Can anyone tell me how long it takes to drive from Queenstown to Christchurch on the south island of New Zealand? They seems to be about 220 miles apart but I heard the roads are very curvy. Also can you rent a car on the north island then ferry to the south island and drop off there? Thanks for your help.

Wendy, the road you refer to is one of the most beautiful roads in NZ, it is in great condition, it is not difficult or dangerous, and by cruising you will do it in around 5 to 6 hours. I would suggest you set aside a whole day and spend time stopping on the way etc. Yes you can take a car to the south, check what the drop off fee will be if you leave it in the south, a better cost option may be dropping the car off in Wellington and picking up a new car in Christchurch - why pay the ferry fee as well as paying for the idle time of the car sitting on the ferry. <BR>Rgds <BR>Michael

Wendy, <BR> <BR>We drove a rental car in New Zealand this past September. Roads are fine, but narrow and only two lane. Many, many one-way bridges and very narrow. Yes, your steering wheel will get a work out. Figure on an average of 30 mi/hr in mountainous areas, and maybe 45 mi/hr in somewhat flatter areas. I totally agreed with Wendy, you should allow a full day going from Christchurch to Queenstown. <BR> <BR>Whatever you do, DON'T miss a helicopter ride over and onto Fox/Franz Josef Glaciers. One of the highlights of the South Island. The drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka is also fantastic. Take the time to hike, and get close to the land and its great people. <BR> <BR>Dick

Also on this drive, look forward to seeing what must be one of the bluest lakes in the world - Lake Tekapo. I recently took a visitor there, and he was amazed that water could ever be that blue, and that beautiful. Also the lovely view over to Mount Cook. Definitely allow a whole day, and plan for a picnic lunch by Lake Tekapo! <BR>

Oh, I forget to add. We recently hired a car from two amalginated companies called Apex and Omega. They allowed us to leave one car at the ferry terminal, and pick up a new one at the other end of the crossing at no extra charge. This allowed us to have the luxury of a car the whole way through, without paying the $150+ for the ferry trip. The prices we paid were the cheapest suitable (and I researched this thoroughly, being a NZer currently living in London), and we were impressed with the car and service. They have an internet sight if you want to search for it. <BR>