Christchurch to Wanaka road trip: ultimate itinerary

From incredible active volcanos to beautiful beaches and snowy alps perfect for Winter sports, New Zealand really does have it all. And whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to get away and enjoy some breathtaking views, a Christchurch to Wanaka road trip is your answer.

By picking up a campervan in Christchurchand hitting the road, you can travel at your own pace and stop in some incredible camping spots just waiting to be explored. Make your way south, lapping up as much culture, history and outdoor fun as possible along the way. Here’s the ultimate itinerary for your road trip from Christchurch to Wanaka.

Christchurch to Wanaka road trip: 6 stops you can't miss

1: Christchurch to Castle Hill

Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Castle Hill is also known as Kura Tawhiti by the indigenous Maori Tribe Ngai Tahu. This is one of the most popular stops on the scenic Arthur’s Pass Drive, and just one hour out of Christchurch, it makes the perfect first stop on a road trip.

You can get some good knowledge on New Zealand’s history at the Castle Hill rocks site, which is a conservation area. The best thing you can do is get outdoors and explore the surrounding area. Whether you love the Lord of the Rings, prefer to climb, hike, or just want to check out the scenery, you have plenty of options.

Take one of the tracks through the limestone rock formations, take your go at some rock climbing, then settle back and enjoy the stunning sunset as you unwind.

2: Castle Hill to Hokitika

Travel Time: 1 hour and 54 minutes

This town in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island is the perfect place to extend your knowledge about shipwrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters. Hokitika has become known as the Cool Little Town with plenty of historic buildings for you to feast your eyes on during a stroll.

When it comes to things to do in the area, it’s hard to know where to start. You can head to Swimmer’s Beach or Canoe Cove and to enjoy some sheltered swimming and a picnic. Take off to Mount Greenland to check out some stunning mountain sites. In the late afternoon, you can take a five-minute stroll from the town centre to Sunset Point where you can enjoy sweeping views of the beach and starry nights.

If you're up for some adventure, you can make your way up the West Coast Treetop Walk and walk the steel platform that is 20 metres high and 450 metres long. The Glow-worm Dell is another great track just 50 metres long that leads to colonies of glowworms that make a fantastic site. You can spend one night or three nights in this amazing town, with so much to see and do.

Discover the top Hokitika camping groundsfor your adventure!

3: Hokitika to Okarito

Travel Time: 1 hour and 37 minutes

This small coastal town sits right on the ocean, surrounded by lush forest and amazing views of the Southern Alps. One of your first stops should be to Okarito Lagoon, which is a large stretch of shallow water that is perfect for kayaking and feeding the wading birds who love to watch on.

When you’re done, head over and check out the arts and culture on offer. Okarito is known for having more galleries and studios per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand. It is also the home of the New Zealand greenstone and you can watch it being carved by talented artists turning it into jewellery and art.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as well, including two lakes, a major river, mountains and a beach all to be enjoyed nearby. You can go swimming or water skiing, take one of the easy walks around the lake, hike up Mount Tahua, take a bike ride, or take some time out to enjoy a spot of fishing.

4: Okarito to Fox Glacier

Travel Time: 49 minutes This is a nice short trip, but well worth the trip. Named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872. Get ready for glacial hikes, flights and scenic walks. Fox Glacier is one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers, with plenty of amazing features to check out, including waterfalls, crevasses, streams and more.

If it’s stunning views you’re after, then you can take an hour and a half loop walk around Lake Matheson. It’s New Zealand’s famous mirror lake, which gives off some incredible reflections of the highest peaks in New Zealand, such as Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, then there’s also plenty of adventure here for you as well. You can skydive over Fox Glacier and soak up the adrenaline while enjoying the amazing sites. And at the end of a long day, you can settle down for a stunning sunset at Gillespies Beach. It’s a site not to be missed.

5: Fox Glacier to Jackson Bay

Travel Time: 1 hour 43 minutes

This well-known area is regularly used by rare Hector's dolphin females and their calves. There are also more resident seals and penguins than there are people residing here. If it’s a little wildlife you’re after, then you’ll get all that and more with this stop along the way.

If you’re staying more than one night, then it’s worth travelling to Haast Pass, where they have many walks and waterfalls to check out. It’s just one hour away and well worth it for the stunning scenery you can soak up in the process.

There are also three walking trails right here in Jackson Bay. From the stunning Lake Ellery to walking through a wildlife refuge on the Wharekai-Te Kou Walk there’s so much to see and do. If you’re up for a good, long walk, then head off on the Smoothwater Bay Track that is about three to four hours return.

6: Jackson Bay to Wanaka

Travel Time: 2 hours and 4 minutes

The final stop on the journey is Wanaka, which is just two hours from Jackson Bay. If you’re up for some skiing, then this stop is just for you. You can find three amazing ski fields, including Cardona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm, all located within a 40-minute drive from the town centre.

While you’re there, check out the Wanaka Tree, which is a lonely willow tree right in the Wanaka that has become a popular photographic spot (especially for those Instagrammers). If you're into your wine then head to Rippon, Wanaka’s oldest vineyard, which has been in the family for five generations. It is known for its gorgeous wines, along with the stunning lakeside views.

Then it's time to check out the best Wanaka camping grounds!

Hire a van for your Christchurch to Wanaka road trip

Whether you’re a thrillseeker looking for adrenaline or just want to check out some of the incredible views New Zealand has to offer, this Christchurch To Wanaka road trip is one not to be missed.

Grab a rental van in Christchurch, load up with everything you need and hit the open road. It’s the best way to see everything New Zealand has to offer like never before! And if you’re coming from a different direction, then there’s plenty of ways you can enjoy the sites. Head from Queenstown to Christchurch and do things a little differently!