Ultimate Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary

It’s day one of your awesome Christchurch to Queenstown itinerary, and first up on your travel itinerary is picking up your maui campervan from the maui Christchurch branch. Once you're all set, it’s time to head out on the open road.

Your first stop is the stunning Rakaia Gorge. This scenic spot is perfect for a short break and some fantastic photo opportunities. The Rakaia Gorge Walkway offers breathtaking views of the turquoise river winding through the gorge, framed by rugged cliffs and lush forests. It’s an ideal place to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty of the Canterbury region. Don’t forget your camera – the vistas here are simply spectacular.

Next, continue your journey to Geraldine, where you’ll find the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum. This hidden gem is home to an impressive collection of vintage vehicles and machinery. Car enthusiasts will be in heaven, with a cool collection of classic cars, tractors, and old farming equipment on display. It’s a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s motoring and agricultural history and a great way to spend an afternoon.

After a day of exploring, head to the Geraldine TOP 10 Holiday Park to park up your campervan for the night. The park’s peaceful setting is perfect for unwinding and planning the next leg of your New Zealand road trip.

On day two of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip, you’ll make your way from Geraldine to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Start your morning with a visit to the famous Fairlie Bakehouse, renowned for their delicious pies. Whether you prefer a classic mince and cheese or something a bit more adventurous, their pies are the perfect road trip snack.

As you continue your journey, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful scenery in the South Island. Arriving at Lake Tekapo, make your first stop the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. This charming stone church offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. It’s a must-see spot and a fantastic place for photos.

After taking in the stunning lake views, head to the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park to settle in for the night. The beautiful lakeside setting provides a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

On day three of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip, you’ll journey from Lake Tekapo to the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook. Start your day by driving along the shores of Lake Pukaki, a stunning lake known for its vibrant blue waters and breathtaking views of Mount Cook. This is a perfect spot to take a break and capture some incredible photos of the Southern Alps.

Continuing on, you’ll arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. The park offers a range of walking trails, but one of the most popular is the Hooker Valley Track. This relatively easy walk takes you through awe-inspiring alpine scenery, across swing bridges, and up to the glacial Hooker Lake, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

For your overnight stay, head to the White Horse Hill Campground, a DOC campsite offering basic facilities but incredible views. Nestled at the foot of Mount Sefton, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the grandeur of the surrounding peaks.

Day four of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip takes you from the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook to the charming town of Wānaka. Begin your journey with a stop in Twizel, a great place to refuel and restock supplies. Twizel is a friendly town with a range of cafes, shops, and supermarkets, making it a convenient pitstop.

As you continue your drive, you’ll pass through the stunning Lindis Pass. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of tussock-covered hills and rugged landscapes. Be sure to pull over and take some photographs – the vistas here are truly remarkable and capture the essence of the South Island's natural beauty.

Arriving in Wānaka, your first stop should be the famous Wānaka Tree. This iconic lone tree stands in the waters of Lake Wānaka and is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. Its serene setting against the backdrop of the Southern Alps makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

For some family fun, visit Puzzling World. Known for its optical illusions and challenging maze, Puzzling World offers entertainment for all ages. Explore the bizarre buildings, tilt your perspective in the illusion rooms, and see if you can find your way out of the maze.

End your day by parking your campervan at the Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park. The park's location offers beautiful views of Lake Wānaka, making it a relaxing spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Today is all about going back in time as you travel through two of the South Island’s historic gold-mining villages, Cromwell and Arrowtown. Please note that maui campers cannot be driven on the Crown Range Road, so you’ll need to take the scenic route via SH6.

First, make a stop in Cromwell, known for its rich history and vibrant fruit orchards. Visit the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where you can wander through beautifully restored buildings from the Gold Rush era. The precinct offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops set in charming historic structures.

Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive in Arrowtown. This picturesque town is renowned for its well-preserved buildings and rich history. Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets and explore the many shops, cafes, and museums. Arrowtown's historic charm is evident in its architecture, making it feel like you've stepped back in time. Be sure to visit the Lakes District Museum to learn more about the area’s gold-mining heritage.

For your overnight stay, park your campervan at the Arrowtown Holiday Park. With excellent facilities, including kitchens, laundry, and barbecue areas, it’s a convenient and comfortable place to rest and plan the next leg of your New Zealand road trip.

Today’s drive is short but sweet, taking you from the historic charm of Arrowtown to the vibrant energy of Queenstown.

Plan a stop at Lake Hayes, a beautiful lake that’s perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk. The serene setting provides a wonderful backdrop for relaxing and taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Once you arrive in Queenstown, head to the Queenstown Gardens for a peaceful wander. These well-maintained gardens offer lovely walking paths and stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Next, take the Skyline Gondola for some of the best views of the region. The gondola ride itself is a highlight, offering panoramic vistas as you ascend. At the top, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including luge rides, which are fun for all ages and provide a unique way to experience the area.

For your overnight stay, park your campervan at the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park. The handy central location makes it easy to explore Queenstown’s many attractions and enjoy the vibrant local scene.

On the final day of your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip, take in some of the best scenery in the South Island as you travel to the tiny township of Glenorchy.

Along the way, make a stop at Bob’s Cove, a fantastic spot for a summer swim. If you're visiting outside of summer, you can hike to Picnic Point at any time of year and enjoy the spectacular views. For more breathtaking vistas, stop at Bennetts Bluff, which offers incredible panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

In Glenorchy, don’t miss the chance to grab a photo of the iconic Red Shed, a well-known landmark in this picturesque town. While you’re there take a scenic short walk and see some of the stunning scenery that appeared in the Lord of the Rings films. This area truly captures the magic of New Zealand's landscapes.

The last item on your travel itinerary is to return your campervan to maui’s Queenstown branch, bringing an end to your unforgettable journey through the South Island.

Ready to explore New Zealand’s South Island?

Charming villages, awe-inspiring scenery, and bucket-list experiences… this must-do South Island road trip really does have it all. You can even spend the day in Paradise! And there’s no better way to make the most of everything on offer than with the comfort and convenience of a maui campervan hire. If you’re ready to experience the Christchurch to Queenstown road trip for yourself, take the first step and book your maui campervan today.