Best Queenstown to Wellington road trip

Follow the Southern Alps and trace the crooked coastline of New Zealand’s South Island. This Queenstown to Wellington road trip takes you to all the highlights - including Lake Wanaka, Lindis Pass, Aoraki Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch and the Marlborough Region!

Use this flexible 2-week guide when planning your Queenstown to Wellington road trip. It can be modified to suit the exact number of days you have available and also includes all the best camping spots. Plus, we’ve thrown in a heap of extra information like drive time, distance, the best season to travel and much more!

Travel in style and comfort - use Camplify to find campervan hire in Queenstown!

The ultimate Queenstown to Wellington road trip

Total Distance: 1,300 km | Recommended duration: 7 - 14 days | Best Time to Visit: Between September and May | Route on Google Maps

1. Queenstown

Before kicking off your Queenstown to Wellington road trip, spend a day or two exploring the Adventure Capital of the World.

After picking up your campervan hire in Queenstown, ride the Skyline Gondola up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak for awesome views over The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, take the Queenstown Hill Time Walk (4.2km) through pine forest, past sculptures and to the top of Te Tapu-nui.

Thrill-seekers are spoiled for choice, with many visiting Kawarau Bridge Bungy - the first and most famous bungy jump in the world. Others might prefer to paddle the white-water rapids of the Shotover Canyon, skydive over the Southern Alps or mountain bike around the 130 kilometres of Queenstown cycle trails.

Stay at the Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde, which is located close to the city centre and is considered one of the best caravan parks on the South Island. Facilities include a spa, sauna and storage for your skis and bikes.

2. Wanaka

When you do eventually set off on your Queenstown to Wellington road trip, take the road to Wanaka via Arrowtown.

Arrowtown is a living historic settlement that was first established in 1864 by gold rush pioneers. Set beside the Arrow River , you can take a stroll through the pretty streets and visit 60 restored cottages, shops, churches and hotels. It’s also worth dropping into the Lake District Museum (one of New Zealand's best small museums).

Once you do arrive in Wanaka, you may want to devote a day to visiting nearby Mount Aspiring National Park. Here, you can see the famous glacial waters along the Blue Pools walking track (3km return).

For something short and sweet, take an afternoon stroll or bike ride around the Lake Wanaka Track , where you can catch some awesome photos of the iconic Wanaka Tree at sunset.

Stay at the highly-rated Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park, which offers awesome amenities including a spa and sauna.

3. Lindis Pass

Leaving Wanaka behind, you will now drive through one of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand - Lindis Pass.

Drive along the highest highway on the Southern Island , as it winds through tussock-covered mountains at 971m above sea level. Pull over at the Lindis Pass Viewpoint and take the 10-minute walk to the lookout for an awesome photo opportunity.

Afterwards, stop for a unique dining experience at High Country Salmon. This is a salmon farm, fish shop and cafe that floats on the glacial waters of Wairepo Arm. From the deck, you can feed the salmon in the waters below before enjoying some fresh sushi or smoked salmon.

There are some awesome camping grounds around Twizel, a small town on the edge of the beautiful Lake Ruataniwha. Lord of the Rings fans may recognise the surrounding fields and mountain ranges as the filming location for Gondor.

4. Aoraki Mt Cook

On your Queenstown to Wellington road trip, detour off the main highway and visit the tallest mountain in New Zealand - Aoraki Mount Cook.

Follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hilary , who trained on Aoraki Mount Cook when preparing to climb Mount Everest. Take one of the 10 stunning short walks around the base of the mountain, all of which begin near the Aoraki Mount Cook village.

Afterwards, grab a coffee and relax at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Here, you can visit the museum and learn about the history of the Mount Cook region and the adventures of Sir Edmund. You can also visit the 360-degree digital dome planetarium (one of only 3 planetariums in all of New Zealand).

Camp on the water’s edge at the Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking. This spectacular campground offers only basic facilities but is one of the most scenic in the country.

5. Lake Tekapo

Get back on the road and continue north until you reach the amazing Lake Tekapo - one of the most photographed destinations in New Zealand.

Spend an hour wandering around the Lake Tekapo Walkway , an easy walk during which you can stop at little cafes along the way. Finish at the Church of the Good Shepherd , built in 1935 by pioneers in the region. Grab a sunset shot of this stunning stone structure against the mountainous backdrop of the Southern Alps.

Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in New Zealand to stargaze and observe the Southern Lights (best seen during April and September). Drive up to the Mount John Observatory , which is the best spot for stargazing due to its high position and lack of light pollution.

Stay at the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park, where you can camp lakeside and get access to some awesome facilities including a camp kitchen, TV lounge, free wifi and hot showers.

6. Akaroa

The next stop on your Queenstown to Wellington road trip is the historic town of Akaroa - the only French settlement in New Zealand.

You’ll understand why this town is special after spending an hour walking around the idyllic streets and colonial cottages. Stop for lunch at one of the French restaurants such as Ma Maison. Afterwards, visit the Akaroa Museum and learn about how the town was originally settled in 1840 by a whaler.

This region also offers unique wildlife experiences. From Akaroa, you can take a nature cruise to see the largest penguin colony in Australasia and the elusive Hector Dolphin (only found in New Zealand). Or if you’d rather paddle around yourself, join a guided sea kayak safari!

Stay at the Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park, a top-rated campground in the crater of a dormant volcano and close to Akaroa Beach and harbour. Facilities include a swimming pool, free WiFi and much more.

7. Christchurch

Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and the halfway mark on your Queenstown to Wellington road trip.

Quake City is one of the most interesting attractions in Christchurch. Relive the devastating earthquake that destroyed much of the city in 2011 and learn about this geological phenomenon through the interactive displays.

The International Antarctic Centre is equally cool. Jump aboard the all-terrain vehicle and recreate an Antarctic journey on their outdoor adventure course. Then step inside the Storm Dome and experience what it’s like to live through a realistic Antarctic storm. Finish up by viewing the Little Blue Penguins in the Rescue Centre and maybe even meet a Husky dog.

Stay at the Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park, a clean and modern campground near the city centre with a heated spa.

8. Hanmer Springs

Instead of tracing the coastline directly north, take the interior route and stop for a day in Hanmer Springs - a town famed for its natural hot pools and forested landscape.

The whole family will be happy with a visit to the Hanmer Springs Water Park. The kids will love playing in the lazy river, shooting the water jets and riding the water slides. Meanwhile, parents can kick back and relax in the hot pools and rock spas.

If you’d rather stay on your feet, try one of the Hanmer Forest Park Walking Tracks (range in length from 1.5 - 2.5 hours). Climb Conical Hill if you want awesome views of the surrounding area. Alternatively, try the Forest Journey if you want to walk through tall pines and over placid streams.

Stay at the Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park, a forested park near the thermal hot springs and picturesque village. Facilities include a hot tub and sauna, heated swimming pool, pizza oven and more.

9. Kaikoura

Continue your Queenstown to Wellington road trip north along the coast until you reach the town of Kaikoura - a quiet slice of coastal paradise.

Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to see Humpback Whales as they migrate, so be sure to jump on a whale-watching cruise (you’ll likely also see dolphins and fur seals).

Afterwards, take a relaxing walk through Lavendyl Lavender Farm and admire the array of native plants and flowers on display. Sit down at the cafe and enjoy a cup of tea whilst taking in the views over Mt Fyffe and the Kaikoura Peninsula. And don’t forget to grab yourself some lavender honey or massage oils before leaving!

Stay at the Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park, which offers beachfront camping with stunning mountain views. Facilities include fishing rod hire, mini-golf, an on-site shop and more.

10. Blenheim

As you reach the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, you enter one of its most renowned wine and farming regions - The Marlborough.

The town of Blenheim is the capital of the Marlborough region and a hub for its internationally-awarded wine industry. Hire some bikes and ride the Golden Mile wine trail, during which you can visit more than 30 cellar doors responsible for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc.

It’s also worth visiting the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a state-of-the-art museum created by the same production team behind Lord of the Rings. See Peter Jackson’s private collection of WW1 aircraft and artefacts at the Knights of the Sky exhibit. Then see a range of WW2 warbirds brought to life through theatrical tricks at the Dangerous Skies exhibit.

Stay at the Spring Creek Holiday Park, a quiet and shady park nestled on the edge of a crystal clear creek. Facilities include a large swimming pool and a pond where you can feed the pet eels!

If you have a spare day, you may want to spend a day visiting the nearby Nelson Tasman region.

11. Picton

The last destination you’ll visit on the North Island is the town of Picton - your base for exploring the exquisite Marlborough Sounds.

The best way to see the Marlborough Sounds is by water. Couples may want to join a sunset cruise and enjoy a seafood dinner along the way. Adventure seekers may want to hire a kayak and paddle around by themselves. And families may want to jump aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat and deliver post to the most remote homes in the Sound .

If you’d prefer to stick to the land, walk part of the Queen Charlotte Track (one of New Zealand’s Great Walks). Then get up close and personal with the native wildlife at the Marlborough Sounds Wildlife Centre, where you can volunteer to help feed the kakariki in the aviary.

Stay at the Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park, which offers sealed and grass camping sites near the harbour. They’ve got a range of family-friendly facilities, including a spa, kids playground with trampolines, bike hire, swimming pool and much more.

To see more of this beautiful area, take one of the best road trips around the Marlborough region!

12. Wellington

After crossing the Cook Strait via ferry , your Queenstown to Wellington road trip concludes in what is known as the “coolest little capital in the world”!

Get your bearings with a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car , up 120 metres to the colourful suburb of Kelburn. Jump off at the top and visit Zealandia Sanctuary , a lush forest reserve that is home to over 40 native species and 32km of walking tracks.

Another day can be spent seeing the vast collection of artefacts and artwork at the highly-rated Te Papa National Museum and Art Gallery. And movie-buffs will want to tour the Weta Workshop, where you can see the production props, costumes and creatures from films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar and District 9.

There are some awesome Wellington campgrounds and holiday parks, so be sure to make the most of your stay before returning home.

Have a few more days to kill? See the best road trip ideas from Wellington!

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