An Auckland to Queenstown road trip is one of the best you can do in New Zealand. It will take you from the North Island through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country to New Zealand’s adrenaline capital!
This is one of the longer New Zealand road trips, taking you from the top of the North Island to the South Island and on to Queenstown. It’s a fantastic way to see this beautiful country and a great option if you have a short stay in the country!
You have plenty of things to do along the way. Hobbiton is one of the primary attractions on the route. You can go skydiving in Taupo, or once you reach Queenstown. Plus, there are lots of fantastic beaches and scenery to check out too!
This Auckland to Queenstown drive itinerary will take you through Taupo, across the Cook Strait, past the amazing Marlborough Sound and through spectacular mountains to your endpoint!
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
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Table of Contents
Auckland to Queenstown Road Trip
Auckland to Queenstown Road Trip
Distance – 1,552 km (964 miles)
Time – 10 days
Day 1 – Auckland to Rotorua: 228 km (141 miles)
Day 2 – Rotorua to Tongariro: 141 km (87 miles)
Day 3 – Tongariro crossing
Day 4 – Tongariro to Wellington: 330 km (205 miles)
Day 5 – Wellington to Picton: 102 km (63 miles)
Day 6 – Picton to Kaikoura: 156 km (96 miles)
Day 7 – Kaikoura to Christchurch: 181 km (112 miles)
Day 8 – Christchurch to Lake Tekapo: 228 km (141 miles)
Day 9 – Lake Tekapo to Wanaka: 201 km (124 miles)
Day 10 – Wanaka to Queenstown: 67 km (41 miles)