5-Day Christchurch To Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary

Holiday time is here. Hooray! Is there anything better than finding yourself with a good chunk of time off to hit the open road and make some amazing memories? Whether you have 5 days off or more, you want to spend it wisely. There’s so much to explore on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, so let’s make sure you get the most out of your trip! Here’s the best route for a Christchurch to Queenstown road trip in 5 days.

From scenic views at Lake Tekapo to adventure in Wanaka, there are so many incredible places to stop along the way, you’ll be the envy of the entire office when you make it back. It’s time to pack those bags and get travelling… the sites are waiting.

Below is the entire itinerary for you to keep handy through your travels:

• Christchurch to Hokitika, 3 hours and 11 minutes, 246km

• Hokitika to Fox Glacier, 2 hours and 6 minutes, 158km

• Fox Glacier to Queenstown,4 hours and 14 minutes, 328km

• Queenstown to Christchurch, 5 hours and 42 minutes, 481km

Preparing for your road trip

Before you hit the open road, you want to make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a very general guide to get you started when it comes to travelling in New Zealand:

• Hiking boots: there are so many amazing trails and hikes to take during your trip, good walking shoes are a must.

• Backpack: you don’t want to drag your suitcase around at each stop. Invest in a backpack you can take out for the day with all the essentials.

• Swimmers : no matter what time of year you’re going, there’s always a chance to have a dip with plenty of hot springs for you to check out.

• Layers : it can warm up when you’re outdoors, so it helps to be able to take off the layers.

• Waterproof items: the weather can be a little unpredictable in New Zealand.

Christchurch to Queenstown road trip in 5 Days

Day 1: Christchurch to Hokitika

Travel time: 3 hours and 11 minutes

Distance: 246km

When you have five days to spare, you want to hit the road early to make sure you make the most of your time away. If you’re staying at one ofChristchurch holiday parks then pack your bags early and hit the road.

Arthur’s Pass

If you head off bright and early, you can plan to stop off at Arthur’s Pass on the way, which is just 2 hours from Christchurch. It’s the perfect chance to stop and stretch your legs while soaking up some sites.

This is the most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps and is well worth the hike. Don’t worry about making it up all 900 metres (unless you’re up for it), even just doing part of the walk is enough to enjoy some magnificent sites and make it worth your time. The national park has plenty to explore with rainforest, rivers and amazing scenic views.

Hokitika

Depending on how long you spend hiking, you might not arrive in Hokitika until nightfall. There are plenty of composites for you to set up for the night, including Hokitika Holiday Park, Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation, Cloud 9 Lifestyle Park and many more.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, it helps to refuel before checking out the area. You can head to the Woodstock Hotel, where you can also grab a beverage, Kitchen Hokitika for some great seafood chowder, or Fat Pipi Pizzas.

Hokitika itself is well known for its natural wonders and is actually considered one of the best-kept secrets. Since it’s already dark, head along to the Glow Worm Dell where you can catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures.

Get a good night’s rest and then the next morning, head to Hokitika Gorge where it’s nice and secluded. The turquoise water will take your breath away. Enjoy a peaceful hike before hitting the road again.

Day 2: Hokitika to Fox Glacier

Travel time: 2 hours and 6 minutes

Distance: 158km

It’s time to hit the road again and make the most of your travels. As you head along to Fox Glacier, plan a stop at Lake Mahinapua on the way.

Lake Mahinapua

Just a quick 10-minute trip from Hokitika is a must-see destination that is well worth your time. This shallow lake is now a stunning scenic reserve that is perfect for picnicking, walking or enjoying some water activities. If you haven’t had your morning coffee, grab it and head off on one of the short walks to get you going for the morning.

Fox Glacier

You should be able to reach Fox Glacier by lunchtime, where you can go and visit Cook Saddle Café & Saloon, The Last Kitchen or Matheson Café for a bite to eat before you head off exploring.

Tucked into the foothills of the Southern Alps, this town is perfect for glacier hikes, flights and scenic walks. If you want to check out the glacier, then head towards Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road where you will get some incredible views. There are glow worm caves you can check out near town.

After all the adventure, you’ll be ready to hit the bed. Head to Campervan Ground Fox Glacier Lodge, Gillespie Beach Campsite, or Fox Glacier Holiday Park to recharge your batteries, ready to go again the next day.

Day 3: Fox Glacier to Queenstown

Travel time: 4 hours and 14 minutes

Distance: 328km

It’s the longest drive so far on this trip, so you want to get up bright and early to make the most of your time. It’s worth making a couple of stops along the way to break up the trip.

Haast

Leave nice and early and plan your breakfast in Haast. This small town has it all with fur seal and penguin colonies that you can visit, rainforests, national parks and more. It’s best to pick just one activity for your stop before you hit the road again. If you want to see the seals, then be sure to plan and book a tour ahead.

Wanaka

This well-known resort town is perfect all year round with lots of stunning scenery. From skiing in the Winter months to exploring lakeside tracks and trails in the warmer seasons, you can take a stroll through galleries, head to their shops, check out their craft breweries and wineries, and so much more.

Queenstown

When you finally make it into Queenstown, you’ll no doubt be tired from a big day. Head over to Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park or Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde for a place to sleep. Get some rest before checking out the sites in the morning.

Day 4: Queenstown

**** With a full day under your belt, there is so much to see and do in Queenstown. The adventure capital of New Zealand has plenty on offer. Get your thrills bungy jumping, head off on a jet boat adventure, check out the ski fields in Winter, or explore the sites nearby.

You can go wine tasting, tour via Segway, take a Lord of the Rings tour, head off on a fly fishing adventure and so much more. It’s about choosing your favourites and making them happen. ****

Day 5: Queenstown to Christchurch

Travel time: 5 hours and 42 minutes

Distance: 481km

This last day is a big one for driving. After all the adventure you’ve had, you’ll no doubt be ready to settle in for the ride home. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t time to see a few more sites along the way.

Lake Tekapo

This picturesque destination is the perfect final stop on your road trip. There’s an incredible turquoise coloured lake with a backdrop of the amazing Southern Alps, where you can take a walk and soak up some amazing views.

Until it’s time to hop back in that van and make it back to Christchurch. ****

Ready for a Christchurch To Queenstown road trip?

There is so much to do on a Christchurch to Queenstown road trip in 5 days that it’s time to turn your plans into a reality. Pick up your campervan rental in Christchurch and head off on an amazing trip creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you have a little more time on your hands, then consider extending your trip and seeing everything else on offer. You could try aChristchurch to Picton road trip or even aChristchurch to Wanaka road trip. Alternatively, loop back on a Queenstown to Christchurch road trip.