Before You Travel to Christchurch, Here’s What You Need to Know

Regardless of how long you stay in Christchurch, you’ll be able to plan a road trip. All ages can have a great time in Christchurch, home to some of the city’s most famous and well-known attractions.

Begin your New Zealand Road Trip in Christchurch and travel across the country independently. Many popular destinations are within easy driving distance of Christchurch, such as Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Mt. Cook National Park, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, etc.

You’ll need the right vehicle to get to any of these destinations from Christchurch. There are several excellent Christchurch Motorhome Rentals, such as JustGo. You can hire a motorhome that includes insurance and roadside support from a reputable company.

Are you a first-time driver in New Zealand?

Make sure you’re always driving on the left side of the road.

You must have an English-language complete driver’s license or an international license. Keep an eye out for established sign limitations and call 111 if necessary.

Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Plan

When will we get there? Get in the vehicle, turn on your favorite road trip music through Bluetooth, and hit the open highway. After leaving Christchurch on your road adventure, the stunning Lake Tekapo serves as your first significant landmark.

The Rakaia Gorge offers some of the most breathtaking sights the South Island has to offer while departing Christchurch on State Hwy 77. Explore stunning landscapes and take in the fresh air.

Lake Tekapo, NZ’s most magnificent turquoise lake, is a two-hour journey south of here. It is possible to participate in various outdoor activities in Tekapo, from kayaking to mountain climbing to mountaineering. The Milky Way may be seen at the nearby Mt. John Observatory, located in a dark sky reserve.

Awe-inspiring Ice Fields and Miles of Hiking Trails

Lake Pukaki overlooks a 30-minute drive from Tekapo along State Highway 8. Turn onto State Highway 80 after taking a few photos. Mount Cook National Park may be reached through a scenic drive along the azure ocean. Glaciers cover 40% of New Zealand’s highest peak, a sight to see. The 3-hour Hooker Valley Track provides stunning views of the Tasman Glacier and the nearby ski areas.

Glentanner Station has a holiday park, and Aoraki-Mount Cook Village has more lodging options.

Take the one-hour, twenty-minute alpine journey from Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Lindis Pass viewpoint. Your first glimpse of Central Otago’s vast, tussock-covered highlands comes from here.

Roy’s Peak is the most popular walk for photographers in Wanaka. There are sweeping views of Mt. Cook, the Southern Alps, and Lake Wanaka.

A holiday park is available in Glentanner Station, while additional hotel choices are available at Aoraki-Mount Cook Village.

Travel one hour and twenty minutes across the mountains from Aoraki/Mt Cook to the Lindis Pass viewpoint. This is where you’ll get your first view of Central Otago’s enormous, tussock-covered mountains.

Follow State Highway 8 to Tarras, then State Highway 8A to Wanaka township, and finally State Highway 6 to Wanaka.

Roy’s Peak is the most popular trek for professional photographers in Wanaka. Mt. Cook, the Southern Alps, and Lake Wanaka have amazing panoramic views.

 A Breath-taking Glacier in the National Park 

Take a three-and-a-half-hour drive west from Wanaka’s city center to see Franz Joseph and the Franz Joseph Glacier region. The Franz Joseph Glacier originates in the Southern Alps and flows into a lush tropical rainforest below. Hike, kayak in the Okarito Lagoon, or see a breathtaking helicopter glacier landing on the snow while you’re there.

Wanaka and Queenstown await your return. From Wanaka, there are two options. Cardrona Valley Road leads to a stunning view of the Crown Range after a 35-minute drive. 

Alternatively, go State Highway 6 to Cromwell and have a coffee and Real Fruit ice cream. Located on the banks of Lake Dunstan, this gold-mining town has a rich history. You can’t miss the enormous fruit sculptures on the roadside as you make your way into town.

Within 25 minutes of Cromwell, you’ll arrive in Otago’s most illustrious wine-growing area. You may experience award-winning Pinot Noir and cheese at Gibbston Valley Winery & Restaurant.

Arriving at Queenstown, the Epicentre of Adventure 

Take a ride on the historic Skyline Gondola at Skyline Queenstown and take in the city’s stunning scenery and lake views. Celebrate your arrival at Stratosfare Restaurant with a glass of champagne and a wonderful meal.

You may bungee jump, paraglide, or ride the gravity-fuelled Skyline Luge to get your adrenaline pumping. Are you up for an evening stroll to wind down? Hike one of Queenstown’s picturesque paths and take in the breath-taking scenery.

Ready for the most thrilling drive you’ll ever take? 

Motorhomes from JustGo in NZ are less expensive than those from other companies, so book with them and save!

JustGo offers promos and deals on New Zealand motorhome rentals from time to time. 

For motorhome hire in New Zealand, JustGo gives you access to the most extensive fleet and the most fantastic deals.

Quotes from JustGo are good for seven days, and since they use live quoting, you’ll always have the most up-to-date information on motorhome rental rates.