Getting from Queenstown to Whangamata
Queenstown and Whangamata are about as far apart as two New Zealand holiday destinations can be — approximately 1,400 kilometres of roads plus a Cook Strait ferry crossing separate the South Island adventure capital from the Coromandel beach town. Driving takes a minimum of 3 days. For most travellers, the practical answer is to fly to Auckland and drive 2.5 hours to the coast. But for those with time, the drive north is one of the great New Zealand road trips.
Distance & Travel Time
- Driving + ferry: approximately 1,400 km driving + 3.5 hour ferry
- Minimum driving days: 3 (comfortable: 4-5)
- Flying + driving: 2 hour flight to Auckland + 2.5 hour drive
Option 1: Fly and Drive (Recommended)
Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Queenstown to Auckland in approximately 2 hours. From Auckland Airport, Whangamata is a 2.5-hour drive south via SH1 and SH2 through Pokeno and Paeroa. Rental cars are readily available at Auckland Airport, and this is by far the most practical option unless you are combining the journey with a wider New Zealand road trip.
There are no direct flights from Queenstown to Tauranga or Hamilton. Auckland is the only practical flight connection.
Option 2: The Great NZ Road Trip (3-5 Days)
If you are in no rush and want to see much of New Zealand in one epic drive, the Queenstown to Whangamata road trip covers extraordinary variety — from alpine mountains and glacial lakes through wine country and coastal scenery, across Cook Strait, through volcanic landscapes, and finally to the Coromandel beaches.
Suggested 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown to Christchurch (485 km, 5.5-6 hours)
Head northeast through the dramatic Central Otago landscape:
- Cromwell (45 min) — The fruit bowl of Central Otago. Cherry and stone fruit orchards, excellent roadside fruit stalls in summer. The Old Cromwell Town heritage precinct on the lake edge is worth a 20-minute wander.
- Lindis Pass (1.5 hours) — SH8 crosses this 971-metre pass through golden tussock-covered mountains. One of the most photogenic drives in the South Island.
- Lake Tekapo (2.5 hours) — The impossibly turquoise glacial lake with the Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore is one of New Zealand’s most photographed scenes. The Tekapo Springs hot pools overlooking the lake are a wonderful stop.
- Geraldine and the Canterbury Plains — The road descends to the flat Canterbury farmland for the final run into Christchurch.
Day 2: Christchurch to Wellington (540 km driving + 3.5 hour ferry)
- Kaikoura (2.5 hours from Christchurch) — Whale watching, dolphins, seal colonies, and fresh crayfish. A must-stop.
- Blenheim — Marlborough wine region. Quick cellar door visit.
- Picton to Wellington — Cook Strait ferry crossing (3.5 hours) through the Marlborough Sounds.
Day 3: Wellington to Taupo (350 km, 4-5 hours)
- Explore Wellington in the morning — Te Papa national museum, Cuba Street, waterfront.
- Drive north via SH1 through the Desert Road to Taupo.
- Arrive Taupo late afternoon. Huka Falls, hot pools, lakefront dinner.
Day 4: Taupo to Whangamata (230 km, 2.5-3 hours)
- A relaxed morning drive through the Waikato.
- Optional Hobbiton stop at Matamata.
- Karangahake Gorge walk.
- Arrive Whangamata by lunchtime.
Alternative South Island Routing: The West Coast
Instead of heading east to Christchurch, you can drive north from Queenstown through Wanaka and over the Haast Pass to the wild West Coast (Hokitika, Greymouth), then across Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. This adds a day but passes through some of the most spectacular and remote scenery in New Zealand — rainforest, glaciers (Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are on this route), and the Southern Alps. Only recommended if you have 5+ days and want the ultimate road trip.
Key Distances
- Queenstown to Cromwell: 60 km
- Queenstown to Christchurch: 485 km
- Christchurch to Picton: 336 km
- Ferry crossing: 3.5 hours
- Wellington to Taupo: 350 km
- Taupo to Whangamata: 230 km
Tips
- Nobody should drive this unless they want an epic multi-day New Zealand road trip. Flying is infinitely more practical.
- If driving, book the Cook Strait ferry well in advance, especially for December/January.
- The Lindis Pass and Haast Pass can have snow and ice in winter. Check conditions and carry chains if travelling June-September.
- This road trip showcases almost everything New Zealand has to offer — mountains, lakes, wine, coast, volcanoes, farmland, and beaches. Allow at least 4 days to enjoy it properly.
