Christchurch to Queenstown Tours
4.6 stars on(8,691 reviews)- Choose from 16 Christchurch tours
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10 best Christchurch to Queenstown tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaChristchurch travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (26 destinations)
- South Island Youth Adventure - 9 days
- 3 Day Aoraki Mt. Cook Explorer
- South Island Wilderness Encounter - 14 Day
- Great West Coast Cycle
- Signature | Epicurean Alpine Odyssey
- Southern Light from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
- Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
- NZ Adventure South
- NZ Intro South
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$7,090
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator On The Go Tours From $5,125
10% Off- NZ$4,613You save $513
3 Day Aoraki Mt. Cook Explorer
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent trip overall. The next night our buffet dinner was included but there was a mix up and the hotel tried to charge us.”
Penny, traveled in December
The path leads from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters, followed by Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Travel through Omarama and the Lindis Pass to reach Queenstown. A Tasman Glacier boat tour and visit to Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre highlight this 3-day route.
Duration 3 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,200
From Christchurch, the TranzAlpine train crosses the Southern Alps to reach Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. The route continues through Haast Pass to Wanaka, concluding in Queenstown after visiting Milford Sound's majestic fiords.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discover New Zealand From
10% Off- NZ$8,419
The TranzAlpine train leaves Christchurch, followed by cycling through Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier, and Fox Glacier. Cross the dramatic Haast Pass to reach Lake Wanaka's shores, finally arriving in Queenstown after a scenic ride through Kawerau Gorge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Haast, Makarora, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Adventure South From
10% Off- NZ$4,695
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Okarito, Queenstown, Arrowtown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
10% Off- NZ$6,299
Southern Light from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery is amazing. Very very please overall!!”
Irina, traveled in March
Setting out from Christchurch's Rydges Hotel, the route takes you through Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, coastal Oamaru, and Fiordland National Park before arriving in Queenstown. This 8-day journey covers 10 major destinations including Milford Sound and Moeraki Boulders.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Oamaru, Moeraki, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Flying Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$2,795
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
10% Off- NZ$4,999
NZ Adventure South
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Brilliant experience with great people.”
Joe, traveled in September
The route weaves from Christchurch through Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Moving on to Wanaka for lakeside adventures, visiting Milford Sound's majestic fjords, and finishing in Queenstown with high-speed jet boating thrills.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- NZ$2,099
NZ Intro South
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“10/10 experience xx. She was heaps fun to have around.”
Grace, traveled in November
Leaving Christchurch, pass through Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Head to Wanaka for lakeside adventures before reaching Queenstown, with a stunning detour through Milford Sound's dramatic fjords. This route covers 580km of South Island's most scenic routes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- NZ$2,149
What people love about Christchurch to Queenstown Tours
- 3 Day Aoraki Mt. Cook Explorer
Excellent trip overall. Only complaint was when we checked in we were given a map to the lodges we were staying in which had a restaurant next to it. We tried to go to the restaurant for dinner only to find it was closed so after walking back to the hotel the only dinner options were $65pp for the buffet or to buy something from the onsite shop. If we had known this we would have eaten in the cafe which served hot food until 4:30pm. The shop had very limited supplies, not even sandwiches or basic snacks. We ended up spending $15 on pasta and a tomato sauce and there was nothing else available to buy. The next night our buffet dinner was included but there was a mix up and the hotel tried to charge us. I contacted the operator through the app and this was sorted by the time we checked out the next morning.
- Southern Light from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
The scenery is amazing. Not the usual tourist track which makes is more relaxing and quiet. Very very please overall!!
- NZ Adventure South
Not too bad, just Nomad’s hostel was bad
What our customers ask about Christchurch to Queenstown Tours
What would be an example itinerary between Christchurch and Queenstown?
A week-long journey from Christchurch to Queenstown follows a well-planned route through New Zealand's South Island highlights. The trip begins in Christchurch then moves to Hanmer Springs where travelers can soak in natural hot pools. The second day visits the historic gold mining town of Reefton before reaching Westport. On day three the route leads to the distinctive Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and Nile River Canyon. The fourth day features stops at Hokitika Gorge and Fox Glacier followed by day five which includes Lake Matheson and Thunder Creek Falls on the way to Wanaka. Day six is dedicated to exploring Wanaka's local attractions before concluding in Queenstown on day seven. A TourRadar traveler noted "Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous activities. The operator was very helpful in booking additional arrangements as well."
What are the most common destinations visited between Christchurch and Queenstown?
The route between these South Island hubs takes travelers through some of New Zealand's most notable locations. Key stops include Lake Tekapo with its bright blue waters and Mount John Observatory Fox Glacier where visitors can see ancient ice formations up close Wanaka known for its picturesque lake and the famous #thatwanakatree and Milford Sound with its towering fjords and cascading waterfalls. Many travelers choose to stay at places like the Nomad's hostel in Queenstown as their base. According to a TourRadar review "The itinerary was amazing and I really enjoyed stopping at certain locations to spend some time exploring and taking in the views."
What is the average price I can expect to pay for a Christchurch to Queenstown tour?
Daily costs for tours between these cities typically range from USD 200-350. Complete tour packages start at USD 674 for basic 3-day experiences and can reach USD 4727 for extended 14-day journeys. Higher-end options like the Premium New Zealand South Island tour include upscale lodging and exclusive activities. A TourRadar traveler shared "The tour offers great value with all the included activities and quality accommodation. Everything from transport to guides was well worth the money."
What is the average distance covered on a tour from Christchurch to Queenstown?
Direct routes between Christchurch and Queenstown cover about 480 kilometers (300 miles). However most tours take scenic paths that extend the journey to 800-1000 kilometers including detours to places like Franz Josef Glacier Lake Tekapo and Wanaka. A TourRadar traveler noted "The journey through the Southern Alps was breathtaking with plenty of scenic stops making the distance feel much shorter."
What are the average tour lengths for trips from Christchurch to Queenstown?
Tour durations range from quick 3-day trips to extensive 14-day explorations with most visitors choosing 8-10 day itineraries. The Southern Light tour spans 8 days taking in key sites like Lake Tekapo Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound. For those seeking a deeper experience the South Island Wilderness Encounter offers a 14-day journey. As shared by a TourRadar traveler "The scenery is amazing. Not the usual tourist track which makes it more relaxing and quiet."