- If we drive straight through between Christchurch and Dundedin (stopping for short breaks) - how long would the drive be? Is it a pretty drive - recommended?
- Would you recommed spending a night in Dunedin itself or other surrounding areas. Any lodge/ b&b in either of these places?
- Or should we skip Dunedin and go to Queenstown (and stay 2 nights there instead of one)

Hi Foomoo,
It is about 4 hours from ChCh to Dunedin - basically long straight roads for 2/3 of the distance, passing millions and millions of sheep with the Southern Alps on your right in the distance for the first couple of hours at least. There are some interesting places to stop on the way - our favourite is Oamaru to see the Little Blue & Yellow Eyed Penguins, however viewing is later in the day around sunset (if travelling in summer, this can get quite late). If you are into wildlife sightseeing, do Dunedin & the Otago Peninsula, otherwise head straight for Queenstown (Arrowtown far prettier IMO), although it will be a long day.

Have fun

nzers

Wild life is nice to see but not a must-see (we have limited days). We're more into tramping and maybe a one day kayaking trip would be nice. So now we're driving to Mt Cook Village/ Lake Tekapo spend a day there and then head to Arrowtown (Is there a place that you stayed at that you'd recommend)- and then to milford sound and then the glaciers.
- Do you have any idea how long would the drive be from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo?
- How long is the drive from Arrowtown to Queenstown
- Does one have to pass by Queenstown after seeing Milford Sound and on the way towards Franz Josef Fox Glacier? Or does a direct route exist?

Hi foomoo,

Mt Cook is nearly 5 hrs drive from ChCh (allowing for short stops). Lake Tekapo is probably 1.5 hrs less. This drive is really beautiful and Lake Tekapo township was stunning when we drove thru a month ago - it was covered in snow!! It isn't like this during the summer tho'. The colour of the lake is so different - and be sure to stop at Lake Pukaki just before the Mt Cook turnoff - you will never see a lake that colour again...

Arrowtown is just around the corner from Queenstown, 20 minutes drive approx and I'm sorry, we didn't end up staying there - just stopped on our way thru and wished we had. Check out both on the day and decide would be my opinion.

Yes, you need to come back thru Queenstown after Milford Sound on the way to the West Coast & glaciers. My guidemap says it is 2hrs 45 min from Te Anau to Queenstown. No there is no direct route and when you come you will see why! Even having a road into Milford is an incredible feat.

Any more questions? I'll be happy to try and help.

nzers

I could have done without our stop in Dunedin. If it means having two nights in Queenstown by NOT stopping in Dunedin, then I recommend that. Queenstown has so much to offer. We loved it there.