? See our Unmissable New Zealand Tourist Attractions and 12 Charming Small Towns to Visit. Here are a few more fabulous places to visit.
Figuring out what to see and how to fit it all into the time you have can be a daunting task when planning your itinerary. Lucky for you, I’ve done this road trip over half a dozen times and have passed through this route on a number of different trips, so I have the knowledge to help you plan an amazing time on one of the best road trips in the South Island.
And, if you happen to be planning your road trip from Queenstown to Christchurch, then simply follow this itinerary in reverse order starting from Queenstown.
Visitors often ask me, is the drive from Queenstown to Christchurch (or vice versa) worth it? With so much variety and amazing places to stop along the way, it’s one of my favorite road trips in New Zealand, and my answer is always a resounding yes.
Essential Road Trip Info
Whether you have one day or a whole week, this itinerary can be adapted to fit your schedule.
Driving non-stop from Christchurch to Queenstown takes around 6 hours, covering a distance of around 482 kilometers (300 miles). While it can be done in one day, it’s not a small amount of driving, and with so many great places to see along the way, I recommend planning a 6-7 day road trip if you can.
If you have shorter than that, you’ll need to be selective and prioritise where you want to stop from the list below. I’ve included drive times and the recommended time to spend at each place to help with your planning.
Just be mindful that drive times are an estimate as they are subject to traffic, weather conditions and your preferred pace. The NZTA website is a good resource for traffic and travel conditions, worth checking before setting off.
Whether you’re flying into Christchurch (or Queenstown) – or driving in from another part of New Zealand, you’re going to need a car or campervan – either your own or a rental car.
If you’re renting, I suggest going through Discover Cars (for car hires) or Motorhome Republic (for campervan and motorhome hires) to get the best deals from all the top car rental and motorhome companies in one place.
These are the companies I use when booking rental cars or campervans for my own travels.
If you’re unable to drive yourself, check out these top South Island tours that cover all the places listed in our itinerary below (and more!).
Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary
Ok, are you ready to buckle up and join me on an epic road trip through the South Island? I’m thrilled to share this thoroughly curated itinerary that will ensure you make the most out of this journey, exploring the hidden gems as well as the must-see spots.
Pack your bags, put on your favorite road trip playlist, and let’s hit the road.
Christchurch (Day 1)
After arriving in Christchurch, you can jump into the first day of your trip by exploring this vibrant and resilient city.
Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch is celebrated for its stunning gardens, historic architecture, and revitalized urban landscape. Following the 2011 earthquake, the city has undergone significant transformation, blending modern developments with its rich heritage.
While there’s no way to see all of Christchurch in one day, these are the highlights I recommend:
- Walk the Botanic Gardens in Hagley Park past thousands of beautiful plants and trees
- Explore the cities top sights on a vintage tram
- Head to the Riverside Market for lunch or dinner, featuring local food stalls and eateries
- Take a punt ride along the Avon River for a unique perspective of city
- Visit the International Antarctic Centre for a fun and exciting Antarctic experience
Where to stay: Christchurch City Hotel
Lake Tekapo (Day 2)
Distance: 226 km
Drive time from Christchurch: approx 3 hours without stops
The second day of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip involves the first stretch of road to tackle. Heading out south via SH 1 and State Hwy 79, you’ll drive for about 3 hours to reach Lake Tekapo.
We recommend making an early start and stopping in Fairlie for brunch. This scenic little town is home to the Fairlie Bakehouse, famous for their delicious handmade savory pies, a must-try New Zealand food.
Although famous for the gorgeous lupins that bloom between November and February, Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand to visit all year round. This small resort town is perched on the edge of an insanely turquoise-blue color lake with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Get the camera ready as you step into this fairytale setting.
This area is also part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. I recommend staying 1-2 nights in Lake Tekapo.
No matter when you’re in town, here are some of our top things to see and do:
- Take a stroll along the lake to enjoy the stunning landscape
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and sheepdog statue to take some photos
- Drive up to the Mt John Observatory Viewpoint for a birds eye view over the town
- Have lunch at the Greedy Cow Cafe
- Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (one of the best experiences I’ve had)
- Relax in the Tekapo Springs hot pools with breathtaking alpine views
- Join a Stargazing tour to experience the night sky
Where to stay: Galaxy Boutique Hotel
Mt Cook (Day 3)
Distance: 103 km
Drive time from Lake Tekapo: approx 1 hour 15 minutes without stops
Today is all about a day trip to Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain peak, the mighty Aoraki. Prepare for some out-of-this-world scenery on the drive from Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook.
Along the route, you’ll pass through a few scenic places worth a stop. If you’re travelling between November and March, the first stop is the NZ Alpine Lavender farm, where you can try their homemade lavender ice cream (so yum!), then stop at Peters Lookout to see the famous view of Mt Cook from the top of Lake Pukaki.
There are several other lookout points for Lake Pukaki and Glentanner along the road to Mt Cook. They are well signposted with small parking lots or pullover bays so you can hop out and snap some photos.
Then it’s time to head into Mt Cook National Park. Like all national parks in New Zealand, it’s completely free to visit. With its dramatic mountains, picturesque lakes and range of hiking trails, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed after the first bridge. Riverbank erosion has impacted the second bridge and is now deemed unsafe. A new bridge is scheduled to be completed by Autumn 2026. You can still walk to the Mueller Lake Lookout and enjoy these other walks in Mt Cook. Check the DOC website for up-to-date information.
The top three things to add to your Mt Cook itinerary include:
- Take a walk or hike one of many scenic trails like Kea Point, Tasman Lake Viewpoint or the more challenging Sealy Tarns Track
- See the Tasman Glacier from the water with Glacier Explorers, New Zealand’s only glacier boat tour or hike the Tasman Glacier View Track if you prefer to stay on land
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and learn about the history of mountaineering with interactive exhibits
If you enjoy hiking and the outdoors, I highly recommend staying one night in Mt Cook. Accommodation is limited so you’ll need to book ahead, the sooner the better.
Where to stay: Aoraki Court Motel
Otherwise, you can visit Mt Cook as a day trip and head back to your accommodation in Lake Tekapo for another night or stay in Twizel, our next stop.
Twizel (Day 4)
Distance: 65 km
Drive time from Lake Tekapo or Mt Cook: approx 45-50 minutes without stops
Twizel is the largest town in the Mackenzie District and a popular base for exploring the surrounding areas like Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook. If you can’t find accommodation within your budget in Lake Tekapo or Mt Cook, it’s worth checking availability in Twizel.
Whether you’re passing through or staying the night be sure to check out some of Twizel’s highlights:
- Stop at the Lake Ruataniwha View Point for photos, on a clear day you can see beautiful reflections in the already picturesque lake
- Visit High Country Salmon for lunch at their floating cafe with views of Mt Cook
- Check out Resurrection Distillery to try local handcrafted spirits
Where to stay: Alps Motel & Apartments or try SkyScape for a truly unique experience
From Twizel, make your way to Wānaka (about a 2 hour drive). Here are a couple of stops that are worth making on your way.
Omarama Clay Cliffs
Distance: 38 km
Drive time from Twizel: approx 40 minutes without stops
Around 40 minutes from Twizel you’ll see the turnoff for the Omarama Clay Cliffs, natural rock formations consisting of towering pinnacles and narrow ravines that were formed from the movement of glaciers millions of years ago.
They are a little off the beaten path, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Omarama along a gravel road, and worth stopping at on your way to Wānaka. Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore this unique landscape.
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 was a mood in itself.
Lindis Pass
Distance: 48 km
Drive time from the Clay Cliffs: approx 45 minutes without stops
After the Clay Cliffs, continue on State Highway 8 until you reach the Lindis Pass (about 45 minutes driving time). This 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’s surrounded on all sides by rolling hills of tussocks which were blanketed in snow when we drove through in July.
There’s a sign that marks the Lindis Pass Viewpoint at the highest point, reaching an elevation of 971 meters (3185 feet), where you can pull into a carpark for the viewing platform. There’s also two short trails to other lookout points that are worth checking out.
Plan to spend around 15-20 minutes here to walk the short tracks and snap some photos.
Wānaka (Day 5)
Distance: 80 km
Drive time from Lindis Pass: approx 1 hour without stops
After the Lindis Pass, it’s about an hour’s drive to the next stop along your journey – Wānaka.
Wānaka is a laid back outdoorsy town with a community keen for adventure. Perched on the edge of the massive Lake Wānaka and surrounded by the Southern Alps, it’s a popular base for skiing in winter and home to some fantastic hiking trails like the Roys Peak Track. It’s also where you’ll find the Instagram famous Wanaka Tree.
The town centre has a great energy with plenty of restaurants, cafes and boutique shops lining the main street along the lakefront. We like Francesca’s Italian Kitchen for pizza and wine or Lake Bar for a casual bar atmosphere.
I recommend spending 1-2 nights in Wanaka. It’s a great place to get out amongst nature with lots of things to do and boutique shops to explore.
Fill your day in Wānaka with some of these standouts:
- Have breakfast at Big Fig or Relishes Cafe
- Go on a hike for views over Wānaka and the surrounding bays – try Roys Peak, Mt Iron Track or Isthmus Peak Track
- Take the Water Taxi to Mou Waho Island for an off-the-beaten-path experience
- Bike the Wānaka And Hāwea River Trails to explore the beautiful landscapes
- Unwind on a Lake Wānaka Happy Hour Cruise
- Cap off your day with a stroll along the lake and catch the sunset over That Wanaka Tree
Where to stay: Edgewater Hotel
Queenstown (Day 6)
Distance: 68.5 km
Drive time from Wānaka: approx 1 hour 15 minutes without stops via the Crown Range
Note: There are two routes you can take from Wānaka to Queenstown. The Crown Range Road which is the most direct, and the route we are following. It is a winding mountain pass with significant elevation gain and a few hairpin turns at the bottom. Alternatively, you can take State Highway 6 via Cromwell.
Today is the last leg of your epic road trip. Luckily the drive from Wānaka to Queenstown is only 1 hour 15 minutes, so you can start the day a bit later and be in Queenstown with some time to spare for afternoon activities.
First, here are a few stops we like to make on the drive from Wānaka to Queenstown.
- Grab a coffee at the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels that looks like it’s straight out of an old western movie
- Stop at the Crown Range Summit Lookout for spectacular views from New Zealand’s highest sealed road
- Stop at the historic town of Arrowtown for lunch, wander down Buckingham Street to see the heritage buildings, visit the Chinese Settlement to learn about the town’s mining history and take a walk along the Arrow River Trail
What would a South Island itinerary be without a stay in Queenstown. Your last stop is all about exploring the adventure capital of New Zealand. I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 nights in Queenstown.
Located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains, this popular alpine resort town is filled with adrenaline-pumping activities, fantastic hiking trails, incredible views and great food.
It’s also surrounded by some of the country’s top vineyards. With so much on offer it can be difficult choosing where to start. These are some of my must-do activities:
- Take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak
- Go Jet Boating down the Shotover River
- Enjoy one of Queenstown’s awesome hikes like Bob’s Cove, the Hill Time Walk or Ben Lomond
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw
- Try the famous Fergburger for lunch
- Unwind and be wowed by the views at the Onsen Hot Pools
- Take a day trip to Milford Sound
- Relax with a day of wine tasting
Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Wrapping Up Your Road Trip to Queenstown
There you have it – the best road trip starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown that can be adapted to however many days you have to play with. Although numerous other attractions and activities can be included on any trip, this itinerary features the best of the best.
Of course, if you have more time, you can add on other destinations like Te Anau, The Catlins or the West Coast, or head off-the-beaten-path to discover more hidden gems. Now all you have to do is decide when to go. Happy road tripping!
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.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 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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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.