Christchurch to Queenstown Roadtrip Itinerary
Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and unforgettable small towns — this Christchurch to Queenstown campervan trip is short, sweet, and stunning. With Imoova’s $1/day relocation rentals, you can experience the South Island without the hefty price tag.
Carl W
Relocation Specialist
🛻 Route: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown
📅 Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
💸 Cost: From $1/day with Imoova relocations
📍 Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo (~230 km / 3 hrs)
Leave the city behind and head into the heart of the Mackenzie Basin. Lake Tekapo will wow you with its glacier-fed turquoise waters and alpine backdrop. If you go between November and January you can see the famous pink and purple lupins which makes for an incredible photo!
Must-sees:
• Church of the Good Shepherd
• Tekapo Springs (hot pools)
• Mt John Summit Walk or drive to the observatory
Food stop: Astro Café (epic views!)
Stay: Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park
📍 Day 2: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook (~100 km / 1.5 hrs)
A short but spectacular drive to NZ’s highest peak. Hike, marvel, and photograph your heart out.
Must-sees:
• Hooker Valley Track (easy 3-hour return hike)
• Tasman Glacier Lookout
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
Food stop: Old Mountaineers Café
Stay: White Horse Hill Campsite (DOC site with views!)
📍 Day 3: Aoraki → Wanaka (~210 km / 3 hrs)
Drive past Lake Pukaki and through Lindis Pass to reach laid-back Wanaka.
Must-sees:
• That Wanaka Tree 🌳
• Roy’s Peak (if you're fit and early!)
• Lake Wanaka walk or paddle
Food stop: Big Fig (slow food, fast)
Stay: Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
📍 Day 4: Wanaka → Queenstown (~70 km / 1 hr)
Your final day is an easy, scenic drive via Cardrona. You’ll arrive in Queenstown relaxed and ready to return your camper and explore.
Must-sees:
• Arrowtown (historic gold rush village)
• Skyline Gondola & luge
• Queenstown waterfront & Fergburger 🍔
💸 Budget Travel Tips
• 🚐 Use Imoova to rent a campervan for just $1/day
• 🍳 Stock up on groceries and cook in the van
• ⛺ Combine free DOC campsites with low-cost holiday parks
• 🎟️ Look for multi-activity deals or backpacker discounts
• 📱 Use the Rankers or CamperMate app to find fuel, campsites, and hikes
From the glowing night skies of Tekapo to the alpine lakes of Wanaka and the energy of Queenstown, this short road trip is pure South Island magic — and best of all, with Imoova’s relocation deals, it’s accessible to budget travellers too.
Queenstown to Christchurch Fuel Calculator
Estimated Fuel Cost
NZ$117.60
Based on average gasoline price NZ$2.50 per litre
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