Christchurch to Queenstown and Milford Sound · New Zealand
New Zealand South Island road trip
Turquoise glacial lakes, a walk to the foot of New Zealand’s highest peak, mountain towns and a cruise beneath the cliffs of Milford Sound. Seven days driving from Christchurch to Queenstown.
- 7 days
- $$$ Splurge
- Moderate
- Good with kids
- Couples
- Families
- Friends
- Road trip
- Mountains
- Nature
Day by day
The plan
Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.
- Day 1
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
- 09:00
Pick up the car in Christchurch
Getting around
About three hours southwest across the Canterbury Plains and into the Mackenzie Basin.
- 11:00
Lunch in Geraldine
Food & drink
A small country town that makes a good break on the way.
- 14:00
Church of the Good Shepherd
Activity
A small stone church on the shore of Lake Tekapo, with the mountains behind the altar window.
- 15:30
Mount John lookout
Activity
Drive or walk up for wide views over the milky-blue lake.
- 21:30
Stargazing and a night in Tekapo
Stay
The area is an international dark sky reserve; on clear nights the Milky Way is bright.
- 09:00
- Day 2
Aoraki/Mount Cook
- 08:00
Drive along Lake Pukaki
Getting around
The road follows the lake toward the mountain; stop at Peter’s Lookout for the classic view.
- 10:00
Hooker Valley Track
Activity
A mostly flat walk of about three hours return, over swing bridges to a glacial lake below Aoraki.
- 13:30
Lunch in Mount Cook Village
Food & drink
A tiny village with big windows facing the peaks.
- 15:00
Tasman Glacier viewpoint
Activity
A short climb to see the country’s longest glacier and its lake.
- 18:00
Stay in Mount Cook Village or Twizel
Stay
Sleep close to the mountain, or in Twizel for more choice.
- 08:00
- Day 3
Over the Lindis Pass to Wanaka
- 09:00
Drive over the Lindis Pass
Getting around
Tussock-covered hills and big skies between the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago.
- 12:00
Lunch on the Wanaka lakefront
Food & drink
A relaxed town with cafés facing the water.
- 13:30
The Wanaka tree
Activity
A lone willow growing in the lake, best in calm morning or evening light.
- 15:00
Mount Iron walk
Activity
A short climb with views over the lake, the town and the Clutha River.
- 18:00
Stay in Wanaka
Stay
A quieter alternative to Queenstown.
- 09:00
- Day 4
Crown Range to Queenstown
- 09:00
Crown Range Road
Getting around
A high mountain road with switchbacks and a lookout over the Wakatipu Basin.
- 10:30
Arrowtown
Activity
A gold rush town with old cottages and the remains of a Chinese miners’ settlement.
- 12:30
Lunch in Arrowtown
Food & drink
Pies and soups in the old main street.
- 15:00
Skyline Gondola
Activity
Ride up Bob’s Peak for views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
- 18:30
Stay in Queenstown
Stay
A lakeside town full of places to eat; dinner along the waterfront.
- 09:00
- Day 5
Milford Sound
- 07:00
Drive to Te Anau
Getting around
About two hours to the gateway town of Fiordland National Park.
- 09:30
Milford Road
Getting around
Stop at Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel, where kea parrots often wait by the cars.
- 12:00
Milford Sound cruise
Activity
Waterfalls pour off sheer cliffs and Mitre Peak rises from the water; rain only adds more falls.
- 14:30
Late lunch at Milford
Food & drink
Bring snacks; there is little food along the road.
- 18:00
Stay in Te Anau
Stay
Break the long return and sleep by the lake.
- 07:00
- Day 6
Te Anau to Glenorchy
- 08:30
Lakeside walk on the Kepler Track
Activity
Walk the start of the Great Walk through beech forest along Lake Te Anau.
- 11:00
Drive back to Queenstown
Getting around
About two hours along the southern end of Lake Wakatipu.
- 13:30
Lunch in Queenstown
Food & drink
Grab something to take on the lakeside road.
- 15:00
Glenorchy road
Activity
A 45-minute drive along the lake to a tiny town at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
- 19:00
Dinner in Queenstown
Food & drink
Try lamb or green-lipped mussels on your last night.
- 08:30
- Day 7
Gibbston Valley and fly home
- 09:30
Kawarau Gorge Bridge
Activity
The historic bridge where commercial bungy jumping began; watch, or jump.
- 11:00
Gibbston Valley
Activity
A narrow wine valley known for Pinot Noir; tastings are easy to find.
- 12:30
Lunch among the vineyards
Food & drink
A long lunch before the short drive to the airport.
- 15:00
Fly out of Queenstown
Getting around
The airport is about 15 minutes from town, with mountain views on takeoff.
- 09:30
Good to know
Tips
Drive on the left, and slowly
Roads are narrow and winding with many one-lane bridges, so trips take longer than the map suggests. Fill the tank before long stretches like the Lindis Pass and Milford Road.
Book summer early
December to February is peak season. Book rental cars, small-town stays and the Milford cruise well ahead.
Check the Milford Road
The road can close for avalanche risk, floods or snow, mostly from winter into spring. Check road conditions the night before and carry snacks and warm layers.
Weather changes fast
Even in summer, alpine areas can turn cold and wet within hours. Pack a rain jacket and warm layer for every walk, and strong sunscreen for the clear days.
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