Queenstown to Christchurch: 5-day South Island trip

The Queenstown to Christchurch road trip is one of the easiest yet most rewarding alpine adventures in the world. Hire your campervan, motorhome or caravan from a local owner on Camplify's van-sharing platform

Last updated: October 2024

Travel from **Queenstown**to Christchurch: Over the course of a few days, you weave your way around snow-capped mountains and pass through rolling valleys of tussock. Rivers of blue and green guide you to your camping spot each night, where you shelter in bustling historic towns on the water's edge. Each day, you only drive for a few hours and yet every second of the journey seems to be blessed with beautiful vistas. Travel really doesn’t get any more magical than this.

Before we get to the itinerary, let's talk about how to make your journey even more memorable. Camplify, New Zealand's leading van-sharing platform, offers a unique way to explore New Zealand. You can rent vans directly from local owners, making it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your adventure right in your neighbourhood. With Camplify, you'll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and truly immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the South Island. Here's how it works.

Using our detailed itinerary below, you can plan every part of your Queenstown to Christchurch road trip. We’ve included drive times, preparation tips, day trips, campsite recommendations and food and rest stops.

Before You Leave

Number of Days (Options)

• 3 Days One-way - An Exciting Long-Weekend

• 4 Days One-way - Enjoy the Best Bits

• 5 Days One-Way - An All-You-Can-See Road Trip

Drive Time

• One-way: 10 hours and 30 minutes (800km).

• Return: 20 hours (scenic route) (1530km).

Preparation

Camper Hire : The most exciting part when preparing for your road trip is finding the perfect set of wheels. Find out what’s right for you and take your pick from a range of campers available for hire in Queenstown. Make sure you choose one that has all the features you want because it’s going to be your home for the next few days.

Food and Snacks: There’s a lot to be said for a good home (or camper) cooked meal. If you’d like to save yourself from eating out all the time, be sure to pack or purchase meals that you can prepare on-site. Plus, it’s always nice to have a few snacks on hand for longer drive times.

Fuel: Be sure to fill the tank before you hit the road, as prices are generally a little cheaper in the major New Zealand cities.

Maps and Apps: Life on the road is so much easier when you have someone telling you exactly where to go. Waze is a great GPS app for your phone that gives directions, live traffic updates and road alerts. If you’re worried about losing mobile signal, you can also check out maps.me which allows you to download maps before you leave.

Queenstown and Surrounds

Recognised as the “adventure capital of the world”, Queenstown rests between the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables (which offers some of the best all-round skiing in New Zealand) and the placid blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. But the city streets also offer fine dining, shopping and diverse cultural experiences.

Before you set off on your road trip to Christchurch, check out the best that Queenstown has to offer. This area is a great base for exploring the far south of New Zealand because it is only a few hours drive from some of the country's top-rated tourist attractions, from Milford Sound to the Catlins.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Creeksyde Queenstown Holiday Park and Motels

This holiday park is right next to the city centre and is one of the top-rated holiday parks in Queenstown. It also has a heap of amenities, including a communal kitchen, lounge, laundry and wifi. If you want to be within walking distance of all the action, this is the holiday park for you.

Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park

This holiday park is 7 minutes out of the city centre and is packed with amenities. Offering clean and warm bathrooms, free wifi and a large communal kitchen, it is hard to beat if you are looking for a comfortable camping site. The whole park also offers beautiful mountain vistas.

12 Mile Delta Campsite

This campsite is 15 minutes out of Queenstown’s city centre and offers 100 non-powered sites. It sits on the outlet of 12 Mile Creek, which runs into Lake Wakatipu. Amenities include non-flush toilets and tap water. Whilst it is not packed with facilities, it is perhaps one of the most scenic campsites in Queenstown. The Ithilien Camp scene from The Lord of the Rings was filmed here.

Day 1: Queenstown to Wanaka

Drive Time: 1hr 30min

Distance: 90km

Breakfast: Queenstown Cafes

Before you set off on your Queenstown to Christchurch road trip, you’ll want to fill your tank. There is a tonne of great breakfast spots and cafes scattered around Queenstown, so you have your pick. Bespoke Kitchen is a crowd favourite that overlooks Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. From their outdoor sitting area, you can enjoy a “fresh, unprocessed and local” meal with a view. Alternatively, Joe's Garage sits in the heart of town and offers up a scrumptious all-day menu that is bound to get your mouth watering (at a reasonable price).

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Arrowtown

As you head out of Queenstown, take the scenic route to Arrowtown via the historic Shotover Bridge and Arthurs Point. Within 40 minutes you’ll arrive at Arrowtown, a living historic settlement resting on the edge of the charming Arrow River. Established in 1864, Arrowtown was once a gold rush community populated by pioneers. Today, more than 60 cottages, shops, hotels and churches have been restored and offer a picturesque backdrop for a mid-morning stroll. The Lake District Museum in town is also recognised as one of New Zealand's best small museums ($10 entry fee).

Lunch: Cardrona Hotel

Situated on the side of the Cardrona Valley Road between Queenstown and Wanaka, you will come across the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Nestled at the foot of The Remarkables, the hotel is famous for its rustic charm, rich history (est. 1863) and scenic views. They serve “traditional pub favourites with a twist”, including brisket beef burgers and fish and chips. The autumn nourish bowl is also a favourite with vegans. Grab a picture of the historic facade whilst you’re here.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Wanaka Tree

Another 20 minutes up the road from the Cardrona Hotel is the township of Wanaka. This will be your rest stop for tonight. But before you set up camp, why not drive through town and visit the Instagram famous Wanaka Tree. It’s situated on the edge of Lake Wanaka, only a few hundred metres from the start of the Lake Wanaka Hike/Bike track.

Set Up Camp: Wanaka

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a campground in Wanaka. The Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park is highly rated and offers all the camping amenities that you could ask for, including clean and modern communal kitchens, lounges, heated bathrooms, spa, sauna and wifi. Prices start at about $25 per night for an unpowered van site.

Alternatively, you could try the Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park, which is only a 5-minute walk from the restaurants and bars in the centre of town. Powered sites start at $22.50 a night and facilities include communal bathrooms, kitchens, TV areas, spa, wifi and dump station.

For more places to set up camp, discover the best Wanaka camping grounds!

Dinner: Wanaka Lakefront

Throughout winter, Wanaka serves as an alpine hub for snow skiers and snowboarders who frequent the surrounding ski resorts. However, it is also renowned for its food and wine scene. Along the lakefront, you will find a few of its top-rated restaurants, including Big Fig Wanaka and KOTA. Be sure to check out the wide range of local award-winning wines, craft beers, breads and ice creams on offer.

Day 2: Wanaka to Twizel

Drive Time: 1hr 40min

Distance: 143km

Breakfast: Wanaka Towncentre

Make the most of the culinary scene in Wanaka and grab a hot breakfast before you set off for the day. The best value breakfast in town can be found at the Kai Whakapai Cafe, which is close to the water's edge and serves up all your breakfast favourites.

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Lindis Pass

As you continue your road trip northeastward to Christchurch, you will drive through the dramatic Lindis Pass. The highway through Lindis Pass is the highest on the Southern Island, sitting at 971m above sea level. The pass winds through tall, tussock-covered mountains that are powdered in snow for much of the year. This breathtaking stretch of alpine region is akin to the iconic Scottish Highlands and will take your breath away.

Lunch: The Wrinkly Rams Cafe

After driving through Lindis Pass, you will come upon the Wrinkly Rams Cafe. Located on the side of the highway, Wrinkly Rams is so much more than just a great rest stop. Whilst it offers a scrumptious menu (steak, burgers, seafood, all-day breakfast, salads, pasta and more), it also boasts the only Merino sheep shearing show in New Zealand! Stop off, pat a sheep, check your emails and grab a coffee with lunch. What more could you ask for?

Sightseeing Stop # 2: High Country Salmon

From sheep to salmon. High Country Salmon is a salmon farm, fish shop and cafe that floats on the glacial waters of Wairepo Arm. It’s free to visit and allows guests to feed the splashing salmon from the floating deck. Located on the side of the highway near Twizel, you can stop here as an alternative lunch spot. Or you could pick up some fresh salmon and cook it for dinner when you reach your campsite.

Set Up Camp: Twizel

Twizel is the gateway town to Mount Cook National Park. This pretty town sits on the edge of Lake Ruataniwha and was the setting of Gondor in The Lord of the Rings. Twizel Holiday Park is known for its friendly staff and good facilities; including communal bathrooms, kitchen and wifi. Prices generally start at about $20 a night for unpowered sites.

Alternatively, you can check out Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park. Prices start at about $20 a night for unpowered sites and facilities include communal bathrooms, kitchen and paid wifi.

Dinner: Campsite Cook Up or Twizel Towncentre

If you bought a fresh piece of salmon from High Country Salmon, now is the perfect time to throw it on the BBQ. Otherwise, you can check out some of the top-rated restaurants in town; which include FishTail (Indian Cuisine), Jasmine Thai and the Ministry of Works Bar (pizza and pub food).

Day 3: Twizel to Lake Tekapo (via Aoraki Mount Cook)

Drive Time: 2hr

Distance: 171km

Breakfast: Twizel Towncentre

You are going to want to fill up on a good breakfast this morning because there is a long day of adventure ahead. Try stopping by Shawty’s Cafe or The Musterers Hut Cafe for a fantastic locally sourced breakfast at a reasonable price.

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Aoraki Mount Cook

One hour’s drive north from Twizel, you come to the foot of the tallest mountain in New Zealand: Aoraki Mount Cook. This is the mountain that Sir Edmund Hilary trained on when preparing for Mount Everest. Today, it boasts 10 beautiful shorts walks, all of which begin near the Aoraki Mount Cook village. Most of the walks take 1-2 hours and are well marked, passing through native bushland along the edge of Lake Pukaki.

Lunch: The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Hotel sits nestled in the shadows of Aoraki Mount Cook. It hosts three restaurants, each offering a different view of the Mountain. If you are trying to stick to a budget, you might want to try the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant or Snowline Restaurant, which serve up buffet-style meals. Alternatively, you can drop by the Sir Edmund Hilary Cafe, which opens from 10 am and dishes up great Kiwi cafe food (sandwiches, sausage rolls, etc.).

Sightseeing Stop # 2: NZ Alpine Lavender

If you visit New Zealand during the summer months (December - March), you must visit a lavender farm. NZ Alpine Lavender is the perfect place to do so on your drive back from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo. Stop off, stretch your legs and enjoy a lavender ice cream or a ginger lemon honey tea.

Set Up Camp: Lake Tekapo

Around Lake Tekapo, you are again spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic camping grounds. Lake Alexandrina Campground is basic but beautiful. For $20 a night, you get a parking spot for your camper and a toilet. But you also get a splendid position right on the water's edge. It is a ten-minute drive out of town and perfect for those seeking scenery over comfort.

If it’s amenities you’re after, you might want to check out Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park. Powered sites start at about $54 a night, but you get access to a shared kitchen, TV lounge and free wifi. Showers and laundry are both coin-operated. You can park lakeside for only a few dollars more per night.

Dinner: Lake Tekapo Towncentre

Although Lake Tekapo is only a small town, it is home to several outstanding restaurants. If you’re into Japanese, Kohan is renowned for serving fresh sushi and tempura at a reasonable price. Or you can grab a steaming hot bowl of ramen or pad thai from the popular Ramen Tekapo for about $25.

Sightseeing Stop # 3: Stargazing at Mount John Observatory

Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in New Zealand to stargaze and observe the Southern Lights. You’ll have the best chance of observing this nighttime spectacle if you travel to the area between April and September. Take the ten-minute drive up to Mount John Observatory, which is the best spot for stargazing due to its high position and lack of light pollution.

Day 4: Lake Tekapo to Akaroa

Drive Time: 4hrs

Distance: 313km

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Church of the Good Shepherd

Before you leave Lake Tekapo and continue your road trip north to Christchurch, there is one more thing you must do in town. The stunning Church of the Good Shepherd was built in 1935 by pioneers in the region and is still used today for worship. It’s not hard to see why this is one of the most photographed sites in New Zealand. The stone structure sits lakeside and is perfectly framed against the mountainous backdrop of the Southern Alps. Aim to get there for sunrise or sunset if possible.

Breakfast: Geraldine

An hours drive from Lake Tekapo, you will come to the cute country town of Geraldine. It is known for its artistic vibes and friendly cafes set alongside the lazy Waihi River. Be sure to grab a yummy hot breakfast at one of the local cafes, such as The Running Duck or Verde Cafe. Also, think about picking up some snacks and finger foods for today’s picnic lunch.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Rakaia Gorge

Continue your road trip north along the Inland Scenic Route 72. At about the 1-hour mark you will cross the Rakaia Gorge. Below you, you will see the shimmering blue-green waters of the Rakaia River. Not far off in the distance, you will also see the snow-capped peaks of Mt Hutt. This is a geologically stunning spot but also one of historic value. The bridge was built in 1882 to replace the treacherous ferry crossing that once operated in the gorge.

Lunch: Rest Stop Picnic

There are a few little rest stops around Rakaia Gorge that are perfect for a picnic lunch in the camper. Consider pulling up at the Rakaia Gorge Lookout or Evans Reserve and have a quick bite to eat before continuing your road trip to Christchurch. Alternatively, there are several other rest stops that you can pull into on the way to Akaroa.

Set Up Camp: Akaroa

Another 2 hours from Rakaia Gorge, your road trip will take you to the stunning French heritage town of Akaroa. This area was originally an island that was formed by two volcanos. It is one of South Island’s most interesting landscapes. Most of the campsites at Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park have views of Akaroa Harbour. Powered sites start at about $44 per night and include access to hot showers, wifi, pool, communal kitchen and more.

Alternatively, the Duvauchelle Holiday Park is a 10 minutes drive out of Akaroa. This park is also located on the side of Akaroa Harbour and offers stunning views to all campers. Non-powered sites start at about $26 a night and include access to timed showers, coin-operated laundry, wifi, communal kitchen and lounge.

Dinner: Fine Dining in Akaroa

Do not pass up the opportunity to try some fine dining in the historic streets of Akaroa. Many of the local restaurants focus on French cuisine and use fresh locally sourced ingredients. Ma Maison has a decked dining area with an open fire pit that overlooks Daly’s wharf. Its menu is enough to make you drool and includes beef fillet with parmesan gnocchi and cherry glaze. Similarly, The Little Bistro is well known for its seafood chowder and venison medallions with duck fat potatoes.

Day 5: Akaroa to Christchurch

Drive Time: 1hr 20min

Distance: 81km

Breakfast: Akaroa

It’s the last day of your road trip from Queenstown to Christchurch, so why not splash out a bit. Grab breakfast at one of the local cafes in Akaroa and enjoy harbourside views. Bully Hayes Restaurant and Bar is a top-rated breakfast spot and good value for money. From 8 am they serve up breakfast meals such as pancakes, eggs benedict and french toast by the water’s edge. If you want to sip on the best coffee in town whilst walking the French streets, try The Peninsula General Store.

Sightseeing Stop # 1: The Historic Streets of Akaroa

Akaroa is the only French settlement in New Zealand. It was settled in 1840 by French whaler, Captain Langlois, alongside a small community of French and German families. The small town is filled with colonial cottages that line the historic streets. Take some time to explore the town on foot, grab some photos and visit the Akaroa Museum (donation entry fee).

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch is just over an hours drive from Akaroa. It’s been a long road trip from Queenstown to Christchurch and by this stage, you are probably wanting to relax. Why not pull up at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and take the afternoon off. Explore the Gardens and find a nice grassy spot to lie down and rest. The Gardens are located within the Christchurch City Centre, so you are within walking distance of many great restaurants for lunch or an early dinner.

Set Up Camp: Christchurch

Christchurch is the second-largest city in New Zealand and has a population of about 380,000. Its coastal location means that there are plenty of highly-rated campgrounds and holiday parks on the outskirts of the city. Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park is closest to the city centre (11 minutes) and offers non-powered sites for about $45 a night. Facilities include communal bathrooms, heated spa, kitchen, free wifi, mini-store and much more.

If you’d like to be a bit further out of town and closer to the beach, you can try South New Brighton Holiday Park or Spencer Beach Holiday Park. Both parks offer non-powered sites for about $20 a night and are approximately 20 minutes drive from the city centre.

Wrapping Up Your Queenstown to Christchurch Road Trip

We hope that you enjoyed every second of your Queenstown to Christchurch road trip! Be sure to spend some time relaxing and unwinding in Christchurch, because there is so much to see and do.

When you are ready, start thinking about your next trip and other locations that you would like to visit in New Zealand. If you want to return to Queenstown from Christchurch, you can drive via Arthurs Pass National Pass and explore the west coast of the Southern Island (about a 9hr 30min trip).

If you have any spare time to kill once you’re back in Queenstown, you can consider doing a simple half-day road trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy.

Happy travelling!