Queenstown Airport Car Rental: Fiordland, Wānaka and the Lakes

Quick summary: Queenstown Airport sits at Frankton, around 8 km from the town centre, surrounded by mountains on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. A rental car here opens up some of New Zealand’s most spectacular drives: the lakeside road to Glenorchy, the Crown Range to Wānaka, and the long journey through Te Anau to Milford Sound. Arrowtown, the gold-rush village, is a short drive from the terminal.

At a glance
Airport	Queenstown Airport, at Frankton
To Queenstown	Around 8 km
Arrowtown	Around 15 km
Wānaka	Around 60 km via the Crown Range
Te Anau	Around 170 km, about 2 hours
Tours	Queenstown tours

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Where can you drive from Queenstown?

Destination	Highlights	Tours
Glenorchy	A lakeside drive to the head of Lake Wakatipu	Queenstown tours
Arrowtown	Gold-rush streets and autumn colour	Queenstown tours
Wānaka	Lake Wānaka and the Crown Range road	Wānaka tours
Te Anau	The gateway to Fiordland	Te Anau tours
Milford Sound	Fiords, waterfalls and the Milford Road	Milford Sound tours

Can you drive to Milford Sound in a day?

You can, but it’s a long day. Queenstown to Te Anau is around 170 km, and Te Anau to Milford Sound around 120 km, about an hour and a half without stops, though the scenery means you’ll want many. Breaking the trip with a night in Te Anau makes it far more relaxed. Many people book a cruise or take a coach or scenic flight instead of driving. Browse Milford Sound tours.

What should you know about mountain driving here?

Roads around Queenstown climb, twist and can be icy or snowy in cold weather. The Crown Range road between Queenstown and Wānaka is one of New Zealand’s highest main roads, and the Milford Road passes through avalanche country. Check road conditions before you set off, carry chains when advised, and confirm your rental terms for alpine roads and unsealed sections.

Should you rent at the airport or in town?

The airport is easiest if you’re driving straight to your accommodation or out of the region. If you’re staying in central Queenstown, where parking is limited, a town depot lets you collect a car only for the days you need it.

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Can you drop the car in Christchurch or Dunedin?

Yes, with many companies. Queenstown is a popular end or start point for one-way trips. See one-way car rentals and starting a motorhome trip from Queenstown.

Frequently Asked Questions