Bargain Rental Cars offers one-way car hire from Queenstown to Christchurch, so you can start in the adventure capital and finish at Christchurch Airport without driving back. The direct route is about 480 km and 6 hours.
| Minimum hire | 2 days |
| Distance | About 480 km (alpine route) or 640 km (coastal route) |
| Driving time | About 6 hours (alpine) or 8 hours (coastal), without stops |
| Pick up | Queenstown, 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton (free shuttle from Queenstown Airport) |
| Drop off | Christchurch Airport (free shuttle), Harewood or Hornby |
| Kilometres | Unlimited |
Why drive Queenstown to Christchurch one way?
Many travellers fly into Queenstown for its lakes and mountains, then fly home from Christchurch’s larger international airport. A one-way hire with Bargain Rental Cars turns that transfer into the best part of the trip.
Choose the alpine route past Wanaka and Aoraki / Mount Cook, or loop down the east coast through Dunedin and Oamaru.
Option 1: The alpine route (2 days)
- Queenstown to Wanaka (about 1:30 hour). Stop in historic Arrowtown, then cross the Crown Range Road, New Zealand’s highest main road.
- Wanaka to Twizel (about 2 hours). Drive over the Lindis Pass. Detour along Lake Pukaki to Aoraki / Mount Cook Village for the Hooker Valley Track.
- Twizel to Lake Tekapo (about 45 minutes). Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and book a night-sky tour in the Dark Sky Reserve.
- Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (about 3 hours). Stop in Geraldine, then cross the Canterbury Plains to drop off at Christchurch Airport.
Option 2: The coastal route (2 days)
- Queenstown to Dunedin (about 3.5 hours). Follow the Kawarau Gorge and Clutha River through Central Otago.
- Explore the Otago Peninsula. See albatross at Taiaroa Head and walk Dunedin’s Victorian streets.
- Dunedin to Oamaru (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the Moeraki Boulders on the way. Watch blue penguins come ashore at dusk.
- Oamaru to Christchurch (about 3 hours). Drive north through Timaru and drop off at Christchurch Airport.
Driving tips for this route
- Check the Crown Range and Lindis Pass in winter. Both can get snow and ice from June to September. Check NZTA road conditions before you leave.
- Fuel up in Wanaka, Twizel or Omarama. Stations are spread out on the alpine route.
- Watch for one-lane bridges. They’re common on South Island highways. Give way as signposted.
- Pick an SUV for ski season. Our AWD SUVs, like the RAV4 Hybrid, handle alpine roads and carry your gear.
Why book with Bargain Rental Cars?
- 100% Kiwi-owned and operated, family business for over 25 years
- Unlimited kilometres, so the scenic detours cost nothing extra
- Free additional drivers
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up
- 24-hour roadside assistance on every hire
- No credit card fees
- Price Beat: find a cheaper rate, and we’ll beat it by 10%*
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Queenstown to Christchurch?
The alpine route from Queenstown to Christchurch via the Lindis Pass and Lake Tekapo is about 480 km and 6 hours without stops. The coastal route via Dunedin and Oamaru is about 640 km and 8 hours. Most travellers spread either route over 2 to 3 days.
What is the minimum hire for a one-way Queenstown to Christchurch rental?
Bargain Rental Cars requires a minimum 2-day hire for one-way rentals from Queenstown to Christchurch. Four days lets you include Wanaka, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, or the Otago Peninsula and Oamaru on the coastal route.
Where do I collect my car in Queenstown? Bargain Rental Cars Queenstown is at 31 Glenda Drive, Frankton. If you book in advance, a free shuttle collects you from the Queenstown Airport terminal. You can drop off at Christchurch Airport, Harewood or Hornby.
Do I get unlimited kilometres on a one-way hire to Christchurch? Yes. Every Bargain Rental Cars hire includes unlimited kilometres, so you can take the longer coastal route or detour to Aoraki / Mount Cook at no extra cost. You only pay for fuel, and the car should be returned with a full tank.
