3-Day South Island Road Trip: Queenstown to Christchurch

Day 1: Queenstown to Wanaka

Our adventure began in the beautiful town of Queenstown, where we picked up our Star RV. From there, we took a scenic drive down to Glenorchy, making spontaneous stops at along the way. These little hidden gems gave us the chance to stretch our legs with bushwalks, take refreshing swims in the crystal-clear lake, and prepare a simple breakfast with a view.

Next, we travelled to the charming town of Arrowtown. Walking through the old town with vibrant autumn colours added magic to the air as we sipped on warm coffee and soaked in the town’s peaceful atmosphere.

We ended the day in Wanaka, where we set up for the night, enjoying the tranquillity of the lakeside.

Highlights:

• Bushwalks and lakeside swims near Glenorchy
• Strolling through Arrowtown’s autumn scenery
• A serene evening in Wanaka

Day 2: Wanaka to Lake Pukaki

The morning began with a leisurely start by the lake in Wanaka, where we took our time to enjoy the view. Then, we set off through the breathtaking Lindis Pass, which offered endless photo opportunities, and arrived at Lake Pukaki by early afternoon.

At Lake Pukaki, we embraced the slower pace of life. We set up our chairs and table by the motorhome, preparing lunch as the turquoise waters glistened in the sunlight. The rest of the afternoon was spent sipping tea and reading books. The the evening we were treated to a beautiful sunset and the most incredible starry night.

Highlights:

• Driving through the scenic Lindis Pass

• Relaxing lakeside lunch at Lake Pukaki

• A spectacular star-filled night

Day 3: Lake Pukaki to Christchurch

We left early to travel down to Mt Cook. There was beautiful lookout points dotted along the way. We then travelled up to Lake Tekapo where we prepared lunch and ate it next to the lake.

From there we travelled through Geraldine, where we stopped to take in the humble town and enjoy some baked goods. There were beautiful autumn trees everywhere. Next, we travelled all the way to Christchurch, where we found a freedom camping stop next to the beach.

Highlights:

• Exploring Mt Cook and its picturesque lookouts
• A peaceful lunch at Lake Tekapo
• Discovering Geraldine’s local delights
• A relaxing night by the Christchurch coastline

Final Thoughts:

What an unforgettable adventure! From the stunning alpine lakes to the charming small towns, every stop along the way brought something special. We enjoyed waking up to breathtaking views every single morning.

If you’re dreaming of your own road trip through New Zealand’s South Island, let this be your sign to go for it!

If you want to know more about our trip, check out our Star Story.