Queenstown is a great destination for anyone who loves road trips, with many diverse and historical sites to explore. Here are five awesome drives you’ve got to do.
1. Glenorchy
45-minute drive
Ever since the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed, visiting the sets and sites from the Oscar-winning movies has become a serious NZ must-do. Glenorchy is your gateway to the wonders of Middle Earth and you can take a guided tour through all the breathtaking sites made famous by the movies. There are even sites from the recent The Hobbit flicks to explore as well.
The tour guides are well-versed in the lore of the JRR Tolkien classics and will share little-known anecdotes from the filming to give you the full Lord of the Rings experience.
Where to stay: Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat is a charming country stay that’s also NZ’s first zero net energy camping ground. Definitely check it out!
2. Milford Sound
3.5hr drive (with a bonus cruise after!)
What makes a good road trip great? A scenic, relaxing cruise straight after it. A 3.5hr drive from Queenstown will take you to Milford Sound, which Rudyard Kipling once described as the eighth wonder of the world. And if you go for a cruise, it’s easy to see why. Monumental waterfalls – even taller than Niagara Falls – crash down the Fiordland National Park mountain ranges. With its snow-kissed mountaintops, pristine air, and a landscape almost untouched by humans, Milford Sound isn’t just a Queenstown must-see – it’s one of NZ’s finest sights.
Where to stay: Embrace the cruising lifestyle with a stay on the Fiordland Discovery cruise ship. It’s an unforgettable experience.
3. Wanaka
90-minute drive or one hour over the Crown Range
If you’re looking for action, there’s no better NZ destination than Wanaka. Take it fast or slow down with a jet boat ride or lazy cruise on Lake Wanaka. Or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, or ride a bike along the Rob Roy Glacier Track, or hike the 3hr Wilderness Walk into the Matukituki Valley. In winter, when the powder is fresh, take the Heli-Ski to Harris Mountain and carve your own trails by ski or snowboard.
Want to drive an Audi on ice? Yes, seriously. Want to go dog sledding? Absolutely. In Wanaka, the only limit is your imagination.
Where to stay: Wanaka Springs Lodge offers 4.5 star luxury in the heart of Wanaka.
4. Arrowtown
25-minute drive
Tucked in a valley at the base of gorgeous mountains is the authentic goldrush village of Arrowtown. It’s a living, breathing historical site, with restored cottages, businesses and goldmining sites that make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Arrowtown was established in 1862, at the height of the Otago goldrush, and many of the shops, hotels and churches that popped up to service the miners remain to this day.
You can shop, wine and dine, play golf, explore the local museum or just relax in the picturesque surroundings. And if you travel in April, you can also join the fun of the annual Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival, which includes the delicious Pie, Pint and Pinot Day.
Where to stay: For an authentic experience, check out the Settlers Cottage Motel, which is full of rustic charm
5. Central Otago
80-minute drive to Alexandra
NZ is famous for its wine and there are numerous vineyards near Queenstown and within Central Otago. Pass through Gibbston Valley first, then strike out to the towns of Bannockburn, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Clyde. There are more than 80 wineries in the region to explore and you can pair your tipple with some fine alfresco dining. Central Otago is best known for its summer fruits like cherries, apples and apricots, while the Pinot Noir is to die for.
Where to stay: There are so many lodges in the region offering wonderful stays. For the full five-star experience, try Mt Michael Lodge in Cromwell.
