Are you planning a trip to Queenstown? This road trip itinerary is here to help you plan the ultimate Queenstown adventure. Without doubt you could easily spend months exploring this picturesque alpine town and surrounding regions – there is so much to see and do! Our itinerary covers the best activities, places to eat and day trips in a 4–5-day timeframe to truly experience all this region has to offer. By the end of your trip, you will understand why this place is so popular in New Zealand! This guide recommends roughly 4-5 days to experience all the highlights, but you can extend or shorten this itinerary to suit your trip specifically.
Day 1: Explore Queenstown
On your first day of the itinerary, take time to explore Queenstown. By taking a stroll along Camp Street you will see the number of adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. You can push your limits and book a bungee jump, skydive, jet boating or white-water rafting adventure to name a few! If you are travelling during summertime, make sure you book any activities in advance to avoid disappointment. A trip to the adventure capital would not be complete without an adrenaline-filled activity!
Or step away from the hustle and bustle and take a walk-up Queenstown Hill Time Walk, one of the local’s favourite tracks. The track is 4.2km long with a 500metre climb through the forest to the summit. The summit offers spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding areas.
If you are looking for a gentler stroll, check out the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. The garden includes views of Lake Wakatipu, a rose garden and a variety of trees and plants. It’s an ideal place to take a moment to relax.
There is a vast selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes you will be spoilt for a choice of dining options. For dinner, Fergburger is a favourite with visitors and locals, Pedro’s by the Lake serves up delicious tapas, paella and lamb dishes or something different book a TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise.
For places to stay, choose from hotels, lodges, air bnbs and backpackers, there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget.
Day 2: Wanaka via Arrowtown
Drive time Queenstown to Arrowtown: 20 minutes (19.5 km)
Drive time from Arrowtown to Wanaka via Crowne Range: 55 minutes (55.4 km)
Arrowtown
On day 2 of the itinerary, you will make your way to Wanaka. On route, take a short detour to Arrowtown, only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. Arrowtown was established back in 1862 during Otago’s Gold Rush and remains a charming and historic town. Step back in time and visit the restored Chinese Settlement built by Chinese miners in 1868 that still stands at the edge of the arrow river or check out the museum to learn about the history of this town.
There are many walking and biking trails to explore along the river arrow. If you visit during Autumn time you will be in awe of the colours of the trees. Explore Tobins Track, Sawpit Gully or Arrowtown Millennium Walk to immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
Before you continue your journey enjoy some lunch in Arrowtown. This town has an awesome selection of restaurants for lunch, check out The Dishery or Slow Cuts for delicious food options!
Crowne Range
After lunch continue your trip to Wanaka from Arrowtown. Driving over the Crowne Range is the fastest route. This mountain alpine pass is the highest main road in New Zealand reaching an altitude of 1121m. Make sure you stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the stunning views of Queenstown and Gibbston Valley.
Please drive this pass with caution, the road is quite steep with tight corners in sections. During wintertime, the road may be closed due to snow, or you will have to use snow chains.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving this road you can take State Highway 6, which goes past Cromwell and through Gibbston Valley.
Wanaka
When you arrive in Wanaka, you will be greeted by the stunning view of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. This picturesque alpine town caters for both outdoor adventure and relax minded travellers. You will notice the town has a resemblance to Queenstown however it is on a much smaller and quieter scale.
For the rest of the afternoon, it is recommended to spend time exploring Wanaka. Stroll around the town and browse the boutiques, take a walk along the shores of the lake, and visit Wanaka Tree, one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand! The tree started as a wooden fence post over 70 years ago.
On the itinerary, 2 nights have been allocated to stay in Wanaka to fully experience what this slice of paradise has to offer. For accommodation, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets. Choose from backpackers to lakeside resorts and luxury options.
Enjoy an early dinner at one of many restaurants of restaurants along the lakefront or stroll over to Brownston Street to dine at one of the food trucks.
Day 3: Explore Wanaka
Wanaka is one of the best places to visit if you are a keen hiker. A 50-minute drive from the town will take you to Mount Aspiring National Park which offers many tracks ranging from easy to advance grades. The Rob Roy track is an easy route that will lead you into a stunning alpine landscape with views of glaciers and waterfalls.
Closer to town you can hike the Roys Peak track which is one of the most popular and best day hikes in the area. The track is 16km return, which steeply climbs to 1,500m. At the summit, you will be in awe of the spectacular panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the township.
Wanaka has its choice of adrenaline-packed activities too! Book a trip with Wild Wire to climb the world’s highest waterfall cable climb, mountain carting at Cardrona Alpine Resort or mountain biking at Bike Glendhu.
Or you can relax and enjoy some lake time. Rent a kayak or paddle board from Paddle Wanaka. Or book a boat tour to explore the surrounding islands - Ruby Island and Mou Wahou Island.
If the weather turns bad on your road trip, check out Puzzling World where you can complete the maze or have fun with the illusion rooms or have a coffee in their café and solve a puzzle.
Day 4: Return to Queenstown via Gibbston Valley
Drive time: Wanaka to Gibbston Valley via State Hwy 6: Approximately 1 hour (80.3 km)
Drive time: Gibbston Valley to Queenstown: 35 minutes (30.8 km)
On day 4 of your itinerary, you will make your way back to Queenstown. Instead of driving over the Crowne Range, you will take State Highway 6 and drive past Cromwell and take a detour to Gibbston Valley.
Gibbston Valley is the home of New Zealand’s most famous vineyards. There are several different wine and food tours to book to explore the many vineyards. For excellent lunch and tour options check out Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant.
If you are not a wine fan, visit the Cargo Cellar Door where you can enjoy craft beer tastings, pizzas and playing lawn games. Remember to always drink and drive responsibly!
Alternatively, you can book vineyard and brewery tours that depart from Queenstown. This a must-do activity for any wine or beer craft enthusiasts!
Day 5: Milford Sound
Drive time: 3 hours 33 minutes (288 km).
While staying in Queenstown, it is highly recommended to book a day tour of Milford Sound before you leave. A trip to Milford Sound is a brilliant way to end your stay in Queenstown. The tour will take you along Milford Road and into Fiordland offering some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country. Enjoy a cruise on the fiord to the open Tasman Sea and back with views of waterfalls, Mitre Peak, and wildlife such as dolphins and seals.
Many of the tours that depart Queenstown include a bus transfer to Milford Sound, a cruise on the fiord, lunch options and a tour guide who will keep you informed and entertained along the way. Alternatively, you can drive to Milford Sound and book a cruise tour. However, the Milford Road is busy with cars, campervans, and tour buses and in the winter months, snow chains must be carried in case of snowfall on the road.
Optional Day trip: Glenorchy
Drive time Queenstown to Glenorchy: 44 minutes
A day trip to Glenorchy is a great alternative instead of a day tour to Milford Sound. Glenorchy is a small, charming town surrounded by beautiful lakes and spectacular mountains. The route is renowned as one of the most beautiful drives following the windy road along Lake Wakatipu. Stop at Bennett’s Bluff to take in the spectacular views!
Glenorchy has many activities for you to enjoy from hiking, kayaking and jetboating on the Dart River. The Glenorchy Lagoon walk is an easy and picturesque stroll or Lake Sylvan is a 1 hour 40 min return loop walk through old river moraines and tall red beech. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, visit the filming location of Isengard, it’s in a place called Paradise!
To grab a bite to eat, stop by the Glenorchy Hotel where there’s a pub and restaurant or enjoy tasty dumplings at Queenie’s Dumplings.
This is a jam-packed itinerary with plenty of options for activities and places to eat and stay to plan your ultimate adventure in Queenstown. Happy travels from all of us at _mode!
