Ultimate Picton To Queenstown Road Trip
Most travellers planning a Picton to Queenstown road trip make one big mistake – they skip the West Coast.
It’s easy to follow the well-trodden route down the centre of the South Island through Tekapo and Omarama. It looks simple on the map and seems like the fastest way. But faster isn’t always better. It’s easy to find itineraries for the centre route, so I wanted to provide an alternative option.
After exploring this region several times – even taking a helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier – I can confidently say the West Coast is also worth considering. This alternative South Island itinerary takes you through Arthur’s Pass and out to the coast, revealing dramatic landscapes most travellers never see.
This post is part of my New Zealand Itinerary Hub, which includes 7–14 day routes and travel tips.
📌 Looking for more New Zealand inspiration? Check out my full collection of NZ travel posts.
Picton to Queenstown Road Trip Route
Stop 1 – Picton and Blenheim
Activities:
- Kayaking
- Wine tasting
Picton is located at the top of the South Island. It’s known for its harbour and beautiful landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling, or just strolling around town.
If you’ve arrived in Picton by taking the ferry from Wellington, then you will already have enjoyed visiting the Marlborough Sounds. Kayaking is another option for exploring the coastline and waters around the northern tip of the South Island.
Personally, I picked a Marlborough Sounds tour which included a sample of green-lipped mussels and salmon that the captain cooked on a barbecue on the back of the boat!
If you’d like some salmon with the Sounds, book your seafood cruise here!
Meanwhile, Blenheim is famous for its location in a world-renowned wine region, Marlborough, that produces some of the country’s best Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Join a tour or hire a bike to visit a few of the local wineries and relax with a glass of wine while enjoying views of the vines.
✅ If you are staying in Blenheim, this full-day wine-tasting tour around Marlborough will pick you up from your hotel.
Drive from Picton to Blenheim – 25 minutes, 17 miles
Where To Stay in Blenheim
In order to enjoy the local wineries without any driving concerns, it is best to stay in a central location and join a tour or hire a bike.
📍Lugano Motor Home is in a good location for a reasonable price.
📍For a 5-star luxury option, book a room at 14th Lane Urban Hotel
Stop 2 – Kaikoura
Activities:
- Whale and dolphin watching
Leave Blenheim and head south on State Highway 1 to begin your road trip from Picton to Queenstown. This 80-mile drive down the east coast will provide some stunning ocean views. Around an hour into your drive, you’ll pass by a black sand beach.
Another 30 minutes down the road will bring you to Ohau Point lookout – a great place to pause and see if you can spot some seals.
Kaikoura is synonymous with whale and dolphin watching. There are resident and visiting marine mammals in the waters off of Kaikoura year-round, so you may be able to spot sperm whales, humpback whales, orcas and dolphins during your visit.
Depending on the time of year the tour start times change, and so you may need to do this the morning after you arrive in Kaikoura. Book in advance to avoid missing out.
The town itself is nice to wander around as well, but the Kaikoura highlight really is the wildlife.
✅ Book your whale and dolphin watching tour here!
Drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura – 1hr 45mins, 80 miles
Where To Stay in Kaikoura
📍 Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge is close to the beach and several restaurants.
📍 Te Mahuru Lodge is a short drive away from Kaikoura and has stunning mountain views.
Stop 3 – Christchurch
Activities:
- Botanic Gardens
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Gondola
Rejoining State Highway 1 in Kaikoura, continue south until you reach Christchurch. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens located in the heart of the city offer visitors a chance to relax amidst beautiful flowers and trees.
I love rose gardens and always make a stop to see the one in Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens.
Quake City and the cardboard cathedral are both reminders of the impact of the 2011 earthquakes on the city. I found the video stories of survivors of the earthquake at Quake City particularly moving.
If you are interested in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs, then visiting Orana Wildlife Park is highly recommended.
The International Antarctic Centre, home to a group of Little Blue Penguins under specialist care, and Christchurch Gondola are also worth checking out if you can spare a full day in the city. I’m kind of obsessed with these penguins and have seen them in several places in New Zealand, but the IAC was the first time I encountered them.
Apart from natural wonders and cultural attractions, Christchurch has excellent food scenes with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
I like to have at least two full days in Christchurch when I visit, but you would need 3 or more to make the most of all the attractions.
Drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch – 2hrs 20mins, 112 miles
Where To Stay in Christchurch
📍The Mayfair is in the centre of Christchurch and a luxury option if you want to splash out.
📍Tuscana Motor Lodge is a great mid-range option.
📍If you are on a tight budget, try YHA Christchurch which includes female-only dorm rooms – great for solo female travellers.
Stop 4 – Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth
Activities:
- Wildlife spotting
- Hiking
Now you’ll be leaving the more obvious route south, and head north-west from Christchurch towards Greymouth. Following State Highway 73, you’ll head directly through the mountains that run the length of the South Island – the Southern Alps.
If you have a few days to spare and enjoy hiking, there are plenty of trails to be found along this route. Otherwise, take plenty of stops to appreciate the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, forests and rivers.
Arthur’s Pass is also an excellent place to spot Kea – an endangered species of parrot native to New Zealand.
These parrots are distinguished by the olive green feathers that cover most of their body, apart from a section of bright orange feathers under their wings which can be spotted during flight.
Tip: The road through Arthur’s Pass is very steep and narrow in places, so exercise caution in wind, rain and snow. Be especially cautious between May and October during the New Zealand winter – this road can be closed if conditions become dangerous, and you will need to carry snow chains during those months.
Once you reach Greymouth, you can explore the nearby beaches, hiking trails, and national parks.
One must-see attraction is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where visitors can witness geysers shooting up to 20 meters high from blowholes in limestone cliffs.
For those interested in learning about Greymouth’s past, there are museums showcasing artefacts from both its Maori and European settlement days.
Drive from Christchurch to Greymouth – 3hrs, 150 miles
Where To Stay In Greymouth
📍Alpine Rose Motel is highly rated and reasonably priced.
📍 Global Village Travellers Lodge has budget-friendly dorms, including female-only options.
Stop 5 – Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Activities:
- Heli-hike
- Helicopter scenic flight
Franz Josef town is a small town in the heart of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. It serves as the gateway to the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Despite its small size, the town offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of visitors.
Tip: It’s a small town with lots of visitors – book any meals out in advance, as well as your accommodation and activities. Or end up like me, eating crisps and grapes for dinner one night because I forgot and everywhere was full!
If you love to explore the outdoors, then don’t miss a visit to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Both glaciers are stunning and offer unique opportunities for hiking, ice climbing, helicopter tours, and much more.
The Fox Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world as it starts high up in the mountains before winding its way down into a valley.
Visitors can look upon it from close quarters by taking guided hikes along the glacier’s terminal face.
The Franz Josef Glacier is equally breathtaking with its iconic blue ice formations that have been sculpted over centuries. This glacier is only accessible via a heli-hike tour – you can’t hike to it yourself.
✅ Book a helicopter tour here to get the best views of the glaciers.
If you need some more convincing, take a look at this video I took from the front seat of a helicopter tour in Franz Josef!
Drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef – 2hrs, 107 miles
Where to stay in Franz Josef
📍58 On Cron Motel is good value for money in a beautiful location.
📍Glow Worm Accommodations is a highly-rated hostel with dorm room options and a hot tub.
Stop 6 – Wanaka
Activities:
- Puzzling World
- Hiking
- Lake walk
Wanaka, a small town located on New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its spectacular natural scenery and outdoor activities.
Wanaka offers visitors breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and Lake Wanaka. It’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, or just soaking up the beauty of nature.
This itinerary includes both Wanaka and Queenstown, however, if you do have to choose between them I recommend Queenstown instead of Wanaka.
The road from Franz Josef will take you along the banks of the Haast River and through the northern part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
The town of Wanaka itself has a relaxed vibe with cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine. Visitors can also take advantage of boutique shops selling unique souvenirs and artisanal products.
One popular attraction is Puzzling World – an interactive museum that challenges visitors to solve puzzles and optical illusions. If you are travelling with children, they’ll love the illusions, but I visited with a friend and had a great time just as adults.
Additionally, Wanaka hosts several festivals throughout the year such as the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow which attracts aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Wanaka is through hiking its many trails. The Roy’s Peak Track is a popular one, offering panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and its surrounding mountains.
Another great option is the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Trail, which takes hikers on a scenic loop around two stunning lakes with several lookout points along the way.
Drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka – 4hrs, 176 miles
Where to Stay in Wanaka
📍Fairway Motel is a midrange option with a pool.
📍Head to YHA Wanaka for a good hostel option.
Stop 7 – Queenstown
Activities:
- Wine tasting
- Jet boating
- Milford Sound tour
Queenstown is renowned for its stunning scenery and adrenaline-pumping activities. This picturesque town sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by majestic mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Trust me, I’ve done several of the adrenaline-filled options, as you can tell from my skydive video above!
Whether you’re into hiking through pristine forests or bungee jumping off a bridge, Queenstown has something to offer everyone. Whatever type of traveller you are, Queenstown is worth adding to your itinerary.
One of the most popular activities in Queenstown is skiing or snowboarding at one of its four world-class ski fields.
The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are all within a two-hour drive from town and offer some of the best slopes in the Southern Hemisphere.
During the summer, activities such as jetboating, skydiving and paragliding become very popular.
There are lots of group tours from Queenstown, from wine tasting to film tours.
Queenstown, in one of New Zealand’s wine regions, Central Otago, also benefits from its proximity to many wineries. If you prefer leisurely days to outdoor pursuits, then Queenstown is another great place to enjoy winetasting with spectacular views.
If you have a few days in Queenstown, then a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is highly recommended to see one of New Zealand’s most famous natural wonders.
I would take a minimum of 2 full days in Queenstown, but on my last visit I was there for 5 and still had more things I would have done with more time. Admittedly, I spent one full day on skydiving as I was too overwhelmed to do much else other than lie down after!
Driving from Wanaka to Queenstown – 1hr, 42 miles.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Queenstown is an expensive town, and in summer it becomes very busy so make sure you book in advance. Also, many hotels in Queenstown don’t offer onsite parking so you do need to keep that in mind.
📍 If you want to go all out for your last stop, check out QT Queenstown. It has beautiful rooms in a great location, but also a higher price tag.
📍The Dairy Private Hotel is a quirky choice, and still good value for money given Queenstown’s generally elevated price range. It also has a daily happy hour with snacks and drinks!
📍YHA Queenstown Lakeside is slightly further from the town centre but a good choice for budget-conscious travellers.
For more accommodation recommendations, check out my Queenstown accommodation recommendations.
Total Distance Picton to Queenstown
This route from Picton to Queenstown is 684 miles and will take approximately 14hrs 15mins of driving time (traffic and weather dependent of course).
This route could easily be done in 1 week, but additional days will give you time to enjoy hiking and other activities in each area.
Additional Days
The main attractions that you won’t see on this route are Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. The route that is more commonly recommended does include those sights but misses out on Arthur’s Pass, the glaciers and the road through Mount Aspiring National Park.
If you do want to see Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Tekapo, then once you reach Wanaka then head towards the Lindis Pass and towards Lake Tekapo.
This road will take you past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with views of Aoraki Mount Cook before returning down to Queenstown.
I still remember the first time I saw Lake Pukaki, appearing as I drove around a corner and so astonishingly blue that I found someone to park as soon as I could to stop and enjoy the views.
Car Hire
To hire a car for this self-drive road trip, use Discover Cars to get the best deals. Discover Cars is a marketplace that searches across all the major car hire companies and includes excellent deals on rental cars that are a few years old.
Just one extra note, the ratings of the companies listed on Discover Cars often don’t match the reviews on Google. Cross-reference to make sure you are getting both the best value and great customer service.
FAQs
Is It Difficult To Drive In New Zealand
Generally, it is fairly easy to drive in New Zealand (on the left of the road), but there are quite a few steep and winding roads which you need to be cautious on. Be extra careful in Winter if there is ice on the roads.
Can I Get Around Without A Car
Yes! Renting a car is the best option for exploring New Zealand, but if you aren’t able to drive you can get to most places via plane, coach or tours. This may make the journey slower in which case you should consider adjusting the itinerary.
Train travel is limited to scenic tours in New Zealand, and it isn’t possible to use trains to get between routes such as Christchurch to Queenstown. For more info, check out my guide to exploring New Zealand without a car!
Final Thoughts
This slightly unusual route showcases the best of the New Zealand South Island and makes sure you don’t miss out on some of my favourite places that other routes skip. The road trip from Picton to Queenstown is an adventure that should not be missed.
Queenstown is a fantastic place to visit so make sure you leave a couple of days at the end to make the most of it. For more ideas about what to do when you arrive in Queenstown, there are some great options for day trips in the area, as well as a variety of activities in Queenstown itself.
So pack your bags and hit the road – you won’t regret it!
If you need more help planning your trip, take a look at my other New Zealand travel guides!
Other Posts You Might Like
Best Day Trips from Queenstown
Best Places To Stay In Queesntown
Best Things To Do in Queenstown
Christchurch to Auckland Road Trip
