Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Driving Route : Queenstown - Christchurch - Queenstown

Start: Queenstown
Finish: Queenstown
Recommended Length: 5 Days
Distance: 1,406 km (879 miles)

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Route Summary

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Day 1
Queenstown to Fox Glacier
4.75 hrs 364 228
Day 2
Fox Glacier to Greymouth
2.5 hrs 196 123
Day 3
Greymouth to Christchurch
3 hrs 254 159
Day 4
Christchurch to Mt Cook Village
4.25 hrs 334 209
Day 5
Mt Cook Village to Queenstown
3.25 hrs 258 161
Totals for Driving Route 17.75 hrs 1,406 879

South Island Highlights

South Island Highlights

This itinerary connects some of the South Island's most interesting destinations.

From Queenstown you'll journey to the river and rainforest environment of the west coast.

See the glaciers, then drive on to explore the historic towns of Hokitika and Greymouth.

The road to Arthur's Pass village is mountainous and memorable—stretch your legs on a bush walk before you continue on to the heritage and art attractions of Christchurch.

Turquoise glacial lakes are the gateway to Mount Cook National Park—explore the mountain trails before you return to Queenstown via beautiful Lindis Pass and the Kawarau Gorge.

More Driving Routes

View more Queenstown driving routes.

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Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

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Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.