What would be an example itinerary between Christchurch and Queenstown?

A week-long journey from Christchurch to Queenstown follows a well-planned route through New Zealand's South Island highlights. The trip begins in Christchurch then moves to Hanmer Springs where travelers can soak in natural hot pools. The second day visits the historic gold mining town of Reefton before reaching Westport. On day three the route leads to the distinctive Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and Nile River Canyon. The fourth day features stops at Hokitika Gorge and Fox Glacier followed by day five which includes Lake Matheson and Thunder Creek Falls on the way to Wanaka. Day six is dedicated to exploring Wanaka's local attractions before concluding in Queenstown on day seven. A TourRadar traveler noted "Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous activities. The operator was very helpful in booking additional arrangements as well."

What are the most common destinations visited between Christchurch and Queenstown?

The route between these South Island hubs takes travelers through some of New Zealand's most notable locations. Key stops include Lake Tekapo with its bright blue waters and Mount John Observatory Fox Glacier where visitors can see ancient ice formations up close Wanaka known for its picturesque lake and the famous #thatwanakatree and Milford Sound with its towering fjords and cascading waterfalls. Many travelers choose to stay at places like the Nomad's hostel in Queenstown as their base. According to a TourRadar review "The itinerary was amazing and I really enjoyed stopping at certain locations to spend some time exploring and taking in the views."

What is the average price I can expect to pay for a Christchurch to Queenstown tour?

Daily costs for tours between these cities typically range from USD 200-350. Complete tour packages start at USD 674 for basic 3-day experiences and can reach USD 4727 for extended 14-day journeys. Higher-end options like the Premium New Zealand South Island tour include upscale lodging and exclusive activities. A TourRadar traveler shared "The tour offers great value with all the included activities and quality accommodation. Everything from transport to guides was well worth the money."

What is the average distance covered on a tour from Christchurch to Queenstown?

Direct routes between Christchurch and Queenstown cover about 480 kilometers (300 miles). However most tours take scenic paths that extend the journey to 800-1000 kilometers including detours to places like Franz Josef Glacier Lake Tekapo and Wanaka. A TourRadar traveler noted "The journey through the Southern Alps was breathtaking with plenty of scenic stops making the distance feel much shorter."

What are the average tour lengths for trips from Christchurch to Queenstown?

Tour durations range from quick 3-day trips to extensive 14-day explorations with most visitors choosing 8-10 day itineraries. The Southern Light tour spans 8 days taking in key sites like Lake Tekapo Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound. For those seeking a deeper experience the South Island Wilderness Encounter offers a 14-day journey. As shared by a TourRadar traveler "The scenery is amazing. Not the usual tourist track which makes it more relaxing and quiet."

10 Best Tours & Trips from Christchurch to Queenstown 2026

10 best Christchurch to Queenstown tour packages

View Map
Food & Culinary
Signature | Epicurean Alpine Odyssey
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Okarito, Queenstown, Arrowtown
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Great Journeys New Zealand
From
US$3,632per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
New Zealand South Island Adventure
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika,Fox Glacier,Wanaka,Queenstown,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Stewart Island+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$5,120per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
South Island Youth Adventure - 9 days
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown,Milford Sound+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$2,975per person
Price based on Private Single Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Premium New Zealand South Island (9 destinations)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef,Makarora,Wanaka,Milford Sound,Queenstown+4 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
From
US$6,090per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Great Journeys New Zealand
20% Off
From $2,882
US$2,306per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Southern Light from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"New Zealand is the shining star of this trip. Stunningly beautiful."
Constance, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Oamaru, Moeraki,Dunedin,Fiordland National Park,Milford Sound,Te Anau,Queenstown+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Flying Kiwi
20% Off
From
US$1,150per person
View tour
View Map
Bicycle
Great West Coast Cycle
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Haast,Makarora,Wanaka,Queenstown+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure South
20% Off
From
US$3,400per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Premium New Zealand South Island (8 destinations)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef,Wanaka,Milford Sound,Queenstown+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
5% Off
From $7,665
US$7,282per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience."
Agata, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika,Okarito,Fox Glacier,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From
US$2,590per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Active
NZ Adventure South
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"Definitely enjoyed this trip, and strongly recommend. We covered a ton of ground in a relatively short amount of time."
William, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound,Queenstown+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Regions
New Zealand South IslandAoraki Mount CookMilford Sound+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
5% Off
From
US$1,449per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Active
NZ Intro South
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"The NZ South Island tour was amazing. We visited some really beautiful destinations."
Angela, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound,Queenstown+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Regions
New Zealand South IslandAoraki Mount CookSouthern AlpsMilford Sound+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
5% Off
From
US$1,519per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Bicycle
Aoraki/Mount Cook & Southern Lakes Gravel
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"I really enjoyed this tour. The tour was very knowledgeable."
Perry, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Lake Ohau,Oamaru,Ranfurly,Clyde,Queenstown+4 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure South
5% Off
From
US$3,220per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown,Milford Sound+1 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Great Journeys New Zealand
5% Off
From
US$3,689per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour