Christchurch to Queenstown 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)
- 3 Day Aoraki Mt. Cook Explorer
- South Island Youth Adventure - 9 days
- South Island Wilderness Encounter - 14 Day
- Great West Coast Cycle
- Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour
- Signature | Epicurean Alpine Odyssey
- Southern Light from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
- Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
- NZ Adventure South
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$6,990
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 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- NZ$1,200
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $5,155
10% Off- NZ$4,640You save $516
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 4 to 99 year olds 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 up to 99 year olds Operator Adventure South From
10% Off- NZ$4,495
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
10% Off- NZ$6,399
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Okarito, Queenstown, Arrowtown Age Range 16 to 99 year olds 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 18 to 65 year olds Operator Flying Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$2,795
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
10% Off- NZ$4,999
NZ Adventure South
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The activities were amazing and the group was lovely.”
Olivia, traveled in March
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 18 to 45 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From $2,099
10% Off- NZ$1,889You save $210
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."