Last Updated on October 31, 2025
There’s something magical about the first time you hit the road in New Zealand. The air feels crisp, the mountains rise in every direction, and every curve reveals another Insta-worthy postcard view.
Aotearoa is a country made for slow travel. It’s the kind of place where the journey itself is just as much of a highlight as the destination. If you’re planning your first New Zealand road trip, starting off from Queenstown is an excellent choice. This lively alpine town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is an ideal launch point for exploring the lakes, fjords, and snow-dusted peaks that make the South Island so compelling.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a couple of days or weeks up your sleeve. Te Waipounamu is somewhere you should make a point of seeing by car. This post will guide you through everything you need to know to plan how to do so.
Why Start Your New Zealand Road Trip in Queenstown?
Queenstown is a wonderful town to visit. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu, there is plenty to see and do here. You can, for instance, take the Skyline Gondola to enjoy the mountain views, go wine tasting in nearby Gibbston Valley, or stroll along the beautiful lakefront.
Crucially, the region has a major airport, so it’s easy to fly in from Sydney or Melbourne in just a few hours. Once there, you’ll also find plenty of options for Queenstown car rental, including everything from compact cars to campervans. Having your own set of wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
How Do I Plan My First New Zealand Road Trip From Queenstown?
You’ll want to spend a few days in Queenstown. But then you might fancy going further afield. This is when it becomes a good idea to develop an itinerary based on the sights, attractions, and places that interest you.
The South Island’s driving routes from Queenstown are some of the most scenic in the world. Thankfully, the roads are well-maintained, and driving distances between major spots are shorter than you might expect.
There are several routes you can take. But one of the most popular is Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Wanaka → Mount Cook → Lake Tekapo → Christchurch. This route covers many of the best stops between Queenstown and Christchurch and offers plenty of chances to take in those jaw-dropping alpine views. You’ll easily be able to follow it if you use a satellite navigation app like Waze or Google Maps.
Each leg takes just a few hours to drive. However, you’ll want to plan for photo stops, coffee breaks, and spontaneous detours. Depending on how far you want to go, you may need to book overnight accommodation. Here are some other tips for planning your road trip.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
The best time to go on a South Island road trip from Queenstown is now! Yet, certain times of the year might be better suited to you than others.
If you don’t want to see too many other people on the road, it is advisable to set off during the week and when kids are in school. That said, if you want to visit beaches like White Bay in Marlborough, Sumner Bay in Christchurch, or Caroline Bay in Timaru, then you are better off going during the summer holidays.
Winter can also be a stunning time to set off, especially if you love snow-covered landscapes. However, be prepared for icy roads in alpine regions and make sure you dress warmly.
What to Pack for Your South Island Road Trip
Talking of dressing warmly, this leads us nicely to what to pack for a South Island road trip.
Essentially, what you’ll need to take will depend on the time of year you go. It is always a good idea to bring layers because the weather can change quickly. Additionally, you pack a rain jacket, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a warm jumper.
Other things to bring with you include snacks, a first-aid kit, and a power bank for your devices. If you forget to pack them, don’t worry. You can pick up all these items in Queenstown.
Car Hire Tips for First-Time Visitors
Hiring a car in New Zealand is much the same process as doing so in Australia, the UK or the USA. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the car you want as quickly as possible.
To start with, it is always advisable to pre-book online. This will save you a lot of time and paperwork when you arrive at your chosen Queenstown car hire provider’s office. It will also reduce the risk of you rocking up to an office only to find they don’t have any cars available.
If you collect and return your car at the same location, it will likely save you money on one-way fees. However, it might be worth paying extra for that option if you don’t want to double back to Queenstown.
When you get your vehicle, advise the company of where you intend to drive. They will advise if it is appropriate enough to use in the terrain, which is useful if you plan to go off-roading. Be sure to take video footage or photos of your vehicle before driving it off. That way, you have proof of what its condition was like when it was leased to you.
Essential Tips for Driving in New Zealand
The scenery all over the South Island of New Zealand is beautiful. But you’ll need to concentrate firmly on the road when you drive. If you are not used to doing so, driving on the left-hand side of the road can be tricky. Therefore, always stick to speed limits and watch for sharp corners in mountainous regions.
It is recommended to take regular breaks to prevent you from suffering from fatigue. Distances may seem short on the map, but the scenery will make you want to stop often. So, driving can be a bit more mentally taxing.
When you do drive, always check road conditions before setting off, especially in the winter months.
