The South Island Jet Boat Trail by Campervan: Christchurch to Queenstown in 10 Days
Quick summary: This one-way campervan trail follows the South Island’s best jet boat rivers from Christchurch to Queenstown. It starts in the Waimakariri Gorge, races through the Waiau Uwha gorge at Hanmer Springs, crosses the Lewis Pass to the West Coast and the glaciers, rides Haast’s wilderness rivers, the Clutha at Wānaka and the Shotover canyons at Queenstown, then finishes with the Waiau River at Te Anau. It’s around 1,300 km over ten days in a campervan or motorhome.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 days, one-way |
| Start and finish | Christchurch to Queenstown |
| Total driving | Around 1,300 km |
| Jet boat rides | Waimakariri, Waiau Uwha, Haast, Clutha, Shotover, Waiau at Te Anau |
| Longest day | Around 210 km |
| Tours | Featured tours |
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What does the trail look like?
| Day | Route | Distance | Jet boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christchurch to Hanmer Springs via the Waimakariri Gorge | Around 210 km | Waimakariri Gorge |
| 2 | Hanmer Springs | Local only | Waiau Uwha gorge |
| 3 | Hanmer Springs to Greymouth over the Lewis Pass | Around 200 km | — |
| 4 | Greymouth to Franz Josef | Around 175 km | — |
| 5 | Franz Josef to Fox Glacier | Around 25 km | Glacier flights instead |
| 6 | Fox Glacier to Haast | Around 120 km | Haast wilderness rivers |
| 7 | Haast to Wānaka | Around 140 km | The Clutha River |
| 8 | Wānaka to Queenstown | Around 70–115 km | The Shotover canyons |
| 9 | Queenstown to Te Anau | Around 170 km | The Waiau River |
| 10 | Te Anau to Queenstown | Around 170 km | Return the vehicle |
Days 1 and 2: The Waimakariri and Hanmer Springs
Ride the Waimakariri Gorge in the morning, then drive north to Hanmer Springs. On Day 2, take the jet boat through the Waiau Uwha gorge at the Ferry Bridge and spend the afternoon in the thermal pools.
Days 3 to 5: Over the Lewis Pass to the glaciers
Cross the Lewis Pass to the West Coast, continue south through Hokitika to Franz Josef, and spend a day at the glaciers with a heli-hike or flight. See our sister site’s glaciers by campervan hub.
Days 6 to 8: Haast, Wānaka and Queenstown
Drive south along the coast to Haast for a wilderness river trip, then cross the Haast Pass to Wānaka for the Clutha River, and on to Queenstown for the Shotover canyons.
Days 9 and 10: Te Anau and back
Drive to Te Anau for a jet boat on the Waiau River between the lakes, and add Milford Sound with an extra day if you can. Return to Queenstown on Day 10 to drop off the vehicle.
Can this RV trail be done in reverse?
Yes. Start in Queenstown and finish in Christchurch, or adjust the route to suit one-way availability. Whichever direction you choose, check the one-way terms when you search, as fees and minimum hire lengths vary between companies.
How can you change the trail?
- Add the Dart River with an extra day at Glenorchy.
- Add Milford Sound with an extra day at Te Anau.
- Swap the Lewis Pass for Arthur’s Pass by riding the Waimakariri Gorge and crossing to the coast directly, skipping Hanmer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A one-way trip from Christchurch to Queenstown with rides on the Waimakariri, the Waiau Uwha at Hanmer, Haast’s rivers, the Clutha, the Shotover and the Waiau at Te Anau.
Around ten days and 1,300 km.
Yes. The route passes Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on the West Coast.
Yes, from Christchurch to Queenstown, though it can be driven in reverse.
Yes, with an extra day based in Te Anau.