Christchurch to Queenstown
Oct 13th, 2007, 02:45 PM
#1
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Christchurch to Queenstown
Hi - This will be our first trip to NZ and we are very excited. We are from Adelaide. We plan to travel by car to Melbourne and then fly to Christchurch where we will hire a mini-van(There are 12 of us) and we will drive to Queenstown. This is all happening late September 2008.
I understand that the drive takes about 7.5 hours to travel under 400 kms. Does this mean the road is dangerous or just winding?
What kind of weather can we expect? Appreciate your help. Cheers Pawsha
I understand that the drive takes about 7.5 hours to travel under 400 kms. Does this mean the road is dangerous or just winding?
What kind of weather can we expect? Appreciate your help. Cheers Pawsha
Oct 13th, 2007, 04:49 PM
#2
Hi pawsha -
The drive from CH to QT is about 486 kms give or take. Roads in NZ are very well maintained. They're often single lane (one lane in each direction that is) and can be very narrow and winding and you'll no doubt encounter some one lane bridges.
I certainly wouldn't consider NZ roads dangerous, but they can be tiring and it's a good idea to make rest stops along the way.
Weather in NZ is unpredictable year round. We've visited in September a few times and have encountered rain, sunshine, cold crisp days and even a wee bit of snow, but it's never caused any problems driving.
Suggest you be prepared for rain and dress in layers.
The drive from CH to QT is about 486 kms give or take. Roads in NZ are very well maintained. They're often single lane (one lane in each direction that is) and can be very narrow and winding and you'll no doubt encounter some one lane bridges.
I certainly wouldn't consider NZ roads dangerous, but they can be tiring and it's a good idea to make rest stops along the way.
Weather in NZ is unpredictable year round. We've visited in September a few times and have encountered rain, sunshine, cold crisp days and even a wee bit of snow, but it's never caused any problems driving.
Suggest you be prepared for rain and dress in layers.
Oct 14th, 2007, 01:57 PM
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Thankyou for your response Melinq8. Because of flight plans, the driving time between Christchurch and Queenstown is important. Would 7.5 hours be correct for conservative drivers who will want to stop at some places? Cheers Pawsha
Oct 14th, 2007, 03:34 PM
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Hi Pawsha
The distance is closer to 500 kms rather than 400. The drive time varies depending upon whether you stop to stretch your legs or whether you drive straight through. If you drive without stopping you could do the trip in a little over six hours. However you would miss the scenery if you did this.
Places such as Lake Tekapo, the side spur to Aoraki/MtCook, the the hydro canals around Twizel with their salmon farms. These are all worth a look. (plus much more)
Also do bear in mind that in September there can still be snow. Check the weather before you head out as the Lindis pass can sometimes be closed due to snow. If in doubt follow the advice of locals. Also if you are heading into the hills, carry chains.
The roads themselves are not dangerous. The drivers can sometimes be though. NZ's rural roads are very similar to Australias. Chipseal/bitumen, two lanes (one going each way) with passing lanes often found on hilly sections.
The distance is closer to 500 kms rather than 400. The drive time varies depending upon whether you stop to stretch your legs or whether you drive straight through. If you drive without stopping you could do the trip in a little over six hours. However you would miss the scenery if you did this.
Places such as Lake Tekapo, the side spur to Aoraki/MtCook, the the hydro canals around Twizel with their salmon farms. These are all worth a look. (plus much more)
Also do bear in mind that in September there can still be snow. Check the weather before you head out as the Lindis pass can sometimes be closed due to snow. If in doubt follow the advice of locals. Also if you are heading into the hills, carry chains.
The roads themselves are not dangerous. The drivers can sometimes be though. NZ's rural roads are very similar to Australias. Chipseal/bitumen, two lanes (one going each way) with passing lanes often found on hilly sections.
Oct 16th, 2007, 03:20 PM
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I usually allow 6 hours Christchurch-Queenstown. This does not include side trip Lake Pukaki-Mt Cook & return, but does include short leg-stretch stops at Lake Tekapo, Omarama & Lake Wanaka. The last mentioned is especially worth while. Roads are good - single lane each way with frequent passing lane, easy travelling, nowhere near as winding & tiring as some hilly NZ roads can be. In some parts (Lindis Pass for example) the drive-by scenery is quite dramatic.
Oct 16th, 2007, 05:03 PM
#6
Pawsha -
How long it takes you will depend on the stops you make, and with 12 people I'd guess you'd be stopping frequently.
For what it's worth, it took us 7.5 hours to drive from Wanaka to Christchurch in August. Queenstown is 90 minutes past Wanaka.
We made the 55 km detour (one way) to Mt. Cook, but we didn't spend much time there. We also made a quick stop at Lake Tekapo and Geraldine. We then took Scenic Route 72 instead of taking SH 1 up the east coast to Christchurch. We made a stop at Rakaia Gorge and eventually made our way to Christchurch. This was the longer route, and we took our time.
If you don't make any detours (such as to Mt Cook) 7.5 hours should be plenty of time to drive from CH to Queenstown.
How long it takes you will depend on the stops you make, and with 12 people I'd guess you'd be stopping frequently.
For what it's worth, it took us 7.5 hours to drive from Wanaka to Christchurch in August. Queenstown is 90 minutes past Wanaka.
We made the 55 km detour (one way) to Mt. Cook, but we didn't spend much time there. We also made a quick stop at Lake Tekapo and Geraldine. We then took Scenic Route 72 instead of taking SH 1 up the east coast to Christchurch. We made a stop at Rakaia Gorge and eventually made our way to Christchurch. This was the longer route, and we took our time.
If you don't make any detours (such as to Mt Cook) 7.5 hours should be plenty of time to drive from CH to Queenstown.
