The Ultimate Road Trip from Queenstown to Christchurch
Some road trips are just about getting from one place to another. Others? They take you through landscapes so surreal you start questioning whether you’re still on Earth. The drive from Queenstown to Christchurch (or Christchurch to Queenstown) is exactly that, a road trip where every hour brings something new: turquoise blue lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks, winding mountain passes that make you grip the wheel a little tighter, golden valleys stretching endlessly into the horizon, and tiny roadside towns that surprise you with the best coffee you’ve ever had. This wasn’t just a drive, it was an experience. And here is your guide to the ultimate Queenstown to Christchurch road trip.
How Long Do You Need for This Trip?
If you wanted to, you could power through this drive in 6 hours without stopping. But honestly? That would be a crime against nature.
- 4-5 days → The perfect amount of time to take in the beauty, do a few hikes, and stop at all the must-sees.
- 2 days → You can still do it, but you’ll need to be selective about your stops (I have suggested an express itinerary below).
For us, 5 days felt just right—enough time to slow down, enjoy morning coffees with a view, do a few unforgettable hikes, and chase golden-hour light at every opportunity.
Read our blog post on 2 week NZ South Island Road Trip Itinerary which includes Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Milford Sound and Dunedin as well!
Best Time for the Road Trip
New Zealand’s South Island changes dramatically with the seasons, and the best time to go depends on what you want to experience.
🌸 Spring (Sep-Nov) & 🍂 Autumn (Mar-May)
- Best for: Fewer crowds, great weather, stunning colors.
- Autumn Bonus: Wānaka and Arrowtown are incredibly beautiful with golden leaves.
☀️ Summer (Dec-Feb)
- Best for: Hiking, outdoor adventures, and road-tripping with long daylight hours.
- Downside: It’s peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and busier stops.
❄️ Winter (Jun-Aug)
- Best for: Snow-covered landscapes and skiing.
- Downside: Many hikes will be inaccessible, and driving conditions may be trickier.
- BUT: If skiing is your goal, this is the perfect time for Queenstown and Wānaka.
🚨 Tip: If you’re not skiing but want to see snow-clad mountains without hiking, winter can still be a great time to go. Just bundle up!
What Type of Car to Rent?
The roads are well-paved but winding, with some steep sections. Your best bet:
- SUV (Our Pick) – Comfortable, stable, and perfect for detours on gravel roads.
- Campervan – If you love the idea of waking up in the middle of nature, this is it.
- Compact Car – If you’re on a budget, this works too—just avoid unsealed roads.
🚨 Winter Warning: If you’re traveling in June-August, check if your rental comes with snow chains—some roads may require them!
💡Tip: Hire a Car One-Way From Queenstown to Christchurch. Consider renting from Apex, Jucy, or Go Rentals for good deals.
Stop 1: Queenstown (Starting Point)
Things to Do in Queenstown Before Leaving
Queenstown is the kind of place where “just one more day” turns into a week if you’re not careful. Before you start your drive, take some time to soak it all in.
🏔 Ride the Skyline Gondola
There’s no better way to say goodbye to Queenstown than standing at the top of Bob’s Peak, looking down at the town, Lake Wakatipu, and the mountains in the distance. If you’re feeling adventurous, race your travel buddies down the luge track!
🚤 Shotover Jet Boat
I went into this thinking, “Eh, just another touristy thing.” But 30 seconds in, when the boat did a 360-degree spin inches away from jagged rock walls, I was screaming like a child on a rollercoaster. If you love adrenaline-pumping experiences, this is one of the best.
⛷️ Skiing
If you are doing this road trip in the winter and looking to hit the slopes, you’re in for a treat! This region boasts some of the best ski fields in New Zealand, with options for all skill levels. The Remarkables is great for all including beginners and families, offering wide, open runs and breathtaking alpine views.
🥘 Where to Eat in Queenstown?
- Fergburger – You can’t visit Queenstown and not try it. Yes, the queue is ridiculous, but it’s absolutely worth it. The “Big Al” (massive, juicy, and slightly overwhelming) was my pick, and I ate it sitting by the lake as the sun started to dip behind the mountains.
- Vudu Café – Fantastic brunch and coffee by the lake.
- Margo’s – Hands down the best mexican food we have had (outside Mexico). They have an extensive Vegan menu as well, the pulled jackfruit taco was our favourite!
🏩 Where to Stay in Queenstown?
- Luxury: Kamana Lakehouse
- Mid-Range: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
- Budget: JUCY Snooze – LyLo
Stops Between Queenstown & Wānaka
1️⃣ Arrowtown (20 min from Queenstown) – A tiny gold-mining town frozen in time, with tree-lined streets that glow in autumn. Stop at The Chop Shop for a flat white.
2️⃣ Crown Range Road – This winding, high-altitude road is an experience in itself. We pulled over at the Arrow Junction Lookout and just stood there, taking in the valley views.
3️⃣ Cardrona Hotel – One of NZ’s oldest pubs, straight out of a Wild West movie. Perfect for a mid-drive beer or a warm mulled wine in winter.
Stop 2: Wānaka
Wānaka has a completely different vibe from Queenstown—slower, more laid-back, but still full of adventure. It is an hour drive from Queenstown.
Things to Do in Wānaka
📸 #ThatWānakaTree (go early!)
I know, I know—it’s just a tree. But it’s a tree that grows out of a lake with a snow-capped mountain backdrop, and somehow, it feels magical. Sunrise is the best time to go, before the crowds arrive.
🥾 Roy’s Peak Hike (if you’re up for it)
This is THE hike in Wānaka. It’s steep, exhausting, and at times, soul-crushing, but the reward? The most iconic view of the South Island—a panoramic shot of Lake Wānaka and endless mountains stretching into the distance. If you’re fit and have 5-6 hours, do it.
🍷 Visit a Winery (great alternative to hiking)
If you would rather have a relaxing morning before you head out, stop at the iconic Rippon Winery for a wine tasting. This was one of our favourite winery in the Gibbston Valley.
🥘 Where to Eat?
- Big Fig – Perfect for a quick but delicious meal (slow-cooked food, served fast). We had our best brunch here!
- Urban Grind – Cozy café with incredible coffee and scones!
🏩 Where to Stay in Wānaka?
- Luxury: Edgewater Hotel
- Mid-Range: Wanaka Haven
- Budget: Haka House
Stops Between Wānaka & Lake Tekapo
1️⃣ Lindis Pass (1.5 hrs from Wānaka) – Rolling, golden hills that look like something out of a painting. Stop at the lookout!
2️⃣ Omarama Hot Tubs – Natural private hot tubs where you can soak while looking at the mountains.
3️⃣ Peter’s Lookout – As you make your way toward Mount Cook, watch for the sign to Peter’s Lookout— offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Pukaki’s striking blue waters, the winding road below, and the towering peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook in the distance
Stop 3: Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook
This stretch of the drive is pure magic, it takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. The first time we saw Lake Pukaki on our way to Lake Tekapo, we almost slammed on the brakes—the water was impossibly blue, and Aoraki/Mount Cook towered in the background. In the summer you will pink and purple Lupins around Lake Tekapo which makes it picture perfect!
Things to Do at Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook
✔ Church of the Good Shepherd – Tiny stone church with one of the most beautiful backdrops on Earth.
✔ Mount John Observatory – Lake Tekapo/Mount Cook is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve—on a clear night, the stars are absolutely mind-blowing. This is the place to see our spectacular Milky Way galaxy.
✔ Picnic at Lake Pukaki – Eat a sandwich and relax overlooking a glacier-fed lake and New Zealand’s highest mount peak. It’s as good as it sounds.
✔ Hooker Valley Hike – It is 3-hour return, but super easy and 100% worth it. The views are so rewarding!
🥘 Where to Eat?
- Astro Café – We had the best coffee with the best panoramic view ever.
- The Better Batter NZ – They have the most delicious fish and chips, I highly suggest stopping by for a quick bite.
🏩 Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo?
- Luxury: Peppers Bluewater Resort
- Budget and Camping: Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park
Stops Between Mount Cook & Christchurch
1️⃣ Geraldine – A cute little foodie stop. Grab a homemade fruit preserve from Barker’s Foodstore!
2️⃣ Rakaia Gorge – A hidden gem with bright blue waters and a suspension bridge.
Stop 4: Christchurch (Final Destination!)
After days of pure nature, Christchurch feels like a return to civilization.
Things to Do in Christchurch
- Explore the Botanic Gardens – A peaceful, green retreat.
- Punt Ride – Take a punt ride along the tranquil Avon River for a unique perspective of the city.
- Drive to Sumner Beach – Beautiful coastal drive and a great place for sunset.
🥘 Where to Eat?
- 5th Street – This hidden gem in a quiet part of town serves incredible modern New Zealand cuisine.
- Pink Lady Rooftop – This rooftop bar in downtown Christchurch has killer sunset views and amazing cocktails. I got the Lychee Martini, and it did not disappoint.
🏩 Where to Stay in Christchurch?
- Luxury: The George
- Mid-Range: Quest Christchurch
- Budget: JUCY Snooze – LyLo
Short 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown → Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook
Start your journey early from Queenstown, enjoying the scenic drive through rugged landscapes and stunning alpine vistas. Your first stop is Lake Pukaki, famous for its turquoise blue waters and breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook in the distance. Take a short break here to soak in the scenery before heading to Lake Tekapo, where the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd awaits—a picturesque spot perfect for photography.
Spend some time exploring the small lakeside town, grab a meal, and, if time permits, take a relaxing dip in the Tekapo Hot Springs. As night falls, drive up to Mount John Observatory for an unforgettable stargazing experience, where the dark skies reveal a dazzling array of constellations and the Milky Way in one of the world’s best stargazing locations. Stay in Lake Tekapo overnight.
Day 2: Mount Cook → Christchurch
Rise early and head to Mount Cook National Park for a morning adventure on the Hooker Valley Track. This easy yet rewarding hike takes you across swing bridges, past glacial streams, and offers stunning views of Mount Cook and the Hooker Glacier. The round-trip trek takes around 3 hours, making it a perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand’s highest peak.
After the hike, begin your drive towards Christchurch, passing through rolling Canterbury plains. You can make a brief stop at scenic spots along the way, but if you’re on a tight schedule, head straight to the city. Arrive in Christchurch by evening, where you can unwind and explore the vibrant city center.
Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip
If you want to do the reverse journey, here is what we would suggest (as a sample 2 day itinerary)
Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook
Make the most of your first day by exploring Lake Tekapo, snapping photos at the Church of the Good Shepherd, and heading into Mount Cook National Park for a short hike or scenic overlook. Stay overnight in Lake Tekapo or Mount Cook Village. (If accommodations aren’t available here, you can stay in Twizel like we did!)
Day 2: Mount Cook → Wānaka → Queenstown
Hit the road early for a picture-perfect drive over Lindis Pass. Take a lunch break in Wānaka (don’t miss #ThatWānakaTree) before continuing on to Queenstown by evening. We had an amazing lunch at Big Fig, and would highly recommend it. Lastly, if time allows, detour to Arrowtown for charming historic vibes, or just head to Queenstown.
FAQs
1. Is this road trip safe in winter?
Yes, but expect snow on some roads and check if your rental has snow chains.
2. Can I do this as a one-way trip only?
Yes! Many companies allow you to rent a car one-way from Christchurch to Queenstown. We used Avis for a one-way trip!
3. What are some driving tips for first timers?
- Drive on the left: New Zealand follows left-hand driving, which may take a little getting used to for some travelers.
- Watch for one-lane bridges: The South Island has many one-lane bridges, requiring you to yield to oncoming traffic.
- Check road conditions: Some roads, especially in alpine areas, may be closed due to weather conditions.
- Drive carefully at night: Wildlife, particularly possums and deer, can appear on the roads.
4. How do I get a local SIM card?
Getting a local SIM card is as easy as taking your passport to any Vodafone, 2degrees or Spark store, asking a convenience store for one, or just simply getting a prepaid one at the airport!
Read our blog post on the new visitor visa changes by New Zealand which allows your to work remotely as a tourist. You can get your journey started as a digital nomad now!
Final Thoughts
This road trip blew me away—every stop felt like a new chapter in a storybook, from the thrill of Queenstown’s adventures to the quiet beauty of Lake Tekapo under a sky full of stars. Even though I’ve done it once, I already want to go back, because this route isn’t just about the places you visit—it’s about those unexpected moments of awe that stay with you long after you leave 🚗💨
