Christchurch to Queenstown Tours
4.6 stars on(9,268 reviews)- Choose from 13 Christchurch tours
- 28 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best Christchurch to Queenstown tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaChristchurch travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (13 destinations)
- NZ Intro South
- Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
- Great West Coast Cycle
- South Island Youth Adventure - 9 days
- Premium New Zealand South Island (9 destinations)
- Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour
- Signature | Epicurean Alpine Odyssey
- NZ Adventure South
- New Zealand West Coast Adventure (10 destinations)
The route winds from Christchurch through Hanmer Springs' hot pools and Reefton's gold fields, leading to Fox Glacier and Wanaka's lakeside beauty. A passage over Crown Range leads to Queenstown, with visits to Te Anau and Milford Sound before reaching Stewart Island's wilderness.
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$7,340
NZ Intro South
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“New Zealand is so beautiful, glad I got to experience it!”
Katie, traveled in October
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
- NZ$2,149
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
- NZ$4,999
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
- NZ$4,695
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator On The Go Tours From
- NZ$4,600
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Makarora, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From
- NZ$9,235
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
- NZ$6,399
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Okarito, Queenstown, Arrowtown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
- NZ$6,299
NZ Adventure South
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was amazing and I really enjoyed stopping at certain locations to spend some time exploring and taking in the views.”
Elisha, traveled in April
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
- NZ$2,099
New Zealand West Coast Adventure (10 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience.”
Agata, traveled in January
The path leads from Christchurch through Lewis Pass to Westport, then south via Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and Fox Glacier township. A rainforest train ride in Charleston precedes the final leg to Queenstown via Crown Range's scenic route, covering 8 distinct cities over 7 memorable days.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Okarito, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$3,695
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."