Finishing Your Road Trip in Christchurch: What You Need to Know

Plenty of people start a South Island road trip in Queenstown and would rather finish in Christchurch than drive back. It is a brilliant way to do the trip, and for the right booking your car from Evolve Rentals can be arranged to finish there too. Here is how it works, and what the drive between the two is really like.

Can you drop a rental car off in Christchurch?

It can be arranged for the right booking. We do not have a base in Christchurch, so a one way finish there is organised directly with you rather than booked online. Get in touch with your dates, where you are starting and when you want to finish, and we will tell you what is possible.

These tend to be longer trips, a proper South Island road trip rather than a quick weekend away, which is exactly the kind of journey we love helping plan.

Why finish your road trip in Christchurch?

Because you are not backtracking. Fly into Queenstown for the mountains and lakes, drive north through some of the best scenery in the country, and fly home from Christchurch without covering the same road twice. It suits anyone whose international flights leave from Christchurch, or anyone who simply wants every day of the trip to be somewhere new.

How long is the drive from Queenstown to Christchurch?

Around six hours of driving without stops, which almost nobody should do. The route runs through Cromwell, over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin, past Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, and down through Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch. It is sealed the whole way.

What are the best stops between Queenstown and Christchurch?

Four places are worth building the drive around:

• The Lindis Pass, which climbs to 971 metres through golden tussock country with a lookout near the summit
• Lake Pukaki, a glacial blue lake with Aoraki Mount Cook at the far end of the view on a clear day
• Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a detour up State Highway 80 for walks such as the Hooker Valley Track
• Lake Tekapo, inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and the stop most worth staying the night for

Our guide to the four must see stops on the Queenstown to Christchurch road trip covers what to do at each one, how long they take and how to split the drive.

How many days should you allow for the drive?

Two to three days if you can. One long day works, but Mount Cook will not fit. Two days lets you stay the night at Tekapo, and three gives you time for the Hooker Valley and a slower run into Christchurch.

If you are spending time in the city once you arrive, our 2 to 3 day Christchurch itinerary picks up where the drive leaves off.

Do you need a 4WD for the drive?

No. It is sealed road the whole way and a standard hatchback, hybrid or SUV handles it comfortably. In winter, check conditions over the Lindis Pass before you set off and carry snow chains, and leave earlier than you think you need to because the light goes early.

Ready to plan the trip?

Start with the car. Book your Queenstown car with Evolve Rentals, and we will bring it to you before you set off. If you want to finish in Christchurch, get in touch with your dates and we will talk you through a one way finish for your trip.

FAQs

Can you finish a rental car trip in Christchurch with Evolve Rentals?
It can be arranged for the right booking. Get in touch with your dates and starting point and we will confirm what is possible for your trip.

Does Evolve Rentals have a Christchurch branch?
No. Evolve Rentals operates in Queenstown and Auckland, and a Christchurch finish is arranged directly with the team.

How long does the Queenstown to Christchurch drive take?
Around six hours of driving without stops. Most people spread it over two to three days to enjoy the Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.

Do you need a 4WD from Queenstown to Christchurch?
No. The road is sealed throughout and a standard car handles it well. In winter, check conditions on the Lindis Pass and carry chains.