One-way, Christchurch to Queenstown, no backtracking.
About 6 hours (roughly 480 km) if you went straight through, but this plan takes 3 to 5 days.
March and April for settled weather; peak season (December to April) for long days. Winter is fine with chains on the passes.
Relaxed. Short travel legs with time for walks, viewpoints and coffee.
Anyone flying out of Queenstown, or wanting a one-way journey rather than a loop. We arrange the Christchurch pickup and Queenstown drop-off.
Prefer a loop back to Christchurch? See the 5-day or 7-day itinerary.
Continuing to the fiords? Add a day for Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.
The scenic one-way route from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo, Mt Cook and Wanaka.
Route stops:
Map data © Mapbox
Driving: approx. 3 hours
Collect the car in Christchurch and head inland through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. The turquoise lake, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the dark-sky stargazing are the reasons to stop the night.
Top things:
Stay: Tekapo township.
Tip: Fill up in Geraldine and stop there for coffee to break the first leg.
Driving: approx. 4 hours total
Drive along Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook for the Hooker Valley walk or the glacier views, then continue over the Lindis Pass to Wanaka for the night.
Top things:
Stay: Wānaka.
Tip: Mt Cook weather changes fast, so keep the walk flexible. Fuel at Twizel or Omarama before the pass.
Driving: approx. 1.5 hours
A slow morning in Wanaka, then the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in the country, drops you spectacularly into the Queenstown basin. Arrive with time for the gondola or the lakefront.
Top things:
Stay: Queenstown.
Tip: The Crown Range can be icy in winter; the valley route via Cromwell is the easy alternative.
Driving: local, or a day trip
Your day in Queenstown. Stay in town for the lake, wineries and activities, take the short run to Arrowtown or Glenorchy, or start early for a Milford Sound day trip before your onward flight.
Top things:
Stay: Queenstown (end of trip).
Tip: If you are flying out, allow a buffer; Queenstown weather can delay flights.
Church of the Good Shepherd, turquoise lake, stargazing.
Photo stops with Aoraki/Mt Cook in the frame.
Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier walks (weather dependent).
High-country tussock on the way to Central Otago.
#ThatWanakaTree, waterfront walk, optional short hike.
The highest sealed road in the country into Queenstown.
Historic gold-rush village near Queenstown.
Cellar doors on the Queenstown side.
Approximate drive times (no stops). Allow extra for rest breaks, photos and weather.
| Leg | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Christchurch → Tekapo | ~3 hrs |
| Tekapo → Mt Cook | ~1 hr |
| Mt Cook → Wanaka | ~3 hrs |
| Wanaka → Queenstown (Crown Range) | ~1.5 hrs |
| Christchurch → Queenstown (direct) | ~6 hrs |
The route is sealed throughout and suits any of our fleet. For the alpine passes in winter, a premium SUV or AWD adds confidence on the Lindis and Crown Range.
This is a one-way trip, so tell us your dates and we will arrange the Christchurch pickup and Queenstown drop-off. See our vehicles and check which roads your rental agreement allows for any gravel side trips.
Destinations, scenic drives, trip planning, and our premium fleet.
Itineraries and planning guides.
Premium car hire from Christchurch.
Christchurch pickup · Airport-friendly
Cars from our Christchurch fleet that suit this trip.
Comfortable and capable on long South Island roads. Suited to couples and small groups heading to the West Coast, the Mackenzie or the lakes.
From NZ$330 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$990
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Thinking about an EV? Spend a few days living with one. Quiet, comfortable and cheap to run, with charging along the main routes south.
From NZ$179 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$540
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Book your vehicle, pack your bags, and hit the road. We're here when you're ready.