How long does it take to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown, NZ ?? Then from Queenstown to Dunedin, NZ ??

Question

I'll be renting a car on the South Island of New Zealand in March '08. I plan to stay in Christchurch, Queenstown, and MAYBE Dunedin (I wonder if Dunedin is really worth spending the day at?) when I'm on the South Island for only 7 days.

Can anyone give me driving times between those cities and suggestions on the best attractions to visit in those places?? Thanks.

Answer 1

Never been to NZ but as far as distance and time goes, here's what I was able to find out:

Christchurch -> Queenstown:

483km taking about 6 hours and 30 minutes

Queenstown -> Dunedin:

283 km taking about 3 hours and 49 minutes

Answer 2

From Christchurch to Queenstown is about 7 hours drive

From Christchurch to Dunedin is about 5 hours drive

From Dunedin to Queenstown is about 4 hours drive

I would suggest you to visit all three places as you are travelling in March which is end of Summer, beginning of Autumn. It is a very good travelling time for you. So why not stay in Chirstchurch for 1 day and have a good night sleep, drive to Dunedin on Day 2 and depart to Queenstown on Day 3. Stay in Queenstown for 2 days (Day 4 &5) and head back to Christchurch on Day 6, have a good night in Christchurch and return home on Day 7.

Attractions, well, driving along South Island roads is beautiful enough, especially along the coast.

Check out the website I have attached and decide what attractions you like to see in these three towns.

Answer 3

mapquest it...

Answer 4

Don`t rush that is my advice to you. drive slowly and enjoy the beautiful scenery,breath the clean air. Must stop at Dunedin,  it is a typical British town outside of England.  Plenty to see.

Answer 5

Ive driven from Christchurch to Queenstown, it depends on the weather. If its snowy it takes about 8 hours (with about 3 or 4 little stops along the way) but in fine weather it would be a bit shorter than that.

Answer 6

Hi,

just my two cents,

first where are you coming from?

My American friends spent fourteen days with me in Dunedin

and they didn't get to see everything in the city they wanted to.

NZ roads are tricky, especially SI

Allow plenty of time for driving.

There are lots of hills and curves and one lane bridges here.

Plus there are deep ravines, rock bluffs, and rolling meadows

that are easy to fall into if you get distracted and take your eyes off the road.

Oh yeah, not a whole lot of guard rails either.

Please be safe and sound.

Just know that even thought it may look like a short drive on the map, it isn't.

Also, there are plenty of neat places to stop between CHCH and Qtown.  

You could spend a leisurely week just getting there.  

Good luck, drive carefully, and have a safe but fun trip!