We are going to Mt Cook from Queenstown and back after 2 nights in Mt Cook. How is the road from Queenstown to Mt Cook in late Nov? We don't want to drive, but a rental seems much less expensive than Viator or Intercity.
Thanks.

November is a quiet time here for tourists so the road should not be too busy. It is a beautiful drive so plan a bit longer to enjoy the views.
I looked up Intercity bus fares for you and nearly fell off my chair. The return fare is more than $300 each person so this is really expensive. I've used Intercity for getting around the North Island and the fares are reasonable but this is just a tourist rip off!
I think renting a car would be your best option.

Cheaper through Atomic Shuttle then connecting with Cook Connection:
http://www.atomictravel.co.nz/fares.aspx
https://www.cookconnect.co.nz/pricing/

This is a popular, seasonal service.

The road is a piece of cake.

But must take care over Lindis Pass.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/lindis-pass/

I don't any of us can tell you what the weather will be like in late November.

I meant not with certainty. Weather could be nice — dry and sunny, or foggy, or windy, or wet. Snow is uncommon in late November, though last November there was a "dusting" of snow on Lindis Pass.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8690...-on-queenstown

Thanks to all. I should have been more clear - is it windey, steep, narrow, hairpin curves? From you comments it sounds like Lindis Pass might be, but if that is the only part (and there is no more than a dusting of snow), it sounds quite doable. After struggling with the Atomic Shuttle website for half an hour I sent them an email. They responded that they don't offer Q-town - Mt Cook service - even tho the website allows one to pair them up. A rental it is. Again, my thanks.

It's a piece of cake, really. Probably one of the easiest stretches of road on the SI.

Watch this to get an idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agY-EiUFAuA

Here's another one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpEZLvtOG4c

We're not talking the West Coast here, it's not that tough...blowy
- as in wind - yes, some curves here and there, yes, but steep, narrow, hairpin curves, not-so-much. Just pay attention and stay on the left. Are you concerned because you're unfamiliar with driving on the left?

Frosty roads can be an issue in the winter months, but unlikely in November. The frost is usually long gone by around 9 am or so.

Driving from Queenstown to Mt. Cook village is definitely better than taking the bus, as there are many wonderful, scenic places to stop along the way.

You'll be fine — sounds like you're an experienced driver who knows how to drive according to conditions (as in the case of heavy rain). Unless things have changes, there's a sign on Lindis Pass reminding to "Slow Down" and of its "High Crash Rate." This applies to all seasons.

Lindis Pass is the highest point on the South Island's state highway network — not that high, 971 metres, or 3,186 feet, above sea level. (Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown is higher, but considered a main sealed road.) The curves on Lindis Pass are more like big wide curves and the road climbs gradually, not hairpin turns or sharply rising grade.

There is a lookout on Lindis Pass, where you'll want to stop. If you don't stop, be on the lookout for people re-entering the roadway without looking first. Maybe some drivers are distracted by their surroundings, forgetful, or not very experienced.

I meant to write "changed" not "changes."

Again thanks to all. We are actually looking forward to the drive and have added to the estimated time.