Range Rover Sport (Diesel)
The definitive South Island touring flagship — diesel range and quiet comfort
From NZ$330 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$990
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Quick snapshot
Start / finish
Christchurch loop (or start in Queenstown if you prefer).
Total driving (approx)
Roughly 15 to 18 hours over the trip, with one longer return leg.
Best time of year
March and April often bring settled weather and quieter roads. Peak season (December to April) has the longest days. Winter is fine with chains where needed.
Pace
Comfortable if you keep to the lakes and mountains. Adding Milford Sound is what makes it rushed.
Best for
Short breaks, long weekends, and first-timers who want the headline lakes and mountains without a big time commitment.
Have a little longer? Our 7-day itinerary adds Te Anau and Milford Sound.
The route overview
- Christchurch
- Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Wānaka
- Queenstown
- Return to Christchurch (via Lindis Pass and Tekapo)
For a week-long version that adds Te Anau and Milford Sound, see our 7-day itinerary, or the 10-day version with the West Coast and Kaikōura.
Route map
The 5-day highlights loop from Christchurch through Tekapo, Mt Cook, Wanaka and Queenstown.
Route stops:
Map data © Mapbox
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo
Driving: approx. 3 hours
Collect the car in Christchurch and head inland to Lake Tekapo. The turquoise lake and the little Church of the Good Shepherd are the must-sees, and the stargazing here is world class.
Top things:
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Lakeside walk
- Stargazing (or Mt John)
Stay: Tekapo township.
Tip: Fill up in Christchurch or Geraldine; Tekapo has limited fuel. Stop in Geraldine for coffee to break the drive.
Day 2: Tekapo → Aoraki/Mt Cook → Wānaka
Driving: approx. 4 hours total
Drive along Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook for the Hooker Valley walk or the glacier views, then continue over the Lindis Pass to Wanaka in the afternoon.
Top things:
- Hooker Valley Track
- Lake Pukaki viewpoint
- Lindis Pass lookout
Stay: Wānaka.
Tip: Weather at Mt Cook changes fast, so keep the walk flexible. Fuel at Twizel or Omarama before the pass.
Day 3: Wānaka → Queenstown (via the Crown Range)
Driving: approx. 1.5 hours
Spend the morning on the Wanaka lakefront, then take the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand, over to Queenstown. Arrive in time for the gondola or a lake cruise.
Top things:
- Wānaka lakefront and #ThatWanakaTree
- Crown Range summit
- Queenstown Skyline or lake cruise
Stay: Queenstown.
Tip: The Crown Range is winding and can be icy in winter; the valley route via Cromwell is the easy alternative. Book Queenstown activities ahead in peak season.
Day 4: Queenstown
Driving: local, or a short day trip
A full day around Queenstown. Stay in town for the lakefront, wineries and activities, or take an easy day trip to Arrowtown or out to Glenorchy along one of the country's prettiest lake roads.
Top things:
- Skyline Gondola
- Arrowtown or Glenorchy day trip
- Lakefront and dining
Stay: Queenstown.
Tip: Glenorchy and back is about 90 minutes of driving return, well worth it on a clear day.
Day 5: Queenstown → Christchurch
Driving: approx. 6 hours
The long drive back to Christchurch via Cromwell, the Lindis Pass and Lake Tekapo. Break it into easy stages with stops for coffee and photos, and allow plenty of time for the drop-off.
Top things:
- Lindis Pass
- Lake Tekapo or Fairlie for a break
- Drop-off in Christchurch
Stay: Christchurch (end of trip).
Tip: Fuel at Cromwell, Omarama or Tekapo. If your flight is early the next day, consider an overnight in Tekapo to shorten the final leg.
Must-do highlights
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd, turquoise lake, stargazing.
Lake Pukaki viewpoints
Photo stops with Aoraki/Mt Cook in the frame.
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier walks (weather dependent).
Wānaka lakefront
#ThatWanakaTree, waterfront walk, optional short hike.
Crown Range
The highest sealed road in the country, on the way to Queenstown.
Queenstown
Skyline views, lakefront, dining. Book activities in peak season.
Arrowtown
Historic gold-rush village, an easy day trip from Queenstown.
Glenorchy road
One of the prettiest lake drives in New Zealand.
Driving times & stops
Approximate drive times (no stops). Allow extra for rest breaks, photos and weather.
| Leg | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Christchurch → Tekapo | ~3 hrs |
| Tekapo → Mt Cook | ~1 hr |
| Mt Cook → Wanaka | ~3 hrs |
| Wanaka → Queenstown (Crown Range) | ~1.5 hrs |
| Queenstown → Christchurch | ~6 hrs |
Where to stay
Book in advance in peak season (December to April), especially Tekapo, Queenstown and Mt Cook, which fill quickly. Wanaka makes a relaxed second night, and Queenstown two nights lets you enjoy day four without packing up.
Travelling with a rooftop tent or tent? See our freedom camping guide and camping resources. For maps and a route you can adjust, use our South Island road trip planner.
Vehicle advice for a 5-day itinerary
You will drive most days, so comfort and ease matter. The route is sealed throughout and suits any of our fleet. For alpine and winter conditions, a premium SUV or AWD gives extra confidence on the Crown Range and the passes.
See our vehicles for pickup and availability, and check which roads your rental agreement allows if you plan any gravel side trips. Book early in peak season.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 5 days enough for the South Island?
- It is enough for the lakes-and-mountains highlights, not the whole island. In 5 days you can loop Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Wanaka and Queenstown at a comfortable pace. Milford Sound and the West Coast need an extra day or two, so if they are on your list, look at our 7-day itinerary.
- Can you see Milford Sound in a 5-day South Island trip?
- It is tight. Milford is a long detour from Queenstown (around 4 hours each way, or a night in Te Anau), which is hard to fit into 5 days without cutting the rest. Most people either add a sixth and seventh day or take a flight or coach tour to Milford from Queenstown. See can you drive to Milford Sound.
- What's the best 5-day South Island route?
- A loop from Christchurch: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Wanaka over the Lindis Pass, Queenstown via the Crown Range, then back to Christchurch. It covers the turquoise lakes, the highest peaks and the two big resort towns in a short break.
- Should I start in Christchurch or Queenstown?
- Christchurch is the natural start and finish for this loop, and where we hand over the car. You can run it in reverse from Queenstown if your flights suit; both work.
- How much driving is involved in a 5-day itinerary?
- Roughly 15 to 18 hours over the trip, with one longer day on the return to Christchurch. Most days are 2 to 4 hours behind the wheel with plenty of time for stops.
- Is 5 days too rushed for the South Island?
- Not for this loop. Keep to the lakes and mountains and it is a relaxed short break. It only feels rushed if you try to add Milford Sound or the West Coast, which is where the extra days go.
- Do I need a 4WD for a 5-day South Island trip?
- No, for this route. The roads are sealed and fine in a 2WD. A light 4WD helps on gravel side roads or in winter. See do you need a 4WD for the South Island.
- When should I book accommodation?
- In peak season (December to April) book Tekapo, Queenstown and Mt Cook well ahead, they fill fast. Shoulder season is more flexible but still book your key overnight stops.
Explore more with Dream Drives
Destinations, scenic drives, trip planning, and our premium fleet.
Plan your trip
Itineraries and planning guides.
Vehicles & booking
Premium car hire from Christchurch.
Christchurch pickup · Airport-friendly
Vehicles for this trip
Cars from our Christchurch fleet that suit this trip.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
Instant acceleration and quiet premium feel for modern travel
From NZ$159 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$480
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
The luxury family tourer — seven seats without the van, with AMG pace held in reserve
From NZ$250 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$750
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Ready for your 5-day South Island trip?
Book your vehicle, pack your bags, and hit the road. We're here when you're ready.