New Zealand South Island Road Trip

Iconic Drives

Milford Road, Crown Range & more

Great Walks

Access to 3 Great Walk tracks

Photo Hotspots

Guided to best viewpoints

Flexible Options

RV or rental car + hotels

Your South Island Adventure

This 14-day self-drive itinerary takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown, featuring the very best of New Zealand's South Island. We've included our local guides' favorite stops, viewpoints, and activities while allowing plenty of flexibility for your own discoveries.

Activity Level: Moderate

Includes optional hikes and activities suitable for most fitness levels. Driving distances average 3-4 hours between stops.

What's Included

Transportation

14-day rental car or RV
Comprehensive insurance
GPS with preloaded itinerary
Ferry crossing (if including North Island)

Experiences

Milford Sound cruise
Tekapo stargazing tour
Franz Josef Glacier guided walk
Queenstown activity credit

Not Included

International flights
Meals (except where noted)
Optional activities
Fuel for vehicle

14-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Pick up rental vehicle
Explore Christchurch rebuild
Drive to Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Evening stargazing tour

Scenic Drive: Christchurch to Tekapo (3 hours)

Through Canterbury Plains with mountain views

Days 3-4: Tekapo to Wanaka

Morning at Lake Pukaki
Optional hike to Hooker Valley
Drive to Wanaka via Lindis Pass
#ThatWanakaTree photo stop
Roy's Peak hike (optional)

Scenic Drive: Tekapo to Wanaka (3.5 hours)

Lindis Pass offers stunning high country vistas

Days 5-7: Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive Crown Range Road
Arrowtown historic visit
2 nights in Queenstown
Fergburger experience
Optional bungy or jet boat

Scenic Drive: Wanaka to Queenstown (1.5 hours)

Crown Range is NZ's highest sealed road

Days 8-10: Milford Sound

Drive to Te Anau
Mirror Lakes walk
Milford Sound overnight cruise
Key Summit hike
Return to Queenstown

Scenic Drive: Queenstown to Milford (4 hours)

One of the world's most beautiful drives

Days 11-12: Queenstown to Franz Josef

Drive up West Coast
Blue Pools walk
Fox Glacier viewpoint
Franz Josef Glacier guided walk
Glacier hot pools

Scenic Drive: Queenstown to Franz Josef (5.5 hours)

Stunning coastal and alpine scenery

Days 13-14: Franz Josef to Christchurch

Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
TranzAlpine train option
Arthur's Pass walk
Return to Christchurch
Departure or extend trip

Scenic Drive: Franz Josef to Christchurch (5 hours)

Complete your South Island loop

Road Trip Essentials

Fuel Stops

Fill up in major towns
Carry emergency fuel in remote areas
Discount cards available

Weather Prep

Four seasons in one day
Check road conditions daily
Pack layers for all conditions

Photography

Golden hour times for each location
Tripod spots marked on your map
Drone regulations guide

Ready for Your NZ Adventure?

This road trip showcases the very best of New Zealand's South Island with our local expertise.

Travelers' Stories

"The Milford Sound drive was worth the entire trip! Having all the best photo stops pre-marked in our GPS saved us so much time and ensured we didn't miss any hidden viewpoints."

Jean-Luc Dupont. - France

"We loved the flexibility of the RV option - waking up to mountain views at freedom camping spots was unforgettable. The itinerary had the perfect balance of guidance and free time."

Timo Laine. - Finland

New Zealand South Island

Journey Through Middle-earth