A road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown is a fantastic way to discover the highlights of the South Island. Christchurch is the perfect starting point for this road trip as you can conveniently fly to Christchurch airport, rent a vehicle, and then hit the open road. At Queenstown, you can return your rental car and hop on a plane to your home destination.
This 7-day itinerary leads you from the Canterbury plains, along the Southern Alps to the adventure capital of New Zealand. We have made a list for you to experience all the top attractions from glaciers, and hot springs to adrenaline-pumping activities (if you dare). There is something for everyone!
This guide recommends roughly 7 days to experience all the highlights, but you can extend or shorten this itinerary to suit your trip specifically.
Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Drive time: 2 hours 50 minutes (226 km)
Driving from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo is the first part of your road trip. Even though the driving time is under 3 hours, factor in extra travel time for stops along the way. The first place on your itinerary is the Rakaia Gorge, approximately a 1-hour drive from Christchurch.
Rakaia Gorge
The Rakaia Gorge offers spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains from the lookout point. If you would like to stretch your legs, there is an easy grade 10.4km return walk that traverses along the edge of the gorge.
Fairlie
Continuing from the Rakaia Gorge, drive 1 hour 30 minutes until you arrive at Fairlie. Fairlie is a quaint rural town famous in the South Island for its award-winning pies. Stop by the Fairlie Bakehouse for lunch and refuel with freshly made pies and a cup of coffee.
Lake Tekapo
From Fairlie, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Lake Tekapo and the township. You will be in awe of the turquoise-coloured lake with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Take a stroll along the lake to enjoy the views and visit the Church of the Good Sheppard situated on the shores. The church was built in 1935 for pioneer families of the Mackenzie district. Please be mindful that there may be services taking place in the church if you stop to take photos.
Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve meaning the sky is protected from light pollution and it is one of the best places in New Zealand to go stargazing. Book a tour with the Dark Sky Project at Mount John Observatory or Tekapo Star Gazing.
If you would prefer to unwind after a day of travel, Tekapo Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax. There are several accommodation choices with lake views. Depending on your budget you can book apartments, Air BnBs, lodges, motels, or backpackers.
For dinner, there are plenty of choices, check out the Blue Lake Eatery & Bar, a warm family-friendly restaurant where you can relax with a craft beer or a cocktail.
Day 2: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook
Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes (103 km).
On day 2 of your itinerary, it is recommended to get on the road early and make your way to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. First, enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Greedy Cow. You will need all your energy for exploring the National Park.
Along the way, you will pass Lake Pukaki, this is a visually beautiful lake with magnificent, turquoise-coloured water. Be ready with your camera for the numerous photo possibilities at the scenic roadside viewpoints.
Aoraki National Park
The road to the national park is straight and easy to drive. On the drive, you will be treated to views of dynamic mountains with Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain standing out as you approach the park.
There are many hikes available for exploring the park, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced. One of the most popular hikes is The Hooker Valley Track. This spectacular walking track takes you to the edge of Hooker Lake where you will see icebergs adrift from Hooker Glacier. The track is 11km return and can take up to 3 hours to complete. If you would prefer a shorter walk, check out the Tasman Glacier walk. It is a 2.6km return walk that will bring you a viewpoint of the glacier’s terminal point. This is the longest glacier in New Zealand stretching out to 23km.
For experienced hikers, there are longer tracks with the option to stay overnight in a hut. Make sure you check out weather conditions and hut availability before committing to an overnight or multiday hike.
Another way to explore the park is to book a scenic flight with Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters and enjoy the amazing views from above!
Accommodation is limited at Mount Cook village, options include staying at the Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Alpine Lodge and Glentanner Park Centre. It is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
For dining options, rest your legs and enjoy a feed at the Old Mountaineers Café or dine at the Hermitage Hotel’s two restaurant options the Panorama Room and The Alpine Restaurant.
To fully appreciate the majesty and natural beauty of Aoraki National Park, spend one full day at the park and try to arrange your trip when the weather forecast predicts clear skies!
Day 3: Mount Cook to Wanaka
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours 20 mins (205 km)
On the third day of the itinerary, it is time to make your way south to Wanaka. The drive time is approximately 2 hours 20 mins but leave time to make the recommended stops along the way.
Omarama
The first stop is the Omarama Hot Tubs. After a day of hiking at Mount Cook National Park, this is the ultimate relaxation and recovery for your legs. Enjoy soaking in your private tub surrounded by the beautiful Waitaki/McKenzie countryside. For snacks, there is a restaurant on-site offering a selection of platters including antipasto, vegetarian options, cheese, and dessert boards.
If you have the time, take a short detour to visit the Omarama Clay Cliffs just 10km from Omarama. These impressive natural rock formations are made up of gravel, formed from ancient glaciers over a million years ago. Please note the cliffs are located on private land. There is a donation box at the gate where you can pay a $5 cash admission fee.
Lindis Pass
From Omarama, you must travel across the Lindis Pass to get to Wanaka. At the highest point along the Lindis Pass, there is a viewpoint where you can stop and take in this stunning landscape. It is a further one-hour drive until you arrive at Wanaka.
Wanaka
On the itinerary, it recommended staying 2 nights in Wanaka to fully experience what this slice of paradise has to offer. For accommodation choose from backpackers to lakeside resorts, luxury options and everything in between. There is accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
To refuel from your day travelling and exploring, take your pick from the selection of restaurants along the lakefront or stroll over to Brownston Street to dine at one of the food trucks. Another way to unwind from your day is to watch a movie at Cinema Paradiso. Sit back and relax on an old comfy sofa and treat yourself to their homemade cookies and ice cream.
Day 4: Wanaka
On this itinerary one full day has been allocated to enjoy the many activities on offer in this little town. If you have the time it is recommended to stay longer!
For keen hikers, Roys Peak 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 enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the township.
A short drive from Wanaka will take you to Mount Aspiring National Park which offers many tracks ranging from easy to advance grades. For a gentler stroll, you can walk the trails along the lake and visit the Wanaka Tree, the most photographed tree in New Zealand. Fun fact the tree started life as a wooden fence post over 70 years ago!
To get the heart racing there are many adrenaline-filled activities to choose from. Book a skydive, climb the world’s highest waterfall cable climb, go mountain biking at Bike Glendhu.
Or enjoy some lake time, rent a kayak, or paddle board from Paddle Wanaka. You can also book a boat tour to visit nearby Ruby Island and Mou Wahou Island.
If you are visiting during winter and enjoy snowboarding or skiing, Wanaka is within driving distance of two epic ski fields. More experienced skiers and snowboarders will love Treble Cone for its advanced terrain, while Cardrona Alpine Resort offers trails from beginner to expert.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities in Wanaka.
Day 5: Wanaka to Queenstown
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 10 mins via Crowne Range Road (68.50km)
On the fifth day of the itinerary, you will hit the road again and drive to Queenstown. On the way, it is recommended to stop at one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels Cardrona Hotel. Pop in for a coffee or stop to take a photo as you pass by.
Crowne Range
The Crowne Range is a stunning mountain alpine pass, and it is the fastest route between Wanaka and Queenstown. It is the highest main road in New Zealand and reaches an altitude of 1121 metres at its summit. The scenery is spectacular from the summit looking down into Queenstown and Gibbstown Valley. Please be aware the road is windy and quite steep in parts. During winter the road may be closed due to snowfall, or you will have to use snow chains.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving this route you can take State Highway 6, which goes past Cromwell and through the beautiful Gibbston Valley.
Arrowtown
The next stop on the itinerary is a short detour to Arrowtown. Step back in time in this historic and charming town. Established back in 1862 during Otago’s Gold rush, the town still resembles the style of that era. Visit the restored Chinese Settlement and learn about the miners and their families who lived back then. The settlement was built by Chinese miners in 1868 and still stands at the edge of the arrow river.
If you are feeling energetic, there are many walking and biking trails to explore along the river arrow including Tobins Track, Sawpit Gully or Arrowtown Millennium Walk. Arrowtown has an awesome selection of restaurants for lunch, try The Chop Shop Food Merchants, Slow Cuts or the Arrowtown Bakery.
Queenstown
Queenstown is only a 20-minute drive from Arrowtown. As you drive into town, take in the views of the dynamic Remarkables Mountain range and the magnificent Wakatipu Lake.
Spend the rest of the evening exploring Queenstown, browsing the many stores and boutiques, or checking out the many tourist attraction companies on Camp Street.
Take a walk around Queenstown Gardens to get away from the hustle and bustle. The lovely garden features Lake Wakatipu views, a rose garden, and a variety of trees and plants. It's the ideal spot for some downtime and relaxation.
For dining options, you will be spoiled for choice with over 140 bars, restaurants, and cafes. Fergburger is a local and visitor favourite for dinner, while Madam Woo serves up tasty Malaysian street food, and Blu Kanu offers a mix of Pacific and Asian cuisine.
Day 6: Milford Sound
Drive time: 3 hours 33 minutes (288 km).
Queenstown is the perfect place to base yourself to take a day trip to explore the surrounding areas. It is highly recommended to book a day tour of Milford Sound while you are staying here. It will be an experience you will never forget! The tour will take you along Milford Road and into Fiordland offering some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country. Followed by a cruise along the fiord to the open Tasman Sea and back, you will see up close Mitre Peak and wildlife such as dolphins and seals.
You can drive to Milford Sound and meet the tour where the cruise departs. Please be mindful The Milford Road can be busy with cars, campervans, and tour buses and in the winter months snow chains need to be carried in case of snowfall on the road. 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. Check out RealNZ to find the tour that best suits you.
The Milford Ford Day tour is a long day and without a doubt worthwhile but if would like to do a shorter day trip, the itinerary includes two different options:
Optional Day Trips
Glenorchy
Drive time: 43 minutes (46 km)
A day trip to Glenorchy is an excellent alternative. Glenorchy is a small, charming town surrounded by beautiful lakes and spectacular mountains. You may recognise the landscape from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy!
It is renowned as one of the most spectacular drives as you follow the winding road along Lake Wakatipu. Make sure you stop at Bennett’s Bluff to take in the wonderful views.
There are lots of things to do in Glenorchy including hikes, 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.
For lunch, stop by the Glenorchy Hotel where there’s a pub and restaurant, The Trading Post or tasty dumplings at Queenie’s Dumplings.
Gibbston Valley
Drive time: 28 minutes (28.6 km)
Located a 30-minute drive from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley is the home of New Zealand’s most famous vineyards. A popular activity is a winery bike tour with drop/pick up included. You can leisurely bike on an easy and scenic riding trail to a selection of vineyards and enjoy lunch and wine tastings.
If you are not a wine fan, visit the Cargo Brewery where you can enjoy craft beer tastings, pizzas and playing lawn games.
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 7: Queenstown
For your last day in Queenstown, a trip to the adventure capital would not be complete without an adrenaline-filled activity! Book a thrilling tourist activity to end your trip on a high.
Whether your adrenaline level is taking the driving seat of a luge cart for a gravity fuelled ride, or embracing the free fall feeling with a skydive, there is something for all.
If you are looking for South Island Road Trip inspiration, this itinerary has all you need to plan an epic adventure. Happy travels from all of us at _mode!
