
Christchurch
Whilst Christchurch may seem a million miles away from Queenstown, it’s one of the most popular driving routes in the South Island and easy to see why it’s a popular destination for those flying into Queenstown.
Of course, most people will break this journey up after spending a few days in Queenstown exploring the local area, however the route north and east to Christchurch from Queenstown takes you through the heart of the South Island with some amazing places to stop off on the way.
Once you get there, Christchurch is an absolute gem. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is a wonderful place to explore and spend a few days as part of your South Island adventure. From the stunning botanical gardens to the meandering River Avon, Christchurch is a great place to explore for those who love the outdoors.
If you want to try something a bit different, pay a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, located out near the airport, where you can experience what life in Antarctica feels like. Take a ride on a Hagglund, experience an Antarctic storm, or visit the penguins – a great day out for adults and kids alike.
Christchurch is around 6 hours 20 minutes from Queenstown and whilst people do make the trip in one day, we would recommend breaking it up and stopping off in Wanaka, Tekapo or Mt Cook Village.