Wellington - Mt Cook - Queenstown

Start Wellington / Finish Queenstown
Recommended Length: 4 Days
Distance: 1155 km (722 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
Wellington to Kaikoura
5.25 hrs 255 159
Day 2
Kaikoura to Christchurch
3.25 hrs 267 167
Day 3
Christchurch to Mt Cook Village
4.75 hrs 375 234
Day 4
Mt Cook Village to Queenstown
3.25 hrs 258 161
Totals for Driving Route 16.5 hrs 1,155 722

Impressive Landscapes and Wildlife

Impressive Landscapes and Wildlife

This journey includes some of New Zealand's most impressive landscapes and wildlife experiences.

Update your knowledge of New Zealand at Te Papa museum before catching the ferry to Picton - the Marlborough Sounds are your first taste of the South Island's stunning scenery.

The beautiful coastal road to Kaikoura gets you in the right mood to enjoy a whale watching trip and other wildlife encounters.

Christchurch city is a touch of elegant urbanity and culture before you head for the tussocky wilds of the MacKenzie Country and the peaks of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.

The glamorous adventure town of Queenstown tops off your alpine experience.

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