3 Epic South Island New Zealand road trip itineraries

Updated Apr 7, 2021

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We've done all the work for you and made three unbeatable South Island New Zealand itineraries for road trips as short as a week or as long as two weeks.

All our itineraries start in Christchurch as many airlines, including Jetstar, fly into this hub from Australia. If you're flying into Queenstown, you can tweak your trip to start here instead as all these itineraries are round-trip drives that pass through the adventure capital.

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7-day South Island road trip

Christchurch – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Christchurch

Distance: 1,352.8km (or 1,927.6km including Milford Sound)
Highlights and attractions: Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo
Landscape: Mountains, glaciers, lakes and coastal scenery
Recommended vehicle type: Economy or mid-sized/sedan (recommended for winter)

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 248km Approximate drive time: 3.5 hours	Christchurch to Hokitika Head off to Arthur's Pass National Park where you can hike Devil's Punchbowl Falls On your way stop briefly at Castle Hill Continue onwards to Hokitika to walk to Hokitika Gorge Spend the night in Hokitika
Day 2 Distance: 134km Approximate drive time: 1 hour and 40 minutes	Hokitika to Franz Josef Make your way to Franz Josef for a full day of active sightseeing Choose to hike the glacier by a heli landing, walk through the valley or kayak Spend the evening in Franz Josef village and check out the hot springs
Day 3 Distance: 286km Approximate drive time: 3 hours and 30 minutes	Franz Josef to Wanaka Drive Haast Pass Road to Wanaka with stops at Blue Pools and Thunder Creek Falls Once in Wanaka spend the day exploring the area by kayaking, hiking to Roy's Peak, canyoning or even skydiving Spend the night in Wanaka
Day 4 Distance: 67.2km Approximate drive time: 1 hour and 10 minutes	Wanaka to Queenstown On the way to Queenstown stop in Arrowtown, a gold rush town Spend the afternoon with adrenaline pumping activities (Nevis swing, paragliding or bungy jumping to name a few) or take it easy and do a wine tour Spend the night in Queenstown
Day 5 Distance: 0km Approximate drive time: 0 If you add Milford Sound onto your trip, you'll add 574.8km. The return drive is 7 hours	Day trip to Milford Sound We recommend taking a break from driving and joining a day tour to Milford Sound that includes a cruise
Day 6 Distance: 255.6km Approximate drive time: 3 hours	Queenstown to Lake Tekapo Another scenic drive will lead you to Lake Tekapo but first stop at Lake Pukaki to hike to Hooker Track Continue to Lake Tekapo to spend some time in the Tekapo Springs Stay up late to catch the starry sky at the Mt John Observatory Spend the night in Lake Tekapo
Day 7 Distance: 362km (including trip to Akaroa) Approximate drive time: 5 hours	Lake Tekapo to Christchurch Head back to Christchurch to explore the city for a day Another option is to make a side trip to Akaroa where you can see the world's smallest dolphins and penguins

Our recommended hotels

Hokitika: Bella Vista Motel Hokitika

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Franz Joseph: Terrace Motel

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Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

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Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

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Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

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10-day South Island road trip

Christchurch - Tekapo - Queenstown - Te Anau - Wanaka - Franz Josef - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch

Distance: 2,079km
Highlights and attractions: Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier, Arthur's Pass, Te Anau, Milford Sound
Landscape: Mountains, glaciers, lakes and coastal scenery
Recommended vehicle type: Economy or mid-sized/sedan (recommended for winter)

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 244km Approximate drive time: 3 hours and 15 minutes	Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Head straight to Lake Tekapo to see NZ's most photographed lake Take the afternoon to go hiking on trails to the Mt John Summit In the evening go stargazing at Mt John Observatory Spend the night in Lake Tekapo
Day 2 Distance: 164km Approximate drive time: 2 hours and 10 minutes	Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki day trip Make the short drive to Lake Pukaki and hike the Hooker Track for the best views of the lake Hike to Tasman Glacier view Don't miss Peter's Lookout Drive back to spend the night in Lake Tekapo
Day 3 Distance: 275km Approximate drive time: 3 hours, 24 minutes	Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Get up early and make the 3-hour drive to Queenstown to maximise your time in the city Book yourself an adventure activity such as bungee jumping, paragliding, ziplining, a jet speed boat or the Nevis swing In the evening make your way up the gondola to the Stratosphere Restaurant for sunset with amazing views Spend the night in Queenstown
Day 4 Distance: 92.4km Approximate drive time: 1.5 hours	Queenstown Take a short drive to Glenorchy for a morning spent in nature, half-day tours are also available In the afternoon it's time for relaxation, go on a wine and/or food tour Spend the night in Queenstown
Day 5 Distance: 172km Approximate drive time: 2 hours, 6 minutes	Queenstown to Te Anau Get going early for a leisurely 2-hour drive that will have lots of places you'll want to stop for photo ops In the afternoon take a cruise across the lake to the [provider_link id="2581" title="Te Anau worm caves Spend the night in Te Anau
Day 6 Distance: 238km Approximate drive time: 3 hours	Te Anau to Milford Sound A picturesque drive to Milford Sound will take you just shy of 2 hours Be sure to stop at Mirror Lakes and Eglinton River in Fiordland National Park Once at Milford Sound you have the option to see the area by cruise, kayak or a scenic flight Opt to walk along the shore of Milford Sound as well Drive back to Te Anau to spend the night
Day 7 Distance: 226km Approximate drive time: 3 hours	Te Anau to Wanaka Be sure to drive along Crown Range Road on your way to Wanaka for scenic views Once there stop by the famous Wanaka Tree Hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track and/or check out Glendhu Bay Lookout Spend the night in Wanaka
Day 8 Distance: 286km Approximate drive time: 3 hours and 40 minutes	Wanaka to Franz Josef On the drive to Franz Josef stop at the Blue Pools and Knight's Point Lookout You have the option to stop at Fox Glacier along the way for a 2.5-hour hike or continue to Franz Josef Glacier where you can complete the 3-hour valley walk Finish your day in Franz Josef village and relax in the hot springs before spending the night
Day 9 Distance: 232.7km Approximate drive time: 3 hours	Franz Josef to Arthur's Pass Get going early so you can spend the majority of the day in Arthur's Pass National Park Walk the Hokitika Gorge, don't miss Otira Viaduct lookout and complete the short 30-minute hike to Devil's Punchbowl Falls Spend the night in Arthur's Pass
Day 10 Distance: 149km Approximate drive time: 2 hours	Arthur's Pass to Christchurch Rise early to make the most of your day in Christchurch with a stop at Castle Hill on the way Ride the Christchurch Gondola and visit the Botanical Gardens If time permits for 1 more hike walk the Bridle Path Walk

Our recommended hotels

Franz Joseph: Terrace Motel

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Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

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Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

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Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

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Te Anau: Lakeside Motel & Apartments

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Arthur’s Pass: Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass

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14-day South Island road trip

Christchurch - Tekapo - The Catlins - Te Anau - Queenstown - Glenorchy - Wanaka - Franz Josef - Nelson - Kaikoura - Christchurch

Distance: 2,786km
Highlights and attractions: Queenstown, Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, glow worm caves, Abel Tasman National Park
Landscape: Mountains, lakes, coastline
Recommended vehicle type: Economy or mid-sized/sedan (recommended for winter)

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 237km Approximate drive time: 3 hours	Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Jump into your car rental and head straight to Lake Tekapo Spend the afternoon at one of NZ's most photographed lakes Hike to the summit of Mt John Spend the evening at the Mt John Observatory for epic stargazing Spend the night in Lake Tekapo
Day 2 Distance: 406km Approximate drive time: 5 hours and 15 minutes	Lake Tekapo to The Catlins Take time to sleep in after the late night before heading off to Lake Pukaki where you can see NZ's tallest mountain, Mt Cook and hike the Hooker Track Make stops in Oamaru to see if you can spot some penguins and at the Moeraki Boulders that are almost perfect spheres for a photo op Spend the night and sleep early along the Catlins Coast
Day 3 Distance: 233km Approximate drive time: 3 hours	The Catlins to Te Anau Get going early, you're going to want to make lots of photo stops on your way to Te Anau Spend the afternoon on a cruise across a lake to the Te Anau glow worm caves Spend the night in Te Anau
Day 4 Distance: 237km Approximate drive time: 3.5 hours	Te Anau to Milford Sound Drive the scenic Milford Sound Highway and be prepared for photo stops at places such as Mirror Lakes and Eglinton River in Fiordland National Park Take the afternoon to take in the site of Milford Sound by taking a cruise, kayaking or a scenic flight If time permits be sure to hike around the area Drive back to your base in Te Anau
Day 5 Distance: 172km Approximate drive time: 2 hours	Te Anau to Queenstown Make the short drive to Queenstown in the morning and then spend the day trying adrenaline-pumping activities Options include skydiving, a jet boat speed ride or zip lining In the evening dine with the best views of the city with a gondola ride to the Stratosphere Restaurant Spend the night in Queenstown
Day 6 Distance: 93km Approximate drive time: 1.5 hours	Day trip to Glenorchy For Lord of the Rings fans a trip to Glenorchy is in order Nature lovers can enjoy the hikes through the forest and adrenaline lovers can jump on the jet boat If you want a day of no driving, tours are available Spend the night in Queenstown
Day 7 Distance: 0km Approximate drive time: 0	Queenstown Take an easy day today and join a wine tour and/or food tour Spend the night in Queenstown
Day 8 Distance: 40km Approximate drive time: 44 minutes	Queenstown On your last day in Queenstown fit in any more activities you desire such as the Nevis swing, paragliding, horseback riding, quad biking" external="https://www.viator.com/tours/Queenstown/Queenstown-ATV-Tour/d407-5762QUAD"] or hiking Make a small trip to Arrowtown to explore the charming town created during the 1860s gold rush Spend one last night either in Arrowtown or Queenstown
Day 9 Distance: 67km Approximate drive time: 1 hour	Queenstown/Arrowtown to Wanaka Though it's a short drive to Wanaka get going early Spend the day exploring the lake, on land or in the water Visit Mt Aspiring National Park for scenery of glaciers and more on the 10km Rob Roy Glacier Track Or hike to Roy's Peak for the best views of Wanaka (16km)
Day 10 Distance: 286km Approximate drive time: 3 hours and 40 minutes	Wanaka to Franz Josef It's a very scenic drive so give yourself plenty of time to stop at places such as Blue Pools Park to see a waterfall Finish the day's long drive in Franz Josef village and relax in the hot springs Spend the night in Franz Josef
Day 11 Distance: 459km Approximate drive time: 6 hours	Franz Josef to Nelson Hike Fox Glacier, heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier or take a glacier valley walk based on your abilities Gear up for the longest drive of the trip to Nelson where you'll spend the night
Day 12 Distance: 131km Approximate drive time: 2 hours and 15 minutes	Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park Nelson is only a base for exploring Abel Tasman National Park The park can only be accessed by water or on foot but tours are available for all (cruise only, cruise and walk or kayak and walk) Drive back to Nelson for the night
Day 13 Distance: 243km Approximate drive time: 3.5 hours	Nelson to Kaikoura The drive from Nelson to Kaikoura is another scenic drive that can be broken up with a stop in the Marlborough wine region In Kaikoura go whale watching, check out Peninsula Lookout and see the Point Kean Seal Colony Spend the night in Kaikoura
Day 14 Distance: 182km Approximate drive time: 2.5 hours	Kaikoura to Christchurch Spend the day exploring the town before an evening flight Ride the Christchurch Gondola and visit the Botanical Gardens

Our recommended hotels

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

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Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

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Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

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Te Anau: Lakeside Motel & Apartments

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The Catlins: Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park

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Nelson: Century Park Motor Lodge

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Kaikoura: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

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New Zealand South Island overview

Weather: New Zealand weather can change quickly so it's best to expect the unexpected. Temperatures reach an average of 25°C in the summer and as low as 12°C in the winter. Average rainfall is higher in the winter but expect it year-round. There will be snow in the mountains, so keep that in mind if hiking is a part of your itinerary.
Best time to visit: While summer is the best time to travel for weather we recommend road tripping around New Zealand in autumn (March to May) when the colours are pretty, there are less people and accommodation doesn't get booked as fast.
Recommended vehicle type: Economy or mid-sized/sedan (recommended for winter)
Safety: It can drop below freezing point in the winter on the South Island and the roads can be windy, so it's recommended to drive carefully, stick to speed limits and make sure you have adequate car rental excess insurance in case anything goes wrong.

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Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).

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3 epic South Island New Zealand road trip itineraries

Plan the perfect driving trip of the New Zealand's South Island with our hand-curated itineraries.

7-day South Island road trip

Christchurch – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Christchurch

Our recommended hotels

Hokitika: Bella Vista Motel Hokitika

Franz Joseph: Terrace Motel

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

10-day South Island road trip

Christchurch - Tekapo - Queenstown - Te Anau - Wanaka - Franz Josef - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch

Our recommended hotels

Franz Joseph: Terrace Motel

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

Te Anau: Lakeside Motel & Apartments

Arthur’s Pass: Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass

14-day South Island road trip

Christchurch - Tekapo - The Catlins - Te Anau - Queenstown - Glenorchy - Wanaka - Franz Josef - Nelson - Kaikoura - Christchurch

Our recommended hotels

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

Te Anau: Lakeside Motel & Apartments

The Catlins: Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park

Nelson: Century Park Motor Lodge

Kaikoura: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

New Zealand South Island overview

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3 epic South Island New Zealand road trip itineraries

Plan the perfect driving trip of the New Zealand's South Island with our hand-curated itineraries.

In this guide

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7-day South Island road trip

Christchurch – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Christchurch

Our recommended hotels

Hokitika: Bella Vista Motel Hokitika

Franz Joseph: Terrace Motel

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

10-day South Island road trip

Christchurch - Tekapo - Queenstown - Te Anau - Wanaka - Franz Josef - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch

Our recommended hotels

Franz Joseph: Terrace Motel

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

Te Anau: Lakeside Motel & Apartments

Arthur’s Pass: Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass

14-day South Island road trip

Christchurch - Tekapo - The Catlins - Te Anau - Queenstown - Glenorchy - Wanaka - Franz Josef - Nelson - Kaikoura - Christchurch

Our recommended hotels

Wanaka: Wanaka View Motel

Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Lake Tekapo: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort

Te Anau: Lakeside Motel & Apartments

The Catlins: Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park

Nelson: Century Park Motor Lodge

Kaikoura: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

New Zealand South Island overview

Want to hire a campervan?

Car hire deals in South Island New Zealand

Popular Car Hire coupon codes

Stephanie Yip

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

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