New Zealand’s South Island is home to incredible natural beauty, offering visitors endless activities and spectacular views.
Hire a Pegasus rental car in Christchurch and gear up for an unforgettable South Island road trip towards Queenstown. Armed with the ultimate Christchurch to Queenstown itinerary, you’ll have endless photo-worthy opportunities. Along your road trip, you’ll discover stunning beaches, lush national parks, extraordinary snow-capped mountains and formidable glaciers.
Packing for the local weather
While planning your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary, pack accordingly based on local temperatures and planned activities. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing for warmer weather with layering options. Bring water and windproof outerwear, and warm clothing, including thermal layers. Don’t forget essential outdoor gear like sturdy hiking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear.
Browse our range of rental cars, plan your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary and make sure you have your travel insurance ready. Then, strap in and see what’s in store for you and your family on this incredible road trip across New Zealand’s South Island!
Your itinerary: Nine days of exploring…
The distance between Christchurch and Queenstown is 553 km via State Highway 1. The Christchurch to Queenstown drive time is about 7 hours, but we recommend spreading your journey over several days to appreciate the scenic splendour. So, the travel time from Christchurch to Queenstown is ultimately up to you!
Here is a list of our 9 recommended checkpoints for an amazing Kiwi road trip:
- Christchurch: A City of Art, Nature and History
- Christchurch to Tekapo: Uncover the Beauty of Akaroa and Rakaia Gorge
- Tekapo: A Dream Destination for Nature Lovers and Stargazers
- Tekapo to Wanaka: Journey through the Heart of the Southern Alps
- Wanaka: A Lakeside Wonderland
- Central Otago: Visit Vineyards and Climb Roy’s Peak
- Places of Interest Between Wanaka and Queenstown
- Milford Sound: Discover a Majestic Fiord
- Queenstown: Experience the Ultimate Thrill and Beauty of New Zealand
Day 1 – Christchurch: A City of Art, Nature and History
The first day of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip begins in the Garden City. Christchurch has enough visitor attractions to keep you busy all day! In the city centre, you’ll find picturesque street art and the famous Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
Lyttelton and Sumner
After leaving Christchurch, follow the coastline towards the seaside suburb of Sumner and take in amazing views of the volcanic hills of the Banks Peninsula. Then, head south to the small port of Lyttleton. Also known as the “Gateway to Canterbury” by colonial settlers, it is a popular destination for cruise liners.
Day 2 – Christchurch to Tekapo: Uncover the Beauty of Akaroa and Rakaia Gorge
You’ll find a few different routes between Christchurch and Tekapo. We recommend heading west on SH 73 to join Inland Scenic Route 72. This allows you to appreciate mid-Canterbury’s rural, riverside and gently undulating landscapes.
Akaroa
Take the scenic road that winds along the crater’s edge and be rewarded with incredible views of the harbour. Akaroa has a deep French/English history and offers a variety of activities, such as biking and kayaking. Cruise around the volcanic harbour to see dolphins and other wildlife.
You’ll find some fantastic eateries and markets along the waterfront. If you want to take a break from the hot temperatures, find a shady spot to enjoy pastries and coffee from a local French bakery.
Rakaia Gorge
Two hours from Akaroa along State Highway 75 will bring you to Rakaia Gorge. Here, you can go jet boating on the Rakaia River or trek The Rakaia Gorge Walkway. The walking distance is 10 km, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.
As you continue towards Tekapo, be prepared for the uphill winding road amidst idyllic rural scenes. A vehicle with plenty of horsepower, such as a Premium SUV, will serve you well!
Spectacular mountain views on the drive from Christchurch to Tekapo. Photo credit – Pixabay.
Day 3 – Lake Tekapo: A Dream Destination for Nature Lovers and Stargazers
From Rakaia Gorge to Lake Tekapo, the distance is 170km along State Highways 79 and 8. Once in the township of Lake Tekapo, enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps along with the impressive turquoise-coloured Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo gets its colour from rocks finely ground by glaciers, which is the consistency of flour.
Overlooking Lake Tekapo is the eye-catching and famously photogenic lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935 for pioneer families, the Church of the Good Shepherd still holds worship services and is a popular venue for weddings and other celebratory services.
Wander along Lake Tekapo to enjoy the incredible scenery of Aoraki Mount Cook. Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect location for stargazing.
Take a quick dip in Lake Tekapo, or at least get your toes wet. During winter, the lake’s waters can get pretty chilly. But, come summertime, temperatures at the lake can be quite pleasant for a refreshing swim.
Mt John
If you’re in the market for a climb, Mt. John offers a steep walk and steamy temperatures as you hike through pine forests and tussock fields. The total hike time is around 1.5 hours.
If you’d rather drive, the scenic journey takes 15 minutes. However, to access, drivers will need to pay a fee of approximately $8. At the peak, you can enjoy panoramic views and on a clear day, you can see Aoraki/Mount Cook. After dark, head to the Mt. John Observatory to view the night sky through 16″ optical telescopes.
Occasionally, you will see snow on the road during winter in Lake Tekapo. Securing snow chains with your rental car from the Christchurch branch can be a valuable extra. Or you could hire a 4WD Wagon for extra security and safety in icy conditions if you’re driving from Christchurch to Queenstown during the ski season.
The stunning turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo. Photo credit – Pixabay.
Day 4 – Tekapo to Wanaka: Journey through the Heart of the Southern Alps
Be sure to start early to make the most of the day! A recommended stop on your road trip would be Twizel. This scenic route provides numerous viewpoints of beautiful Lake Pukaki – one of New Zealand’s most surreal blue lakes.
Twizel
Twizel is located on the edge of Lake Ruataniwha, named after Ruataniwha, a Maori Chief who drowned during the sinking of a canoe during the 12th century. The small town was developed in the 1960s to provide a hometown for the employees working on the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme. Now it serves as a popular destination for various outdoor sports, including mountain biking, mountain climbing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, skiing and horseback riding.
With access to the nearby rivers, canals and Lake Ruataniwha, you enjoy a spot of salmon and trout fishing. If fishing isn’t your thing, but you enjoy eating fish, the local salmon farm can provide you with various smoked or fresh salmon.
Spending the night in Twizel also allows you to visit the Dark Sky Reserve, which runs from Geraldine and spreads to Mount Cook National Park.
Mount Cook
The drive to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is unbelievably scenic, offering panoramic views of incredible turquoise lakes and the surrounding mountains. At 3,724 metres, Aoraki/Mount Cook is NZ’s highest mountain.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park has a range of day hikes to suit all fitness levels. The three-hour return Hooker Valley Track is the most popular hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, boasting spectacular scenery, including views of the Tasman Glacier. The Tasman Glacier is also a great spot for snow sports. For a more challenging hike, consider the Sealy Tarns Track.
If you want to explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, you’ll need to stay at Mount Cook Village. It is located in the heart of the national park and is the starting point for the walking trails. Mount Cook Village also has a visitor centre, a small shop, and a few restaurants. If you’ve travelled by campervan, the White Horse Hill campground is a beautiful spot to pull up for the night.
Omarama
If you enjoy soaring the skies, check out gliding in the neighbouring town of Omarama. Located at the southern end of Mackenzie Basin, it is a go-to destination for glider pilots who enjoy the updrafts and clear blue skies. If you want something more relaxing, head to Omarama Hot Tubs, where you can soak the day away.
Day 5 – Wanaka: A Lakeside Wonderland
The Wanaka distance from Omarama, travelling along State Highway 8, is 123 km and the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
The Mt. Iron track is a wildly popular loop that offers excellent views. You can walk up to Mount Iron’s peak, a rocky knoll carved by glaciers that extends above the countryside, to take in the 360-degree views. The walk is suitable for all ages.
Off the lakeshore grows the famous Wanaka Tree — New Zealand’s most photographed tree. The Wanaka tree is a gorgeous sight, complete with a backdrop of the Southern Alps and is an excellent place for a picnic and to view the sunrise and sunset.
Why not rent bicycles and head to Dublin Bay, where scenic walking and cycling trails follow the lake? For more diverse hiking options, consider the Rob Roy Glacier Track in Mount Aspiring National Park.
Running parallel to Lake Wanaka is the beautiful Lake Hawea. Just a short drive from town, Lake Hawea boasts legendary fishing spots and is a prime destination for kite surfing, paragliding and windsurfing.
Feed the farm animals at the Wanaka Lavender Farm and check out the bizarre Puzzling World. Both make a fun day out for the whole family.
At the end of your day of sightseeing, you can enjoy good food and a variety of atmospheres in the local restaurants. We highly recommend the Big Fig.
Lone Tree of Wanaka. Photo credit – Mariamichelle.
Day 6 – Central Otago: Visit Vineyards and Climb Roy’s Peak
Tour Central Otago’s most famous wine region with your fuel–efficient rental car, and enjoy wine tasting along the way. Stop by Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant for a tour and to sample their award-winning Pinot Noir.
The climb up Roy’s Peak will reward you with amazing views of the region, including Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. However, with its 11 km strenuous uphill climb, the track holds greater allure for those with a higher level of physical fitness. If you decide to tackle it, equip yourself with sturdy shoes and trekking poles. A good rule of thumb is to plan on the hike taking five hours for the round trip.
Day 7 – Places of Interest Between Wanaka and Queenstown
Gold Rush Towns of Central Otago
As you follow the Crown Range Road on your New Zealand road trip towards Queenstown, stop at the Cardrona Hotel to glimpse New Zealand’s gold rush era and stay for a meal. Continue to Cromwell on the shores of the beautiful Lake Dunstan to view historic buildings, shop for local produce and explore the cafés and shops.
Continue along Crown Range Road to Arrowtown. This quaint, historic gold-mining town dates back to 1862 and showcases the area’s rich gold-mining heritage. Stroll along the charming high street lined with restaurants, gift shops, and cafes, or enjoy a picnic by the Arrow River.
Lake Wakatipu
As you head into Queenstown, you won’t be able to miss the uniquely shaped and stunning Lake Wakatipu. The lake forms a tide that rises and falls every twenty-five minutes. Due to its crystal clear water, it is a popular attraction.
Loads of visitors flock to The Remarkables ski field in the winter. During spring and summer, you can enjoy hiking trails and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 8 – Queenstown: Welcome to the Adventure Capital of New Zealand!
When you arrive in this energetic town, you’ll be treated to more scenery and outdoor activities, such as bungy jumping, hiking and scenic flight tours. Head to Skyline Queenstown and jump aboard the Skyline Gondola — the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a fun way to reach Bob’s Peak and marvel at the most incredible views of Queenstown Bay and the surrounding mountains. If you’re searching for a thrill, jump on the Luge for an exciting gravity-fueled downhill ride. Or get your adrenaline rush at the MTB bike park.
Take a Scenic Cruise
A cruise to Bob’s Cove on Glenorchy Road is chock-full of stunning scenery, providing a different perspective of Queenstown that can’t be seen on foot. Jump aboard a catamaran or the TSS Earnslaw lake cruise to view the famous Remarkables mountain range.
Skipper’s Canyon
Don’t miss Skipper’s Canyon — a scenic drive on a narrow, curvy road that drops vertically to the Shotover River. Once home to gold prospectors, Skipper’s Canyon is an awe-inspiring trip. However, we don’t recommend you drive along this unsealed road. You can find plenty of local operators to take you up the canyon, so all you need to do is admire the views!
Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a rustic town with mountain ranges, gently rolling scenery and a beech tree forest. With so many wonderful views, it is a photographer’s go-to spot and was featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy! As you drive back towards neighbouring Queenstown, take the time to immerse yourself in the captivating visual splendour surrounding you.
Endless views on the road from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Photo credit – Vladka Kennet.
After a day of adventuring, you’ll have ample choices for refreshments and meals, including the world-famous Fergburger, home of the best burgers in New Zealand.
Queenstown’s breathtaking scenery. Photo credit – Pixabay.
We recommend you include a detour to Milford Sound on your drive from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Milford Sound: Discover a Majestic Fiord
Milford Sound is just over an hour from Wanaka and around three hours from Queenstown. This popular tourist destination is named the “8th Wonder of the World”. It is known for its ink-dark waters, steep fiord cliffs covered in foliage and a collection of eye-soothing mountain peaks complete with cascading waterfalls.
Boat cruises are worth putting on your itinerary — choose from day or overnight tours. If you’re more adventurous at heart, plan on a diving or kayaking trip.
Do you enjoy learning about marine life? Milford Sound has an underwater observatory where you can enjoy viewing black coral, sea anemones and starfish, just to name a few.
The Fiordland National Park was established in 1952 and covers over 1.2 million hectares. It has a variety of plants and animals and a diverse landscape, including mountain ranges, lakes and even rainforest environments. The journey from Queenstown to the park takes about 4.5 hours. You’ll enjoy a lovely drive and plenty of opportunities for photos along the way, and the views get better as you inch towards Milford Sound. The trip will offer other highlights, such as the Chasm and Mirror Pools.
Ready for an Epic Week and a Half?
This epic road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown on the South Island provides adventure and scenery. From surreal turquoise lakes to snow-covered peaks and vast landscapes, you’ll enjoy the best day hikes, winery tours, cycling trails, ski fields and adventure activities New Zealand has to offer. Naturally, once your legendary Christchurch to Queenstown drive is over, we are more than happy to shuttle you to Queenstown Airport. Full airport transfers are part of the service!
Think of Pegasus for all your New Zealand road trips on the North or South Island, where you’ll experience superb rates and first-class service.