Queenstown to the Glaciers by Campervan: Over the Haast Pass

Quick summary: From Queenstown, the campervan route to the West Coast glaciers runs north to Wānaka, along Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, and over the Haast Pass to the coast, then north to Fox and Franz Josef. It’s around 330–375 km to Fox Glacier, depending on whether you take the Crown Range or the route via Cromwell, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in the country. Most campervan and motorhome travellers split it with a night in Wānaka or Haast.

At a glance
To Fox Glacier	Around 330–375 km
To Franz Josef	Around 355–400 km
To Mount Cook Village	Around 270 km via the Lindis Pass
Best overnight stops	Wānaka, Makarora, Haast
Highlights	Lake Hāwea, the Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, Knights Point
Tours	Queenstown glacier transfers

Compare campervan and motorhome hire in Queenstown

How do you drive from Queenstown to the glaciers?

Stage	Distance	What’s there
Queenstown to Wānaka	Around 70 km over the Crown Range, or 115 km via Cromwell	Arrowtown, the Crown Range or the Kawarau Gorge
Wānaka to Haast	Around 140 km	Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka, Makarora, the Haast Pass
Haast to Fox Glacier	Around 120 km	Ship Creek, Knights Point, Lake Paringa
Fox Glacier to Franz Josef	Around 25 km	Rainforest and the glacier townships

Should you take the Crown Range or Cromwell route in an RV?

The Crown Range is shorter and spectacular, but steep and winding, with a series of tight hairpins on the Arrowtown side. Larger motorhomes and less confident drivers may prefer the longer route via Cromwell, which follows the Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan on easier roads. In winter, check conditions on the Crown Range, where snow and ice can affect the road.

What are the highlights of the Haast Pass?

• Lake Hāwea’s lookout, at The Neck, where the road crosses between the two lakes.
• Makarora, at the head of Lake Wānaka, with a café and DOC campsite.
• The Blue Pools, a short forest walk to clear, blue river pools.
• Fantail and Thunder Creek falls, a few minutes from the road.
• The Gates of Haast, a roaring gorge beneath the highway bridge.

See Haast by campervan and our sister site’s Haast Pass route.

How long does the drive take?

Around 5 hours without stops from Queenstown to Fox Glacier, but with stops for walks and viewpoints, it’s a full day. Splitting it with a night in Wānaka or Haast lets you enjoy the pass and arrive at the glaciers ready for a flight the next morning.

What if you’d rather not drive to the glaciers yourself?

Return the vehicle in Queenstown and take a transfer or tour to the West Coast glaciers, or take a scenic flight from Queenstown over the Alps. See Queenstown glacier transfers and helicopter tours.

What should you know about services?

Fuel and supplies are limited between Wānaka and Fox Glacier, so fill up in Wānaka. Mobile coverage is patchy over the pass. Slips and rockfall can close the road after heavy rain, so check road conditions before setting out. See our guide to driving the West Coast.

For Central Otago’s vineyards on the way, see our sister site winerytours.co.nz.

Compare campervan and motorhome hire in Queenstown

Frequently Asked Questions