The 9 Best Queenstown to Christchurch Scenic Trips

1.Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 134 reviews · from $235Our pick

Leave Queenstown at 6:30 am for a 14-hour guided transfer to Christchurch. Ride through Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass, stop at Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, and spend about three hours at Aoraki Mount Cook. Guides such as Joseph, Carl, Colin, and Yanis provide commentary along the way.

“The tour guide was very helpful. She covered all the amazing spots. We enjoyed every bit of it. The places were all stunning”

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2.Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook One-Way Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 79 reviews · 13 hours · from $236

Ride with Cheeky Kiwi Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch in a small group, stopping at Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook, and Lake Tekapo. You get about three hours at Mt Cook for a walk, visitor center, hot drink, or weather-dependent scenic flight. Guides may include Amanda, Grant, Kristina, Michael, or Jeff.

“Great tour company! They go above and beyond with everything they do! Kristina was very knowledgeable about any topics New Zealand, and a great driver too. We had time to do hiking around Mt. Cook, and foremost Kristina went out of her way to get my bag that I left on one of the stops. Huge favour that saved my vacation! Transfer went smooth, everyone was delivered to the destination hotels, even though they had to change the driver for the last couple of stops. Great service! Thanks guys!”

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3.Mount Cook Full-Day Tour: Queenstown to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 61 reviews · 12 hours · from $230

Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch with a local driver guide, crossing Lindis Pass and Mackenzie Country before spending time at Mount Cook Village, Lake Tekapo, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. English commentary is provided, with audio headsets in Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.

“A fantastic day to a beautiful location with a really knowledgable and helpful guide. It Thoroughly recommended”

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4.Queenstown to Christchurch One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $431Top rated

Travel privately from Queenstown to Christchurch in about 13 hours with a guide such as Tom, Thomas, Tiffany, Steve, or Stephen. The route includes Kawarau River, Lindis Pass, High Country Salmon, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Tekapo, with scenic walks and photo stops.

“An unforgettable South Island day trip showcasing breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear lakes framed by snow-capped mountains, and the chance to experience authentic deer, sheep, and cattle farms. Highly recommended.”

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5.Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook (1 way) (Small Group)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $246

Ride from Queenstown to Christchurch in a Mercedes Sprinter with a group of up to 16. Your guide leads you through Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, and Lake Tekapo, with three hours at Mt Cook for a walk or village visit.

“Very good tour u get to see quite a lot before u get to Christchurch .Our Drivers were very good especially the lady from Queenstown to Mt Cook.There was a delay from Mt Cook to Christchurch through no fault of the driver so we got to ChriRead more”

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6.Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $179Best value

Start with a 6:30 am Queenstown pickup, then cross Central Otago by Mercedes-Benz vehicle with guide Colin or another small-group guide. Visit Clyde, Ophir Bridge Road, and St Bathans before boarding the Taieri Gorge Train at Pukerangi for the final run into Dunedin.

“Our tour guide Colin picked us up promptly at our hotel and headed on to Dunedin. He was a great guide and had thorough knowledge of the countryside and answered all our questions. Afterwards, we took the train the rest of the rouRead more”

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7.Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Josef 2-Day Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $359

Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch with a maximum of 15 people, stopping at Wānaka, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Matheson, Hokitika Gorge, Arthur’s Pass, and Castle Hill. Holly and Joel are among the guides connected with this route. Accommodation is not included.

“Fantastic experience over 2 days with our guides Holly and Joel that takes you to a large proportion over the west coast and also various mountains. Incredible views are offered all along the trip with live commentary from the guides that covRead more”

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8.2 Day West Coast Glaciers and TranzAlpine Train: Queenstown to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 3 reviews · from $1,542

Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch by coach and the TranzAlpine train, stopping at Franz Josef Glacier and Hokitika. You get glacier transport, one night at Franz Josef, and commentary along the way. Driver Lyall has been praised for keeping the long road day interesting.

“The many scenic views of mountains and lakes were enjoyed. Franz Josef Bella Vista Hotel staff were excellent as was our driver Lyall. Alice May Restaurant was excellent with great food and service. We enjoyed the trip however we expecteRead more”

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9.Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Join a private guide-driver, with Rango among the guides named by past guests, for a long scenic day to Aoraki Mount Cook. Expect Lake Pukaki viewpoints, optional Hooker Valley walking, snacks, WiFi, and drop-off in Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, or Mount Cook.

“We join one day private tour to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Rango is a very kind and helpful tour guide. He prepared everything so well and the car was also tidy and comfortable!!! He gave us a wonderful experience in Queenstown!! Thank you very much! best tour guide ever!!”

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