Queenstown and Christchurch Car Rental for the West Coast Glaciers

Quick summary: Queenstown and Christchurch airports have the South Island’s widest choice of rental cars and flights, and both are classic starting points for a glacier road trip. From Queenstown, the route runs north through Wānaka and over the Haast Pass, around 330 km to Fox Glacier and 350 km to Franz Josef. From Christchurch, State Highway 73 crosses Arthur’s Pass to the coast, around 390 km to Franz Josef. Renting one way between the two lets you see the glaciers without retracing your steps.

At a glance
Queenstown to Fox Glacier	Around 330 km via Wānaka and the Haast Pass
Queenstown to Franz Josef	Around 350 km
Christchurch to Franz Josef	Around 390 km via Arthur’s Pass
Time	A full day from either, better split with a night on the way
One-way	Popular between Christchurch and Queenstown
Tours	Queenstown glacier transfers

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What is the drive from Queenstown like?

Over the Crown Range or via Cromwell to Wānaka, along Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka, then over the Haast Pass beside waterfalls and through rainforest to the coast at Haast. The last stretch north to Fox Glacier passes Knights Point and Lake Paringa. It’s around six hours without stops, so an overnight in Wānaka or Haast makes it far more enjoyable. See from Queenstown.

What is the drive from Christchurch like?

Across the Canterbury Plains, through Castle Hill’s limestone landscape and over Arthur’s Pass, then down the steep western side to the coast and south through Hokitika. Allow a full day, or break it at Arthur’s Pass village or Hokitika. See from Christchurch.

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Which one-way direction works best?

Direction	Route
Christchurch to Queenstown	Arthur’s Pass, the glaciers, the Haast Pass, Wānaka
Queenstown to Christchurch	The reverse, finishing with Arthur’s Pass or the TranzAlpine

Either works; check one-way fees in both directions when you compare. See the Christchurch to Queenstown via the glaciers itinerary.

Can you drive from Mount Cook to the glaciers?

Not directly. There’s no road across the Southern Alps between Aoraki/Mount Cook and the West Coast, so the drive goes round via Wānaka and the Haast Pass. See Mount Cook to the West Coast.

What about winter and weather?

Arthur’s Pass and the Haast Pass can have snow, ice, slips and closures. Check road conditions on the morning you travel, carry chains if advised, and keep a spare day. Browse Christchurch transfers if you’d rather not drive the passes.

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Frequently Asked Questions