Scenic Drives from Queenstown You Can’t Miss
The RaD Car Hire Guide
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, is more than just a hub for thrill-seekers. It’s the gateway to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the South Island, offering road trip experiences that are as memorable as the destinations themselves.
At RaD Car Hire, our local teams in Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, and Invercargill have spent years helping visitors unlock the best of these routes.
Here’s our expert guide to the Queenstown scenic drives you simply can’t miss, complete with insider tips, must-stop locations, and a few hidden gems only the locals know.
Why Self-Drive? The RaD Advantage
Exploring by car is the ultimate way to experience the South Island’s epic landscapes. With your own set of wheels, you can pause for that perfect photo, linger at a lakeside café, or take a spontaneous detour to a secret waterfall.
Our RaD Car Hire teams are passionate locals, ready to share their favourite stops and practical advice to make your journey safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
1. Queenstown to Glenorchy: The Lakeside Dream
Distance: 45 km (about 45 minutes, but allow a full day for stops)
Route: State Highway 6, hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu
Why Go:
This legendary drive is often described as one of the world’s most beautiful. The road weaves along the edge of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables and snow-capped peaks as your backdrop. Every bend reveals a new vista; think mirror-like water, wild tussock, and cinematic mountain ranges.
RaD Queenstown Team Tips:
- Sunshine Bay: Just minutes from Queenstown, this tranquil spot is perfect for a morning coffee and lakeside stroll.
- Moke Lake: A short detour brings you to this hidden gem, ideal for a peaceful nature walk or picnic.
- Bob’s Cove: Don’t miss the easy 20-minute walk to the jetty for panoramic views and native bush.
- Bennetts Bluff Lookout: The ultimate photo stop - capture the full sweep of the lake and mountains.
- Glenorchy: The village is a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the Routeburn Track. Grab a bite at a local café or explore the Glenorchy Walkway for wetlands and birdlife.
Extra:
Film buffs will recognise landscapes from “The Lord of the Rings.” Take your time; this is a journey to savour, not rush.
2. Queenstown to Wanaka via the Crown Range: The Alpine Adventure
Distance: 80 km (about 1 hour, but plan for stops)
Route: Crown Range Road (New Zealand’s highest main road at 1,121m)
Why Go:
The Crown Range is a bucket-list drive, famous for its hairpin bends, sweeping vistas, and high-altitude drama. It’s the scenic route from Queenstown to Wanaka, passing through gold rush towns and the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
RaD Queenstown Team Tips:
- Lake Hayes: Start your journey with a lap around this reflective lake, a favourite for sunrise photography.
- Crown Range Summit: Pull over at the official viewpoint for jaw-dropping panoramas of Arrowtown and the Remarkables.
- Cardrona Hotel: One of New Zealand’s oldest pubs. Stop for a hearty lunch and a photo with the iconic façade.
- Bradrona: A quirky pink bra display raising funds for breast cancer awareness, perfect for a fun snapshot.
- Wanaka: The lakeside town is a destination in itself and don’t miss the famous “Wanaka Tree” and lakeside walks.
Road Safety Note:
The Crown Range can be icy and challenging in winter; always check conditions and carry snow chains. If you prefer a gentler route, take State Highway 6 via Cromwell.
3. Queenstown to Milford Sound: The Ultimate Fiordland Expedition
Distance: 288 km (about 4 hours one way, best as a long day trip or overnight)
Route: Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound via State Highway 94
Why Go:
This is the South Island’s most iconic road trip, leading you through Fiordland National Park to the majestic Milford Sound. The journey is as spectacular as the destination, with lush valleys, mirror lakes, and dramatic alpine passes.
RaD Te Anau & Queenstown Team Tips:
- Devils Staircase: Early in the drive, stop for sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
- Te Anau: The “Gateway to Fiordland”- enjoy a lakeside stroll or visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
- Eglinton Valley: Golden tussock plains framed by towering peaks, prime photography territory.
- Mirror Lakes: Short boardwalks lead to perfect reflections of the Earl Mountains.
- Homer Tunnel: Drive through this engineering marvel into the heart of Fiordland.
- Milford Sound: Book a cruise or kayak trip to experience the sheer cliffs and waterfalls up close.
Safety & Planning:
Milford Road is remote, and conditions can change quickly. Carry extra food, fuel, and check for road closures in winter. Consider staying overnight in Te Anau to break up the journey.
4. Queenstown to Te Anau: The Lakes & Highlands Route
Distance: 170 km (about 2 hours)
Route: State Highway 6 and 94
Why Go:
This drive takes you through the heart of Southland, with rolling farmland, high country vistas, and the mighty Lake Te Anau, the largest in the South Island. It’s the perfect warm-up for a Fiordland adventure.
RaD Te Anau Team Tips:
- Kingston: Historic steam train and lakeside picnic spots.
- Mossburn: Known as the “deer capital”- stop for a classic Kiwi pie.
- Lake Te Anau: Walk or cycle the lakeside trail, or take a boat out for stunning views.
- Glowworm Caves: A magical underground detour for all ages.
5. Queenstown to Dunedin: History Meets Coast
Distance: 280 km (about 3.5 hours)
Route: State Highway 6 and 8
Why Go:
Travel from alpine Queenstown to Dunedin’s historic streets and wild coastline. This drive is a showcase of changing landscapes, from rugged mountains to rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean.
RaD Dunedin Team Tips:
- Cromwell: Stop for fresh fruit and local wine.
- Lawrence: Gold rush history and charming cafes.
- Tunnel Beach Track: A short walk to dramatic sea cliffs and a hand-carved tunnel to a secluded beach.
- Dunedin: Explore the city’s Scottish heritage, street art, and the Otago Peninsula’s wildlife.
6. Queenstown to Invercargill via the Southern Scenic Route
Distance: 187 km (about 2.5 hours direct, but allow more for stops)
Route: State Highway 6, then Southern Scenic Route
Why Go:
This lesser-travelled route takes you through lush farmland, native bush, and the windswept southern coast. It’s a favourite for those seeking solitude and raw beauty.
RaD Invercargill Team Tips:
- Lumsden: Classic Kiwi small town with great coffee.
- Riverton: Surf beaches and quirky galleries.
- Invercargill: The southernmost city, known for its vintage vehicles and friendly locals. Don’t miss Oreti Beach for a sunset drive.
Bonus: Short Scenic Loops & Local Favourites
- Arrowtown Loop: Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, wander historic streets, walk the Arrow River Trail, and sample Central Otago wines.
- Kelvin Heights Peninsula: A quick detour for lakeside walks and golf with epic views of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.
- Kawarau Gorge: Home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump, dramatic cliffs, and gold mining relics.
Top Photography & Nature Walks
RaD Car Hire’s Local Driving Tips
- Weather Watch: Conditions can change rapidly, especially in alpine areas. Check forecasts and road reports before you set out.
- Fuel Up: Fill your tank before remote stretches - petrol stations can be few and far between.
- Pack for All Seasons: Even in summer, bring a jacket and rain gear. Winter requires snow chains for alpine routes.
- Photo Etiquette: Use designated pull-offs for photos - never stop on narrow roads or blind corners.
- Respect Nature: Leave no trace, stick to marked trails, and be mindful of wildlife.
Ready to Explore?
Queenstown’s scenic drives are the stuff of legend, but the real magic comes from taking your time, following your curiosity, and soaking up the journey as much as the destination.
With a RaD Car Hire vehicle and the wisdom of our local teams, you’re set for the best road trips the South Island has to offer, from lakeside serenity and alpine drama to wild coasts and historic towns.
Wherever the road takes you, travel safely, drive to the conditions, and let the adventure unfold. See you out there, road trippers!