Arrowtown, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Beach, New Zealand
Fiordland, New Zealand
Lake Matheson, New Zealand
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Rotorua, New Zealand

Driving Route : Queenstown - Christchurch - Queenstown

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

View more Queenstown driving routes.

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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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Mainstay New Zealand Hotels

Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Hawkdun Rise

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.

Featured
 
Mainstay New Zealand Hotels

Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Hawkdun Rise

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.