9 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Southern Alps self drive

Ask our expert Chris Hawkins about the 9 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Southern Alps self drive

Day 1
Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation

Welcome to Christchurch City

Welcome to Christchurch, the the Garden City and gateway to the South Island and its vast and diverse range of scenery, activities and wonderful experiences.
Christchurch City boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The focal point of the city is Cathedral Square and from here you can explore the museums and art galleries and of course the shops and restaurants. One of the best ways to see some of the city centre sights and attractions though is by the famous historic trams. A 30 minute loop allows hop-on, hop-off at museums, art galleries, gardens and shops.
Your accommodation: Orari Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch
Orari Bed and Breakfast is a restored heritage building offering great bed and breakfast hospitality. Situated on Gloucester Street, Orari occupies a great location to explore the city centre attractions.    

Day 2
P ick up Rental Car - Mitsubishi Colt compact auto or similar 
  
Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park

Today you head into the heart of the South Island. Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains along the inland scenic route the first township of Geraldine offers an ideal refreshment stop before you head into Mackenzie country.

Passing through places such as Beautiful Valley it's not hard to understand where the names originate. Ascending Burkes Pass and onto the high country plateau and the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, a boat trip on the pristine lake or just enjoy the magnificent views.

Lake Pukaki is just another 30 minutes from Lake Tekapo and its from here you can be rewarded with spectacular views the full length of the lake and into Mt. Cook National Park. In Mt. Cook Village a myriad of activities are available from glacier landings by ski plane or helicopter, kayaking on a glacial lake and a host of walks to suit all abilities and time frames. At The Hermitage Hotel the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a must see.
Your accommodation: Hermitage Motels
The Hermitage Motels are located in the centre of Mt. Cook village, around 800 metres from the main Hermitage Hotel. The self contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.    

Driving Information
Christchurch to Mt. Cook Distance
342 Kilometres: 4 1/2 hours:

Day 3 
Mt . Cook National Park to Dunedin
Twizel, just south of Mt. Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Wrinkly Rams is a local café and also offers an informative sheep shearing demonstration. Heading down the Waitaki valley you follow the hydro power generating system towards the east coast.
The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Explore the old quarter or if you don't mind a late arrival into Dunedin then stay around to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk. Further south the Moeraki Boulders are a unique geological feature and worth the short detour to the beach to view.
Arriving into Dunedin you can appreciate the city's Edwardian and Scottish heritage through its fine buildings particularly around the Octagon and city centre.
Your accommodation: Heriot House
This gracious old home is situated right in the heart of Dunedin. Only a casual stroll to shops and the local restaurants, bars and cafes. The quaint cottage garden has a pleasant charm that will draw you out of doors to inspect the treasures hidden from view.    

Driving Information
Mt. Cook to Dunedin Distance
331 kilometres : 4 3/4 hours

Day 4
Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsular
Dunedin City Centre is full of grand and fascinating buildings and none more so that Dunedin Railway Station, recently listed as one of top 100 buildings in the world. From the station you can take a scenic train journey along the Taieri Gorge.
The Otago Peninsular is just a short drive from the city centre and offers some unique wildlife experiences. Here you can visit the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world. The beaches and hillsides are also home to the yellow eyed penguin, the world's rarest penguin and seals, sea lions and a host of other bird life can be seen. Monarch Wildlife Cruises offer a choice of guided tours to explore the peninsular. New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, has spectacular views from its extensive gardens and also a fascinating history.
Your accommodation: Heriot House
This gracious old home is situated right in the heart of Dunedin. Only a casual stroll to shops and the local restaurants, bars and cafes. The quaint cottage garden has a pleasant charm that will draw you out of doors to inspect the treasures hidden from view.    

Day 5
Dunedin to Te Anau
The drive to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path than taking the Southern Scenic Route through The Catlins is highly recommended. Following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill the route passes through the fishing town of Riverton and Colac Bay before heading north through Tuatapere and onto Manapouri. It's from here that you can embark on a day or overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound.
Just a little further north and you arrive into the lake side township of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the world famous Milford Sound.
Your accommodation: Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
Dunluce offers boutique Bed and Breakfast accommodation with panoramic lake and mountain views. Situated in a quiet location Dunluce is an architecturally designed home with a private guest wing.    

Driving Information
Dunedin to Te Anau Distance
286 kilometres : 4 hours

Day 6
Te Anau to Milford Sound

The Milford Road
Countless photo opportunities and short walks mean this drive should not be rushed. The Mirror Lakes create perfectly clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and glacier formed meadows and ancient native beech forest create a unique and fascinating landscape. The Homer Tunnel is an incredible engineering feat at 1219 metres long. The road slopes towards Milford at a rate of 1 in 10. The chasm (a short 15 minute walk) demonstrates the incredible power water has as it continues to shape and carve the valley. Most stops and points of interest are well signposted on the 121 kilometre road but don't underestimate how long this drive will take you with scenic stops.

Milford Sound
Milford Sound is the best known of the sounds that lie throughout Fiordland National Park and is also the only fiord accessible by road. Sheer cliffs starting hundreds of metres below the waters surface rise spectacularly to the sky. It is 16 kilometres from the head of the fiord to the open sea and Real Journeys cruise vessels will take you there and back comfortably in around 2 hours. Dolphins and seals can often be seen, and following a large downpour the waterfalls that line the fiords are magnificent, particularly the 146 metre high Stirling Falls.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise
An extended and leisurely 2½ hour cruise of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner or Milford Wanderer. These modern vessels, purpose built for operating in a fiord environment, have been designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, and have real character. These relaxing cruises have special appeal for the independent traveler and an on board nature guide provides detailed interpretation and commentary.. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and to view the stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks. Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Your accommodation: Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
Dunluce offers boutique Bed and Breakfast accommodation with panoramic lake and mountain views. Situated in a quiet location Dunluce is an architecturally designed home with a private guest wing.    

Driving Information
Te Anau to Milford Return Distance
242 kilometres : 4 hours

Day 7
Te Anau to Queenstown
Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. On the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu sits Kingston, home to classic steam train, The Kingston Flyer. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown.
Your accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel
Relax in the friendly and comfortable atmosphere of Queenstown's boutique accommodation complex. Designed along traditional European lines, this small intimate Hotel is only three minutes walk to the center of town and features stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range from every room.    

Driving Information
Te Anau to Queenstown Distance
186 kilometres : 2 3/4 hours

Day 8
Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines or exploring the historic Chinese settlement at Arrowtown, there is something for everyone.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating and cruises take you to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a farm tour, lunch or a farmhouse dinner. The Kawarua Jet offers a slightly faster experience with thrilling one hour jet boat rides. Fishing and sailing are also possible here.
The Gibbston Vallley is a short drive from Queenstown and it's here you will find the vineyards producing some of the finest wines in New Zealand, particularly the Pinot Noir. Appellation Wine Tours have a choice of tour options to ensure you get to experience the best and of course have the chance to sample the vintages.
Arrowtown is a popular destination for many visitors to Queenstown. This historic gold mining town features many original buildings and now also boasts some great shopping. The Lakes District Museum is also here and ranks as one of the best in the country.
Nomad Safaris offer 4WD excursions in and around Queenstown to otherwise difficult locations such as Skippers Canyon and Mace Town. Informative guides share theirs and other locals stories of the region.
At the Head of the Lake sits Glenorchy. The 40 kilometre drive along the lake edge is worth the trip alone however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake. A great trip from here is the Dart River Wilderness Safari, by far the most scenic jet boat excursion in the country. A short walk amongst native beech forest plus a 4WD bus journey is capped off with over 1 1/2 hours and around 35 kilometres of exhilarating jet boat action as you head deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
Your accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel

Day 9
Depart Queenstown today
Explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

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