Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip: Best Stops and Itinerary
Planning a road trip on New Zealand’s South Island? I’m here to help.
It’s no secret that planning a road trip around New Zealand is a mammoth task. I spent six months in New Zealand and still didn’t get to see everything I wanted to.
If you’re reading this article, I’m guessing you’re considering a road trip between Christchurch and Queenstown, two of the South Island’s most popular destinations.
In this guide, I’ve shared the best places to stop on a Christchurch to Queenstown road trip and a suggested itinerary. I’ve done this journey several times, so I know it like the back of my hand. To this day, it remains one of my favourite road trips.
Both cities have international airports with campervans and car rental offices, making them popular starting and ending points for your South Island road trip. However, as the largest city on the South Island, it’s likely you’ll find Christchurch has more rental options.
The drive between Christchurch and Queenstown weaves through the wondrous Southern Alps, passing snow-capped mountains, glaciers and turquoise blue lakes.
The itinerary below is based on starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown, but it’s easy to turn it upside down and begin in Queenstown.
How to travel between Christchurch and Queenstown
The best way to travel between Queenstown and Christchurch is to hire a vehicle. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore the many scenic sights along the way.
My personal favourite way to travel in New Zealand is with a campervan. My two-month campervan trip in New Zealand remains one of my all-time favourite travel memories. There’s nothing better than the open road and everything you need in your campervan.
A car is also a fantastic option. However, if travelling in the summer months, you need to ensure you have booked your accommodation in advance.
🚗 Rental Cars is one of my favourite car rental search engines. It shows you the best offers all over New Zealand.
If you don’t have a car in New Zealand, you can use the InterCity bus. You won’t be able to make random stops, but you can still stay overnight at several destinations.
I would recommend:
- Christchurch to Tekapo (stay one or two nights)
- Tekapo to Mount Cook (stay one night)
- Mount Cook to Wanaka (stay one or two nights)
- Wanaka to Queenstown
How long does it take to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown?
Queenstown and Christchurch are about 300 miles (480km) apart. Driving between them without stopping should take six or seven hours.
However, there is lots to do on a drive between Christchurch and Queenstown. I’d recommend giving yourself at least two or three days so you can make the most of this beautiful journey. You could easily spend a week exploring the mountains if you have longer.
In the guide below, I’ve listed possible stops between Queenstown and Christchurch and how long you can spend in each place so you can build your perfect itinerary.
Is the Christchurch to Queenstown drive difficult?
The roads in New Zealand took me by surprise. I had heard stories of how poorly maintained they were, but this just wasn’t my experience (although I am from the UK).
While the roads are wide and well-maintained (at least compared to UK standards), the road between Queenstown and Christchurch still weaves between the mountains. This includes crossing the Lindis Pass, which is known to be treacherous in poor weather.
I’m not the most confident of drivers, and I was travelling solo in New Zealand. Even so, I found the drive to be okay. It’s essential to take your time on the trickier bits, but there are plenty of spaces to pull over and let faster traffic pass you.
I suggested checking the Highways Website for the latest information on closures and weather conditions.
What is the best time of year to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown?
You can go on a road trip through New Zealand at any time of the year. However, the weather does vary throughout the year, especially on the South Island.
Every season in New Zealand has its benefits. In the spring, you’ll be rewarded with the lupins in Tekapo and warmer weather. In winter, you’ll drive past snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see.
Be aware that in the winter, you may need to carry snow chains and drive in icy conditions. Road closures are also quite common, especially on the Lindis Pass, which reaches a higher altitude.
Whenever you drive between Queenstown and Christchurch, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery, turquoise lakes, and incredible panoramic views.
Which route: Wanaka or Cromwell?
To get from Christchurch to Queenstown, you can go via Wanaka or Cromwell. Both routes begin by driving through Tekapo, but then you have the option to go through the mountains to Wanaka or take the slightly shorter route via Cromwell.
If you want to get to Queenstown quickly, Cromwell is the easiest, quickest and most convenient route.
However, the route via Wanaka is a lot more scenic. Wanaka itself is also a great place to explore and spend some time. It’s also the home to the famous Roys Peak Track, a popular hike in the area.
If you plan to head up the West Coast or Glacier Country after your trip to Queenstown, you can visit Wanaka then. But if this is your only chance to visit Wanaka, I’d suggest trying to squeeze it in on your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip.
The BEST stops between Christchurch and Queenstown
Now, let’s get into why you’re really here. Below, you’ll find the best places to stop between Queenstown and Christchurch. This includes quick scenic stops, as well as places to spend a longer period of time.
Lyttelton
How long to spend in Lyttelton: A few hours
Okay… technically, Lyttelton isn’t part of the road trip to Queenstown, but if you have the time, taking a detour to Lyttleton is well worth the extra effort.
Lyttelton is a small harbour town on the Banks Peninsula, about 7 miles (11km) from Christchurch. It’s the largest harbour town on South Island, surrounded by beautiful scenery. There is a fantastic beach here, nice cafes, restaurants and a few gift shops.
Rakaia Gorge
How long to spend at Rakaia Gorge: A few hours
Now, the real road trip begins. A trip to Rakaia Gorge is a must on any Christchurch to Queenstown road trip. It’s a beautiful spot where you’ll see pure aqua glacial water against luscious, green bush surrounded by stunning mountains.
Use this spot as a quick leg stretch, or alternatively, hike the Rakaia Gorge Walkway. This track is 6.5 miles (10.4km) and takes you through the surrounding area.
Visiting the Rakaia Gorge requires taking scenic Route 77 rather than Route 1, but it’s well worth it.
Timaru
How long to spend in Timaru: A few hours in the evening (to see the penguins)
This is another detour from the main route to Queenstown, but it’s your chance to see the world’s smallest penguin in the wild.
The Little Penguins (formally Little Blue Penguins) call the beaches of Timaru their home. They return from their day at sea at dusk, allowing you to see them up close. As the penguins are only viewable at dusk, you’ll need to stay overnight here. If you have a self-contained campervan, there is a freedom campsite right next to where you view the penguins.
Note: It would be tricky to do both Rakaia Gorge and Timaru without driving back on yourself, so I’d suggest choosing one or the other.
Fairlie (rest stop)
How long to spend in Fairlie: Snack/meal stop
Fairlie is a small town less than an hour from Tekapo. The Fairlie Bakehouse is a famous bakery selling handmade pastries. I’ve only been there once, but I can honestly say it was one of the best pies I’ve had in New Zealand.
A stop in Fairlie is perfect to grab a bite to eat and explore this quaint town.
Lake Tekapo
How long to spend in Tekapo: 1 or 2 nights
Tekapo is the first major stop on your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip. This picturesque town sits on the shores of the magnificent Lake Tekapo. It’s one of my favourite spots in New Zealand; it really doesn’t get much more beautiful than this.
Depending on what you want to do in Tekapo, I suggest spending at least one, if not two, nights here.
Tekapo is a Dark Sky Reserve, which means it’s one of the best places in New Zealand and the World to stargaze. You can join a tour to do this, including with the Dark Sky Project or Chameleon.
One of the most famous spots to stargaze is the Mount John Observatory. This famous stargazing spot sits on the top of Mount John and is home to some powerful stargazing equipment. To use the stargazing equipment, you’ll need to join a tour.
Alternatively, grab a blanket and head down to the lake to do some of your own stargazing. A good place to stargaze for free in Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd. There’s minimal light pollution and some photography opportunities.
There are plenty of other exciting things to do in Tekapo. Here’s a quick overview:
- Hike up Mount John in the day for panoramic views.
- Relax in the Tekapo hot pools.
- Hire a bike and explore Lake Tekapo.
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Take a scenic flight to Mount Cook.
- Take a day trip to Mount Cook National Park.
Lake Pukaki (viewpoints)
How long to spend at Lake Pukaki: There are various viewpoints on your way to Mount Cook
Next up is Lake Pukaki—a magnificent turquoise glacial lake near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lake quite as blue as here. There are viewpoints along the road with incredible lake views. You’ll get your first glimpse of Lake Pukaki driving along State Highway 8. Turn off onto State Highway 80 on Mount Cook Road for even more spectacular views.
If it’s a clear day, you may even get your first glimpse of Mount Cook in the distance.
Note: if you’re freedom camping, there are a couple of freedom campsites on the shores of Lake Pukaki (for FREE!).
Mount Cook National Park
How long to spend in Mount Cook: One full day
No trip to New Zealand’s South Island is complete without a visit to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
The home of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook National Park is breathtakingly beautiful. With its snowcapped mountains and glacial lakes, I’m not sure the scenery gets much better than this.
Mount Cook National Park is where you’ll find the Hooker Valley Track, the most popular hike on the South Island. The Hooker Valley walk is also arguably one of New Zealand’s best day hikes.
It’s a fantastic way to see New Zealand’s highest mountain amongst the beautiful scenery. The Hooker Valley Track is 6.2 miles (10km) return, but it’s relatively flat (aside from a few steps).
I’m not sure there is another hike where you are rewarded with such incredible views for that little effort. The track ends at Hooker Lake, where you’ll be able to see Mount Cook and the Hooker Glacier.
Despite being an alpine region, the park is very accessible. There is ample parking at Hooker Valley in the White Horse Hill Campground at the start of the track.
For a more challenging hike in Mount Cook National Park, consider the Sealy Tarns or Mueller Hut Track.
There are lots of other exciting things to do in Mount Cook, including scenic flights, sky diving, glacier landings, visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, and boat trips around the lake.
Twizel (rest stop or overnight stop)
How long to spend in Twizel: A good rest stop or overnight stop after Mount Cook
The next stop is Twizel, one of the larger towns in the area. If staying in Tekapo doesn’t appeal to you, this would be your next best option.
It’s a great gateway stop for Mount Cook and the surrounding area and also where you can refuel your vehicle.
For those wanting to stay overnight, there are various accommodation options, including a holiday park, hostels, and holiday cottages. There are also some great cafes and bakeries to choose from if you’re just looking for some refreshments.
High Country Salmon Farm (stop)
How long to spend here: Two hours
The High Country Salmon Farm is a unique stop on your drive from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Here, you can learn about the salmon farming process, try some salmon and even have a go at catching your own fish.
I skipped this activity as I don’t eat fish or support the fishing industry, but it’s a well-reviewed activity for those who are keen.
Omarama (rest stop)
How long to spend here: An hour or two
Omarama is a pleasant spot to break up your journey a bit. If you plan on rushing through, consider stopping at the Wrinkly Ram. This famous café serves some delicious (you guessed it…) pies! They also serve some of the best chips I had in New Zealand. If you want to buy authentic merino wool, consider visiting their gift shop.
Omarama is also home to the Omarama Hot Tubs, the perfect stop to relax and slow down. I prefer these to the Tekapo hot springs, as they’re much more private and relaxing. Make sure you book in advance, as they can sell out.
Omara Clay Cliffs
How long to spend at the Clay Cliffs: One hour
Just outside of Omarama are the Omara Clay Cliffs. This is a unique area of New Zealand with exposed clay cliffs that are millions of years old. I was sceptical about visiting here, but they’re unique and impressive. It almost feels like being transported to Utah.
Once you arrive, you’ll follow a path for a few minutes until you reach the cliffs. You can then spend as much time as you like exploring the area.
It costs $5 per car and $15 for a bus (correct March 2025). There’s an honesty box at the entrance where cash can be deposited.
Lindis Pass (viewpoint)
The Lindis Pass connects the Mackenzie Basin with the Central Otago Region. This incredibly scenic drive takes you through the unique mountains of the area on your road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown.
There’s a viewpoint at the top of the Lindis Pass with a dedicated parking lot and area for pedestrians. It’s a great spot to stop and admire the views.
I’ve travelled all around New Zealand, and this is one of my favourite viewpoints. The mountains here are so different from others, even in the nearby Mount Cook. They almost have a Scottish Highlands feel to them.
Cromwell (rest stop)
How long to spend in Cromwell: One or two hours
If you want to get to Queenstown quickly, you’ll likely want to drive through Cromwell. This route is the fastest and most convenient.
Cromwell is a small town near Lake Dunstan. It was once a mining town but is now known for growing some of the country’s best fruit.
It’s a good spot to break up the last part of your drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. There’s a small retail park there with a selection of bakeries and a cafe. I highly recommend the Cromwell Bakery for its pies.
Extra stop: Gibbston Valley
How long to spend in Gibbston Valley: A couple of hours at a winery
Gibbston Valley is known as the ‘Valley of the Vines’ and is one of New Zealand’s most famous wine-growing areas.
It’s the perfect stop between Christchurch and Queenstown for wine tasting (if you’re not driving). This region in Central Otago is particularly famous for its Pinot Noir red wine.
A great option for wine tasting is Gibbston Valley Winery.
Wanaka (detour)
How long to spend in Wanaka: At least one day
After leaving Omarama, you can choose to take the scenic route to Queenstown via the stunning town of Wanaka.
Fondly known as Queenstown’s little sister, the small town sits in Mount Aspiring National Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka. It’s the home of the iconic Roys Peak hike and the famous Wanaka Tree.
There are many exciting things to do in Wanaka, but some of the best activities include the incredible Mount Iron hike for panoramic views, kayaking on Lake Wanaka and a cruise around the lake.
If you’re a keen hiker, I recommend the Isthmus Peak hike, a short drive from Wanaka. This hike competes with Roys Peak for incredible views but is much less crowded. On the way up, you’ll have scenic views of Lake Hawea. At the peak, you’ll see the magnificent Lake Wanaka.
I really do think Wanaka is one of the best places to visit on the South Island.
As I mentioned above, if you plan to travel up the West Coast, you could combine your trip to Wanaka with that. If not, then going via Wanaka on your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip is absolutely worth it.
The Crown Range Road
If you go via Wanaka, your drive to Queenstown will be via the stunning Crown Range. This is one of the most amazing places to truly see the scale of the Southern Alps and the gorgeous scenery.
The views never end along this incredible scenic drive. There are ample viewpoints where you can stop and pull over.
If you have the time, the small village of Cardrona is also worth a stop. The Cardrona Pub is a homely and cosy pub serving delicious food.
It’s also the home of the famous “bra fence”. Each year, hundreds of women leave their bras on the fence to raise money for charity.
Arrowtown
How long to spend here: A couple of hours
The small town of Arrowtown is about 30 minutes from Queenstown. This old mining town is like nowhere else in New Zealand. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a couple of hours and learn about a completely different side of New Zealand’s history.
The main street of this quaint town is lined with cute boutiques, coffee shops and gift shops. It’s also in a beautiful setting and is one of the best places in New Zealand to see the autumn colours.
Here are some amazing things to do in Arrowtown.
After Arrowtown, consider a stop at beautiful Lake Hayes. There are a couple of hiking tracks around the scenic lake, including short walks. There are also some accommodation options if you want to spend a night there before arriving in Queenstown.
Queenstown
And last, but by no means least, your destination: Queenstown! Known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, this mountain town is home to epic activities, including sky diving, bungy jumping and water rafting.
I recommend spending several days in Queenstown. It’s an excellent place to base yourself and explore the wider area, including Glenorchy and, of course, the famous Milford Sound.
For a more off-the-beaten-path activity, I highly recommend visiting Doubtful Sound. Despite also being a fjord, it’s a very different experience to Milford Sound.
Side note: New Zealand is known to be an expensive destination, and Queenstown is no exception. If you’re on a budget, research how to visit Queenstown on a budget.
A Three-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Christchurch to Queenstown (via Cromwell)
Here’s a suggested itinerary for those travelling between Christchurch and Queenstown.
Day one: Christchurch to Tekapo
Driving distance: 150 miles (231km)
Driving time: About 3 or 4 hours
Start day one of your road trip by taking the scenic route and visiting Rakai Gorge. Stretch your legs here and take in the stunning scenery.
Jump back in the car and drive to Fairlie, which is a great stop for lunch. I suggest visiting the Fairlie Bakehouse for some delicious food, including their famous pies.
Head to Tekapo and arrive before sunset. Walk along the lakeshore to see the Church of the Good Shepherd and relax in the Tekapo Hot Springs. If you have time, consider hiking Mount John or joining a stargazing tour.
Day two: Tekapo to Twizel (via Mount Cook)
Driving distance: About 100 miles (160km – with a drive to Mount Cook)
Driving time: Around 90 minutes from Tekapo to Mount Cook, then an hour back to Twizel (allow plenty of time for photo stops)
Today’s an exciting day as you’ll be exploring Mount Cook National Park, which is home to one of the most popular hikes in the country – the Hooker Valley Track.
Hit the road early and stop at Lake Pukaki to enjoy the views. There are many options to fill your day in Mount Cook, including hiking and taking a scenic flight over New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Stay the night either in Mount Cook or in the nearby town of Twizel.
Day three: Twizel to Queenstown (via Cromwell)
Driving distance: 125 miles (200km)
Driving time: Two to three hours
Today is the last day of your three-day Christchurch to Queenstown road trip.
Begin your day with a short drive to the High Country Salmon Farm. Here, learn about salmon farming in New Zealand, feed the fish and try some fresh salmon. Then, make your way to Omarama. Omarama is a small town where you can relax in the hot tubs or try a famous pie at the Wrinkly Ram.
Continue your drive and consider a detour to the Clay Cliffs, a unique spot in New Zealand worth visiting. The cliffs were formed millions of years ago, and there is a walking path that allows you to explore the area. I’d suggest spending at least an hour here. It’s different from anywhere else I’ve seen in New Zealand.
The final leg of your journey takes you via Cromwell. It was once a gold mining town but is now one of the country’s top-growing fruit regions. There are few things to do in Cromwell, but it’s a great lunch spot with nice cafes and bakeries.
After your rest stop in Cromwell, continue the drive to Queenstown. If you have time, consider stopping off at Gibbston Winery to try some of Otago’s finest wine.
A Four-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Christchurch to Queenstown (via Wanaka)
Day one & two: As above
Follow the itinerary outlined in the above 3-day section.
Day three: Twizel to Wanaka
Driving distance: About 90 miles (145km)
Driving time: 2 hours
Follow the itinerary on day three above. After leaving Omarama, take the scenic route to Wanaka. Spend the afternoon exploring the lake and beautiful area.
Day four: Wanaka to Queenstown
Driving distance: 43 miles (70km)
Driving time: 90 minutes
Today is the final day of the trip. If you want to hike the famous Roys Peak, now is your chance.
Otherwise, it’s time to start the drive to Queenstown. I’d suggest giving yourself plenty of time to stop at some of the scenic viewpoints in the Crown Range. You could also consider stopping in Arrowtown on your way to Queenstown.
How to build this into a bigger itinerary
If you’re driving between Christchurch and Queenstown as part of a bigger road trip, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate my itinerary into your trip.
For a full loop
If you’re starting and ending your trip in Christchurch, you can visit Queenstown before heading to Wanaka. From here, head up the West Coast and do a full loop via Picton and Kaikoura, one of my favourite places in New Zealand. Finish your road trip in Christchurch.
If you don’t plan to do the whole South Island loop but want to see the West Coast, I recommend going to Queenstown first, then visiting Wanaka and the West Coast, and returning to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass.
