Road Trips from Queenstown Worth Planning in December
Queenstown is an incredible place to start a South Island adventure, but December is the perfect time to go further. Long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and generally good road conditions make it ideal for multi day road trips rather than rushing back to town each night.
If you can spare a few extra days, these longer routes turn travel time into part of the holiday and are best enjoyed with your own car and the freedom to move at your own pace.
A Relaxed Two Day Itinerary: Queenstown to Tekapo, Then Mount Cook
This is one of the most rewarding longer road trips you can do from Queenstown and it works beautifully as a two day plan.
Day One: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
The drive from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo is scenic and varied, and December is a great time to take it slowly. About halfway along the route sits Omarama, which makes a perfect stop to stretch your legs and unwind.
A soak at Omarama Hot Tubs is a brilliant way to break up the drive, especially after a morning on the road. Set against open landscapes and big skies, it is a relaxed stop that feels like part of the experience rather than a detour.
Arriving in Tekapo in the afternoon gives you time to explore the lakefront, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and enjoy the changing colours of the water as the light fades.
Staying overnight is the key to making Tekapo worthwhile. After dark, the town comes alive in a different way. Tekapo sits within an International Dark Sky Reserve, and a clear December night offers incredible stargazing. An evening experience with Tekapo Stargazing is one of the highlights of the region and the main reason this stop works best as an overnight stay.
Day Two: Tekapo to Aoraki Mount Cook
The following morning, the drive from Tekapo to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is short but unforgettable. This leg deserves a full day rather than being rushed.
Mount Cook can be enjoyed as part of this two day itinerary or visited on its own if you prefer to keep your plans flexible. Either way, allowing a full day here makes all the difference.
Popular ways to spend the day include:
Easy walking tracks with glacier views
Exploring Mount Cook Village
Photography stops along the drive
Simply taking in the scale of the alpine landscape
This pairing works well as a one night Tekapo stay followed by a full day in Mount Cook, but both destinations can also be done individually depending on how much time you have available.
The West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier
For something completely different, heading west from Queenstown towards the glaciers offers a dramatic change in scenery. This route takes you through mountain passes, native rainforest, and wide river valleys before reaching Franz Josef Glacier.
This is not a trip to rush. Allowing two or three days gives you time to enjoy the drive itself, stop at waterfalls and viewpoints, and experience a side of the South Island that feels far removed from Central Otago.
Wanaka as Part of a Longer Loop
Wanaka often gets treated as a quick day trip, but it works far better as an overnight stop or part of a longer loop. Spending a night or two allows you to enjoy quieter evenings, explore beyond the lakefront, and travel without feeling pressed for time.
You can start planning this leg with our guide to A Day Trip to Wanaka and the Lavender Farm, then expand it into a longer stay if your schedule allows.
Why December Is Ideal for Longer Road Trips
December brings longer days, warmer weather, and the flexibility to travel without rushing. It is also a busy period, which makes having your own car even more valuable.
Multi day road trips give you the freedom to adapt your plans, stay longer where you love it, and avoid the stress of trying to squeeze too much into one day.
Travel Further with Confidence
At Evolve Rentals, many of our December guests choose longer hires so they can explore beyond Queenstown and see more of the South Island at a relaxed pace.
If you are planning to keep your car for a few extra days, building in overnight stops like Tekapo is one of the best ways to get the most out of your trip.
Turn Your Stay Into a Proper Road Trip
Queenstown is only the beginning. December is the perfect time to slow down, travel further, and experience more of what the South Island has to offer.
Book your car with Evolve Rentals and give yourself the freedom to turn a short visit into a memorable multi day adventure this summer.