Sea to Summit: A Spring Road Trip from Christchurch to Queenstown

Travellers have long been drawn to the dramatic scenery of New Zealand’s West Coast, but my family’s favourite South Island road trip is from Christchurch to Queenstown. This 480-kilometre journey past snowy peaks, turquoise rivers and picture-book mountain hamlets is dotted with free camps, hot springs, and foodie stops perfect for rumbling tummies.

It’s a route we’ve taken many times, and one we share in more detail in The Slow Road Van Life Bible — our guidebook to road tripping New Zealand as a family. If you’re planning your own journey, here’s how we like to do it.

Christchurch & Akaroa

We start in Christchurch, the Garden City known for its beaches and green wedges. It’s just the spot to stock the camper and get organised from our base at Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch, before heading south.

But first, we often detour north to the Banks Peninsula and Akaroa. This harbour town is all turquoise waters and French-inspired streets. We grab fresh Akaroa salmon and crusty baguettes, picnic at the pier, and keep an eye out for dolphins and seals cruising the bay. Wildlife cruises are popular here too — a magical way to start a road trip.

Christchurch to Rakaia Gorge & Methven

Two hours south, the Rakaia Gorge delivers classic South Island scenery — blue rivers, snowy peaks and winding walks. Nearby Methven Hot Pools are, in our opinion, some of the best family-friendly pools in New Zealand.

We often camp at Lake Camp, Ashburton Lakes, a freedom-camping gem with glassy waters and nearby hikes. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, this is also where you can trek to Edoras, the capital of Rohan.

Geraldine, Fairlie & Burkes Pass

This stretch of road is straight out of old-school New Zealand — sheep crossing the road, small-town bakeries, and quirky antiques. We always stop in Geraldine for a giraffe-sized milkshake, and in Fairlie for its famous venison and kūmara pies.

Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki & Aoraki/Mount Cook

From Burkes Pass, it’s a short drive to Lake Tekapo — a turquoise dream. Spend two nights if you can: hot pools by day, stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve by night. We like staying at Lakes Edge Holiday Park, right on the water.

Further along, Lake Pukaki offers free lakeside camping with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook rising in the distance. The Salmon Farm Shop nearby is the only store, and its smoked salmon paired with crackers is a road-trip ritual for us. In Mount Cook Village, the Hooker Valley Track is one of the best family walks in New Zealand — swing bridges, glacier rivers, and mountains on every side.

Twizel, Omarama & Wanaka

Twizel is a handy spot for groceries and farmers’ markets, while Omarama’s private wood-fired hot tubs are a favourite family treat. At Tarras, you can either head straight through Cromwell to Queenstown or detour to Wanaka — a lakeside town made for picnics and paddling.

Queenstown

Adventure central. From scenic gondolas and luge rides to the Shotover Jet and wildlife at Deer Park Heights, Queenstown is a playground for all ages. Our base here is Driftaway Queenstown, where lakeside hot tubs offer the perfect end to adventure-filled days.

Planning Your Own Road Trip?

If you’re dreaming of campervan journeys like this, The Slow Road Van Life Bible is packed with road-tested tips, campsite inspiration, family hacks, and recipes to make vanlife easier.

You can order your copy on our website or find it in-store at Flo & Frankie, Paper Plus, and Whitcoulls New Zealand.