
Queenstown
The most popular destination from Christchurch on our list should come as no surprise being the tourist hotspot of Queenstown. Regarded as one of the premier destinations in New Zealand, Queenstown is one of those places that has it all.
The first word that comes to mind when one thinks about Queenstown is ‘excitement’. That’s because Queenstown has established itself as a world leader in the art of adventure tourism. Bungy jumping and jet boating are its most famous thrilling attractions, but you could easily add white water rafting, canyoning, quad biking, skydiving and more to an exhilarating bucket list.
That being said, Queenstown is also a place that can be incredibly relaxing with its picturesque scenery to admire an enjoy. A cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, an authentic steamboat, across the beautiful Lake Wakatipu is a great way to take in the surroundings. If you’re not afraid of heights, the Skyline Gondola offers its own amazing panoramic views of the lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.
If you happen to be travelling during New Zealand’s winter months, you’ll be able to experience the atmosphere of a thriving ski season, the likes of which you won’t see anywhere else in the country. The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone are ski resorts that are all within driving distance of Queenstown giving you plenty of options to hit the slopes.
Queenstown is a 5 hour and 54-minute drive from Christchurch Airport.