The Christchurch to Queenstown drive time is approximately 5-hours non-stop. But we recommend taking extra time to rest, grab a delicious bite to eat, and see some amazing views and detours.

Thereof Where should I stop between Wanaka and Christchurch? CHRISTCHURCH TO WANAKA ITINERARY

  • JUCY Christchurch Airport.
  • Castle Hill.
  • Arthurs Pass.
  • Lake Brunner Motorcamp.
  • Hokitika.
  • Okarito Camping Ground.
  • Glacier Guides’ Base in Franz Josef.
  • Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park.

Where should I stop between Lake Tekapo and Queenstown? 14 Best Stops Between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo

  • Lake Hayes. Mirror-like reflections at Lake Hayes! …
  • Arrow Junction Lookout. Just one of the views at the very start of Crown Range Road at a pull over bay. …
  • Crown Range summit. …
  • Cardona Hotel. …
  • Bradrona. …
  • Wanaka. …
  • Lindis Pass Lookout. …
  • Hot Tubs Omarama.

Similarly, What is there to see between Te Anau and Queenstown?

11 Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Te Anau

  1. Jacks Point. Jacks Point Golf Course. …
  2. Wye Creek Track. The most underrated viewpoint in Queenstown! …
  3. Devil’s Staircase Lookout. Not a bad place to stop, check out the windy road! …
  4. Kingston. …
  5. Xtreme Off Road. …
  6. Garston Hunny Shop. …
  7. Athol. …
  8. Five Rivers Café and Art Gallery.

Do you need snow chains in Queenstown?

The Queenstown Lakes District Council recommends that you carry snow chains as a precaution in winter, no matter where you plan on travelling in the area. … If you ignore signs saying you need to fit snow chains, you risk being fined.

How do I get from Queenstown to Nelson? The distance between Nelson and Queenstown is 562 km. The road distance is 809.3 km. How do I travel from Nelson to Queenstown without a car? The best way to get from Nelson to Queenstown without a car is to bus and train which takes 17h 19m and costs $180 – $260.

Is it safe to drive in the South Island in winter?

Driving the South Island During Winter

The road is prone to snow, ice and avalanches, and it is mandatory to carry chains in the winter. Have a stopover – It is a long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound at around four hours. A good idea to make the drive less challenging is to have a night in Te Anau.

How often is Milford Sound road closed? How many days a year is the Milford Road closed and why? On average about eight days a year, mainly in winter, when treacherous weather and the high avalanche risk make driving on the road unsafe.

Do I need chains to drive to Milford Sound?

Drive with extreme care, especially in areas where the road is in the shade. You must carry snow chains for your vehicle during winter. (Snow chains are available for rent in Te Anau). … Roadside information signs at Te Anau, Knobs Flat and Milford also advise current road conditions.

Where should I stay between Nelson and Queenstown? The top cities between Nelson and Queenstown are Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arrowtown, and Cromwell. Wanaka is the most popular city on the route — it’s 10 hours from Nelson and less than an hour from Queenstown.

Do you need a 4WD to drive in snow? Make sure you have a vehicle that CAN handle the snow.

You don’t need all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. … You would be better of with a front-wheel-drive car, with the weight of the engine over the drive wheels. AWD and 4WD are better — but they’re also no guarantee that you won’t get stuck.

Do you need chains for Lindis Pass? All drivers taking the Lewis Pass, (SH7) as well as the Lindis Pass, South Canterbury, and the Haast Pass, need to carry chains today, as snow has been falling overnight and continues to fall this morning to about 40cm deep. No towing vehicles through the Lewis Pass.

Is it safe to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown in winter?

This part of New Zealand is worth a visit all year round! In winter you will need to drive more carefully as some roads can be icy, and snow chains may also be required.

Is it worth driving to Milford Sound?

Regarding concerns about time, you have to realize that although the drive to Milford Sound is a lengthy one, it is also an extremely scenic drive. Really, the drive out to Milford Sound is half the appeal. If you have a rental car, there are many opportunities to stop along the way and you definitely should.

Is it better to drive to Milford Sound? It’s important to plan your drive to Milford Sound carefully. … This way you’ll have plenty of time to see the highlights and soak up the overwhelming natural beauty of the Fiordland area, while staying safe. An alternative option is to travel by bus or coach, or book a day tour including a cruise.

Is it safe to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound? Most of the time it is safe to drive, assuming you drive to the conditions and use common sense. The tricky section of the road is between Te Anau – Milford Sound. It is possible to take the coach from Te Anau, it should be cheaper then getting it from Queenstown.

Can you stay at Doubtful Sound?

There is no permanent settlement in Doubtful Sound. You can take day or overnight tours, as well as kayaking trips. Scenic flights can be taken from Te Anau, Manapouri or Queenstown.

Can you do Milford Sound in a day? While you can spend more than one day in Milford Sound, a one-day itinerary is enough to see all the beautiful views along the way, take a scenic cruise around the fiord, and get back to Queenstown or Te Anau in time for dinner. There is a wide range of Milford Sound day tours on offer through many local companies.

What is there to see between Queenstown and Milford Sound?

Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Milford Sound

  1. Wye Creek Track. The most underrated viewpoint in Queenstown! …
  2. Devil’s Staircase Lookout. The windy road with Lake Wakatipu at its side is breathtaking! …
  3. Kingston. …
  4. Garston Hunny Shop. …
  5. Five Rivers Café and Art Gallery. …
  6. Mossburn. …
  7. Te Anau. …
  8. Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point.

Where should I stop between Christchurch and Nelson? Highlights

  • Kaikoura.
  • Queen Charlotte Track.
  • Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Golden Bay.
  • Nelson Lakes National Park.
  • Hamner Springs.

What is there to see between Nelson and Punakaiki?

New Zealand West Coast Road Trip

  • Nelson. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Havelock to Nelson with the picturesque road heading up, down and around mountains, over rivers and streams and through forests. …
  • Murchison. …
  • Hawks Crag & the Kilkenny Lookout. …
  • Westport & Cape Foulwind. …
  • Punakaiki. …
  • Lake Mahinapua.

How long drive from Nelson to Fox Glacier? Yes, the driving distance between Nelson to Fox Glacier is 482 km. It takes approximately 5h 49m to drive from Nelson to Fox Glacier.

Which is better AWD or 4WD?

Both AWD and 4WD will provide better traction than two-wheel drive vehicles in most everyday driving scenarios in winter weather. Large trucks and SUVs are great for towing and hauling heavy loads and usually come with 4WD over AWD. That means buyers that need to tow heavy loads should consider 4WD.

How fast can you go in 4 high? There is no maximum speed while in 4HI but in 4LO the fastest you should go is 45 mph.

Is AWD or 4WD better in snow?

AWD is fine for most normal snow conditions or for light-duty, off-pavement excursions on dirt roads or slippery surfaces. If you’ll be driving in severe snow or true off-road situations, or if you’re interested in pursuing off-roading as a hobby, you should opt for a vehicle with 4WD and lots of ground clearance.

How long is the Lindis Pass? Lindis Pass Road is approximately 60 km long but it’s the top section of the mountain pass people come to see!

How do you get a Lindis Pass? Adjacent to the highway is the Lindis Conservation Area, where snow tussock grassland dominates the landscape. Before reaching Lindis Pass when driving from Omarama, you can take a short detour down Ahuriri Valley and back by driving on Birchwood road, which is a gravel road.

Where does Lewis Pass start and finish?

The Lewis Pass, at the southern end of the Spenser Mountains, leads from the Lewis River (a Waiau tributary) into the Maruia River (which flows into the Buller).

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