7 Of The Best Scenic Drives In Queenstown
In my opinion, epic road trips are highly underrated. I mean, come on, life on the open road with freedom whispering through the windows and the snack supply in fine form. You must admit, it's hard to beat. Fortunately for us, scenic drives are plentiful in this part of the world.
As well as views for days, we’re graced with plenty to do along the way. From discovering cute little settlements, to ultimate picnic spots and places to stop off for a sunny lake dip.
If you’re a sucker for beautiful things, like me, then jump in the car and crank up the tunes. Here are the best scenic drives in Queenstown.
At A Glance
Short Drives From Queenstown
Arrowtown
Malaghans Road
Don't be fooled by the quick trip, that is the journey to Arrowtown. It's anything but boring. Take the route via Lake Hayes, for epic lake views. Or, go a step further and immerse yourself in the scenery on the Lake Hayes Walkway—where you’ll also get to appreciate the stunning lakeside real estate (future goals found here).
Continuing on to Arrowtown, you’ll be met by picturesque tree-lined streets, and a wholesome vibe. Get amongst the rugged landscape and take one of the many epic walks in the area. My pick's the 1-hour return Arrow River Trail that kicks off from Butlers Green, features babbling waterways and a rainbow of pines.
THE DETAILS
- 20-minute drive north-east from Queenstown, one way
- The route: Take Shotover St, then Gorge Rd (turns into Arthurs Point Rd) then Malaghans Rd and left into Berkshire St, then follow signs to Arrowtown
- Highlights: Lake Hayes Loop Track is an easy, beautiful walk overlooking the lake, surrounded by rolling meadows
- Top stops: This Onsen Day Spa is the ultimate romantic escape
Glenorchy
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
It’s not hard to see why the road from Queenstown to Glenorchy is rated one of the top eight scenic drives in the world, and I rate it too. Cruise through alpine and lake scenery as you venture into what’s known as “Lord of the Rings country”, even if you’re not a fan you’ll definitely recognise the beautiful backdrop from the films. This drive should take you around 45 minutes without stops, however we’re warning you now—you will want to stop, and you will want to take an excessive number of photos, it’s really that picture perfect.
Once you reach Glenorchy there are plenty of scenic walks to do, or you can continue the drive on towards Paradise and the Routeburn Track, stopping at the Dart River Bridge for more breathtaking scenery.
THE DETAILS
- 45-minute drive north from Queenstown, one way
- The route: Take the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
- Highlights: The short Bob's Cove Track, featuring an iconic jetty above azure water
- Top stops: Stretch your legs at Bob’s Cove, Wilson Bay and Bennett’s Bluff lookout along the way.
Crown Range
State Hwy 6A and State Hwy 6
This steep and windy road connecting Queenstown and Wanaka is a top scenic drive to tick off your driving bucket list. And if you're driving between May and September, chains are a must. Being the highest main road in New Zealand, with an altitude of 1,121 metres, it has some well, obvious perks—like insane (almost aerial) views of the surrounding mountains, Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River, all best appreciated on a clear, sunny day.
Going down the other side, you’ll reach Cardrona Valley, particularly beautiful in the Autumn months with its fresh, yellow blooms. Make sure to head on to Wanaka after lunch for even more out of this world scenery.
THE DETAILS
- 45-minute drive north-east from Queenstown
- The route: State Hwy 6A and State Hwy 6
- Highlights: Kea (mountain parrots) may join you if you stop to take in the view
- Top stops: You can’t drive through Cardrona Valley without stopping for a refreshment at the iconic Cardrona Hotel—step into the pub and you’ll soon see why it’s the most photographed in the country.
Kingston
State Highway 6A
The Queenstown to Kingston drive is some decent eye candy, I’d even go as far as to say 10/10. Admire the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu backed by mountainous ranges, or take a little detour up the Remarkable access road for impressive views back over Queenstown.
There are plenty of spots along the way perfect for a little picnic, though I'm always a fan of waiting to reach the destination on this scenic drive. The small and peaceful Kingston town is such a spesh place to get out the basket, roll out the blanket, and take in views from the Southern end of the lake, sambo in hand.
THE DETAILS
- 50-minute drive south from Queenstown, one way
- The route: Follow State Highway 6A along the eastern edge of Lake Wakatipu
- Highlights: Prime viewing of Devil's Staircase, a rugged snow-capped mountain range
- Top stops: Kingston is the sweetest village-feel town, perfect for picnicking
Bannockburn
Bannockburn is painted in warm orange hues and dreamily sun-kissed. As a well-established Central Otago wine region, it's less rocky outcrops and more rolling hills lined with orchards and vineyards. This scenic drive is one rich with character and fertile farmlands, which are as pretty as they are versatile.
Punctuate your road trip with stops at wineries peppered through the region.
THE DETAILS
- 50-minute drive east from Queenstown
- The route: Drive along State Highway 6, through Gibbston Valley and take a right turn before Cromwell to reach the quaint little town, formerly a prosperous gold-mining settlement
- Highlights: Many wineries to sip at, enjoy a drop of wild fermented and certified organic wine at Carrick, or even stay the night with a crew
- Top stops: The Bannockburn Hotel has one of the most extensive Central Otago wine lists I’ve seen in the region, making it the perfect spot to stop for a bevvy after an afternoon of driving
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Longer Drives From Queenstown
Alexandra
State Hwy 6 then State Hwy 8
The road to Alexandra passes so many gems that I always set aside more than the recommended hour and a half. Impressive views of the Shotover River at the start of this drive are a little teaser of what’s to come.
My favourite way to navigate is to stop off in A-town to wander around the fascinating Chinese Settlement, then continue along the stunning Kawarau River past the world-famous Kawarau Bridge Bungy (jump if you dare) and then on through the beautiful vineyards of the Gibbston Valley. Once you hit Cromwell, rejoice—you’ve made it to the heart of wine country. Continue through cute small-town-Clyde past Clyde Dam, then through to Alexandra. Stay in one of the many stunning accommodation options.
THE DETAILS
- 1.5-hour drive south-east from Queenstown, one way
- The route: Start this journey on the back road through Arthur’s Point to Arrowtown, towards Lake Hayes, then onto State Hwy 6 then State Hwy 8
- Highlights: Kararau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- Top stops: Arrowtown Chinese Settlement to check out ancient huts
Milford Sound
State Hwy 6A onto State Hwy 94
Travelling from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a lengthy journey, four hours one way, in fact. Its impressive lineup of things to do along the way (and break up the mammoth drive) make this my pick for an epic multi-day roadtrip to take with mates. Chuck on your favourite road-trippin’ playlist, and take in what's possibly the most scenic drive of them all.
FYI, once you reach Te Anau there aren’t any petrol stations, so make sure you’re fuelled up and ready to go. As well, this road has been known to close due to the weather. Worth doing a road check before you start your trek. The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound passes mountains, rivers, waterfalls and stunning rainforest—making for one impressive journey as you cut off from the outside world and dial in with mother nature herself.
Once you reach the glorious destination of Milford Sound you'll come to know that it's home to hundreds of tiny waterfalls and the sound comes from that genuinely mesmerising chorus. This place is a hotspot for the Fiordland Crested Penguin and dolphins who sometimes give kayakers and boats a friendly hello.
THE DETAILS
- 4-hour drive from Queenstown
- The route: State Hwy 6A onto State Hwy 94
- Highlights: A boat cruise in Milford Sound is basically a non-negotiable and life's for living with #noregrets
- Top stops: Fiordland National Park homes three of New Zealand's 'Great Walks' ft. hikers huts if that's your style. Be sure to book your hut if planning to stay October to April
Keep the good time rolling
Image credit: Glenorchy by Robert Pearce, Alexandra by Matt Crawford, Milford Sound by Rob Suisted, Arrowtown by Casy Horner
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