Queenstown to Wellington

The trip is approxiamtely 914 kilometers and takes around 14 to 15 hours driving. This allows for rest stops etc, not sure if it includes the 3 hour ferry trip between the Nth and Sth islands??? As far as the best way to do it, depends on if you want to stop off and sight see on the way? If you are wanting to have a look around then I would go from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, 3 1/2 hrs (via Mt Cook, over-nighting in Tekapo). I'd then go to Christchurch, 3 1/4 hr's (you could spend 2 or 3 nights here if you wanted). The trip then travels the East coast of the South Island to Picton, 5 hr's. If you wanted you could stop off in either Hanmer (thermal hot pools) or Kaikoura (whale watching). Picton is where the ferry between the 2 islands leaves from. This trip takes 3 hr's). Picton is also a nice place to stay with excellent bush walks if you have the time.

The other option is to go up the other coast of the South Island as follows:

Queenstown to Franz Joseph via Haast, (5 4/5 hr's). Over night in Franz. Franz is a small village close to glasiers. Drive from Franz to a small place called Punakiaki (3.10 hr's), this a small place but is made famous by it's pancake rocks and blow holes on the coast. From there drive to Nelson (3 1/2 hours). Over night here before driving to Picton (1 1/2 hours). Then take the ferry.

Have a good trip.

Is it enough time -- that depends on what you want to do. You can easily make the journey in 10 days, the question is "what do you do along the way?" As Wheelie states, you have options on which route to take. Also, does the 10 days include time in Queenstown and/or Wellington, or is it 10 days for getting between the two places? Be more specific and people will offer a wealth of ideas for you. Give us an idea of the things you like to do or see.

Regarding just the driving part of it, I have done it in one day before, but that was pretty much flat out, and I was pretty shagged. 3 days would be pretty relaxed. The other days you can use for exploring/stops along the way.

hi,

be careful with your time planning - all those guys are right when it comes to giving you ideas on driving times BUT: it is winter! at the moment there is no getting in and out of queenstown, all the roads around mt cook are closed and between kaikoura and picton you need an extra 2 hours for road work delays. you are best off to always check with locals and always have one day spare.

cheers!