See the best of South Island with this 3 day Christchurch to Queenstown Itinerary
The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown can be completed in approximately 5 hours. Many people consider it as a short drive which it is if you drive non stop, however if you cover all the numerous stops that dot this drive, you will need at least 3 to 5 days. Though it is not as popular as the other NZ road trips like Auckland to Wellington, it is a really scenic drive filled with amazing stops that are worth-your-time (which makes it the most underrated drive in the country). Nonetheless, this drive from Christchurch to Queenstown is a good choice if you want to see the best of New Zealand’s South Island.
If you are traveling with a friend who has a car, then it’s okay, but if you are visiting with family and thinking of using public transport, it might not be a feasible option. As a tourist with no friends or family in NZ, you need a car to make the best of this drive. Depending on where you are arriving, Christchurch or Queenstown, it will be best you pick the car at the airport itself. However, if you want to pick the car the next day, choose a nearby car hire location; most rental agencies have their offices in the downtown area. This itinerary starts in Christchurch and explores all the possible spots that are on the way to Queenstown.
Best time to do the drive — winter or summer?
Most of the tourists feel a bit skeptical about driving from Christchurch to Queenstown in winters, and though it is true that some mountain passes are closed occasionally, the roads on this route are usually clear of the snow. Check the weather and road conditions before starting the trip and do carry snow chains.
Majority of car hire agencies provide snow chains with the rental vehicle in the months of winter. You might have to pay extra for them, but against one’s security it is worth every penny you pay.
Places to see on the way from Christchurch to Queenstown
Day 1 Have an early breakfast and start your drive from Christchurch
Christchurch is the starting point of the drive. This one-of-a-kind city is outstanding when it comes to beauty, attractions and the overall music, food and art scene. So, we hope you will spend 2 or 3 days exploring the city and then do the drive. In Christchurch, you can fill your days visiting attractions, frequenting cafes, museums and of course lakes. For the best views, don’t forget to visit Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour.
First stop is Lake Tekapo
The drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo will take you 2 hours 45 minutes to complete; try to leave Christchurch around 9 AM. The views you get to see here are mesmerising and no matter the time of the day when you visit, the views are always breathtaking.
You can easily stay here for 2 to 5 hours, walk around and enjoy a few things available in the town (of the same name) that sits right next to this lake. Some nearby worth visiting attractions are:
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Tekapo Springs
- University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory
- Dark Sky Project
- Mount John
- Mt John Summit Circuit Track
Second stop for the day is Mount Cook
Climbing Mount Hook is not everyone’s cup of tea, however, the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park where it is located is a different case; even if you are not that athletic, hiking and skiing are some of the many things that you can do while visiting the national park. It will be best if you make reservations for your stay beforehand, though there are many accommodations in Mount Cook National Park, we suggest Hermitage Hotel. This hotel is located an hour’s drive away from Lake Tekapo. Just check into the hotel, grab something to eat and set out to spend the evening in Mount Cook Village.
Mount Cook Village is a dream destination if you love nature & tours! Most popular are the helicopter and ski plane tours like Mount Cook Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight, 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook or 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter. All these tour companies offer slots like 9AM, 1 PM and 4 PM, so try to reach by 3 or before 3:30 PM.
After that you can join a stargazing tour in Mount Cook and return to the hotel. Have dinner and rest. In the morning before leaving, go on a morning hiking tour. There are many trails nearby that you can explore like Kea Point Track, Sealy Tarns Track, Mueller Hut Route, Glencoe Walk and Red Tarns Track.
In the morning you can also do another tour if you are up to it. Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Dolphin Watching or Whale Watching by boat are a few suggestions from our end.
Day 2 Drive from Mount Cook to Wanaka
The drive from Hermitage Hotel to Wanaka is about 2.5 hours long via Mount Cook Rd and State Hwy 8. Note that just 30 minutes drive from Hermitage Hotel is Lake Pukaki which is the largest lake on the South Island. Stop here for a few minutes, enjoy the views, click some instagram worthy pictures and be on your way.
After Lake Pukaki, next stop is Twizel, which is the strangest place in NZ. It is said that this place was never meant to be a permanent settlement, something that can be easily seen in its layout and the houses you see here. Here you can stay for 30 or 45 minutes. Another stop where you can spend another 30 minutes to stretch your legs is Omarama.
On the way you will also come across Lindis Pass which has some of the most stunning views in the country.
Spend the day in Wanaka
Here are some of the most popular attractions that you can explore:
- Roys Peak
- Puzzling World
- Treble Cone Ski Area
- #ThatWanakaTree
- Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Rippon Vineyard and Winery
- Tititea / Mt Aspiring
- Wanaka Lavender Farm
Where to stay in Wanaka?
Edgewater Hotel – Lake Wanaka, Base Backpackers Wanaka and Lakeview Motel are some good budget stay options available in Wanaka where you can stay the night.
Day 3 Drive from Wanaka to Queenstown
After a fabulous day in Wanaka, it is time to leave for Queenstown. Queenstown is just 1 hour drive from Wanaka via Cardrona Valley Rd and Crown Range Rd. Though there is one more route which is way quicker, the route through Cardrona Valley and Crown Range is more scenic.
Skiing at Coronet Peak Ski area or Bungy jumping at AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy & Swing, Queenstown is called the Adventure capital of the world for a reason. Here is the list of best attractions that you can fill your day with:
- Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
- Routeburn Track
- Coronet Peak Ski Area
- The Remarkables Ski Area
- Skippers Road
- Walter Peak
- Kiwi Birdlife Park
- Ben Lomond
- Moke Lake
Skippers Road is the best place for an adventure; from bungee jumping, river, adventure, and rafting, it offers all.
Where to stay in Queenstown?
Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel and Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa are some of the best budget accommodation options that you may consider for your night stay in Queenstown.