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Otago Road Trip

Queenstown - Cromwell - Wanaka

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Culture Culture
Otago Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages2 km122 h/stage0.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Otago Road Trip in New Zealand?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 27EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 189EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 243EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 297EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 117EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 323EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 440EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 165EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 390EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Otago Itinerary

The Otago Road Trip is a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of New Zealand. Starting in Queenstown and ending in Wanaka, this 76 mile journey is best enjoyed over the course of 1 day. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the summer months when the roads are in optimal condition. Along the way, you will pass through Cromwell and have the opportunity to take in the stunning landscapes of the Otago region. The route is mostly composed of straight roads, but there are some sections with curves and narrow roads. Despite this, the overall road conditions are excellent and suitable for any driver. This is a great opportunity to experience the beauty of New Zealand and create memories that will last a lifetime. Please note that this road trip can become quite expensive, so it is best to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 122 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Queenstown

Distance 122 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: fast 36.5 kWh Airports ZQN , WKA
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Queenstown in New Zealand is an ideal starting point for the Otago Road Trip. This picturesque alpine town situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is a great place to begin your journey and explore the stunning views, exciting activities, and unique attractions. You can visit the iconic Skyline Gondola, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Or, why not try the Shotover Jet, a thrilling ride on the Shotover River. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, Queenstown offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and other adventure activities. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to get to your destination. Queenstown is a great place to start your Otago Road Trip. With its stunning views, exciting activities, and unique attractions, it is the perfect place to explore the beauty of New Zealand.

1 Queenstown - Cromwell

Distance 60 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 18.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on a delightful road trip from Queenstown to Cromwell. This 37-mile journey will take you less than an hour, but you will be amazed by the vast array of historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads you will encounter. The winding roads will take you through the stunning countryside of Central Otago. Don't forget to keep your camera handy, you may want to capture some of the beautiful views along the way. As you explore the region, you will have the chance to visit some of the most interesting places such as the historic Cromwell Town Centre, the picturesque Lake Dunstan, and the beautiful Kawarau Gorge. You can also find great accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites in the area. All of this information is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage, so make sure you check it out. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the extraordinary journey from Queenstown to Cromwell!

2 Cromwell - Wanaka

Distance 61 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 18.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road interesting cultural site interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Cromwell to Wanaka! This 38mi journey, taking less than an hour, is sure to be filled with amazing sightseeing opportunities. Admire the picturesque landscapes along the winding road, and keep an eye out for historical sites and scenic roads. You'll be filled with awe as you take in the beauty of the area. Be sure to take it slow, as a few sections of the road can be narrow. As you travel, you can plan your next stops based on what catches your eye. And don't forget to check the Itinerary for this stage for more info on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Make sure to take lots of pictures and create memories that will last a lifetime!

  Wanaka

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Wanaka is the perfect ending point for the Otago Road Trip. Located in the South Island of New Zealand, it's a great destination for those seeking adventure and stunning views. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, giving it a unique appeal. During the Otago Road Trip, travelers can drive along the coast of the lake, visit the nearby mountains, and explore the nearby towns and villages. There are numerous activities to enjoy, from hiking, fishing, and cycling to skiing and snowboarding. The lake and mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for the town. On a clear day, visitors can see the lake and mountains from the city center. Those who are looking for a more relaxed experience can visit the many cafes, restaurants, and bars in the city center. The city is also home to some of the best wineries in New Zealand, and visitors can also take a tour of the local vineyards. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Queenstown International Airport (ZQN). From there, travelers can rent a car and drive to Wanaka in about an hour. The Otago Road Trip is sure to be a memorable experience, and Wanaka is the perfect place to end it. With its stunning scenery, activities, and wineries, it's a great destination for all types of travelers.

Otago at a glance

Facts for safer driving in New Zealand

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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