Christchurch loop (or start in Queenstown if you prefer).
Roughly 20–25+ hours over the week, depending on stops.
Peak season (December–April) for long days; March and April often offer great weather and fewer crowds. Winter is fine with chains/4WD where needed.
Busy but doable. You’ll drive most days with time for key stops.
Couples, first-timers, photographers, and anyone who wants the main South Island highlights in one week. Add extra days if you can.
Add an extra day or two if you can, it takes the pressure off and lets you include more of the West Coast or Kaikōura.
For a longer version including the West Coast and Kaikōura, see our full South Island road trip itinerary and 10-day guide.
The 7-day highlights loop from Christchurch through Tekapo, Mt Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.
Route stops:
Map data © Mapbox
Driving: approx. 3 hours
Stock up in Christchurch, then head inland to Lake Tekapo. The lake and Church of the Good Shepherd are must-sees; stargazing here is famous.
Top things:
Stay: Holiday parks or accommodation in Tekapo township.
Tip: Fill up in Christchurch or Geraldine; Tekapo has limited fuel. Easy parking at the church and lakefront with a compact vehicle.
Driving: approx. 1 hour to Mt Cook Village
Drive along Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Do the Hooker Valley walk or Tasman Glacier views. Weather can change quickly, have a backup plan.
Top things:
Stay: Mt Cook Village (limited options; book ahead) or return to Tekapo.
Tip: Compact car parks easily at the trailheads. Layer up, it's cooler at altitude.
Driving: approx. 3–4 hours (via Lindis Pass)
Drive back past Pukaki and through Lindis Pass to Wānaka. The pass is scenic; Wānaka has the lake, #ThatWanakaTree, and short walks.
Top things:
Stay: Holiday parks or town accommodation in Wānaka.
Tip: Fuel at Omarama or Twizel if needed. Wanaka town parking is straightforward with a small vehicle.
Driving: approx. 1 hour
Short drive to Queenstown. Use the day for viewpoints, a lake cruise, or a gentle activity. Queenstown is busy, book activities in advance in peak season (December–April).
Top things:
Stay: Queenstown accommodation or nearby holiday parks.
Tip: Park in town car parks or your accommodation; a compact car is much easier than a large campervan here.
Driving: approx. 2 hours
Drive to Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. Relax by the lake or do a short walk. Get an early night if you're doing Milford the next day.
Top things:
Stay: Te Anau holiday parks or town accommodation.
Tip: Fuel up in Te Anau; no fuel at Milford Sound. Book your Milford cruise for the next day.
Driving: approx. 2 hours each way
Drive to Milford Sound, do a cruise, then return to Te Anau (or drive part-way toward Queenstown if you prefer). The road is scenic, allow time for stops.
Top things:
Stay: Te Anau again, or Queenstown if you're heading back that way.
Tip: Start early to allow for weather and photo stops. The road is narrow in places; a small vehicle is easy to manoeuvre.
Driving: Te Anau or Queenstown → Christchurch approx. 6–8 hours
Long drive back to Christchurch. Break the journey at Geraldine, Fairlie, or Lake Tekapo for coffee and a rest. If you have an extra day, consider overnighting in Kaikōura or Tekapo.
Top things:
Stay: Christchurch (end of trip) or break at Tekapo/Geraldine if you've added a night.
Tip: Fuel at Cromwell, Omarama, or Tekapo. A fuel-efficient vehicle keeps costs down on this long day.
Church of the Good Shepherd, turquoise lake, stargazing.
Photo stops with Aoraki/Mt Cook in the frame.
Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier walks (weather dependent).
#ThatWanakaTree, waterfront walk, optional short hike.
Skyline views, lakefront, dining. Book activities in peak season (December–April).
Quiet lake town; base for Milford.
Cruise, waterfalls, peaks. Book ahead.
Coastal drive, wildlife tours. Optional add-on.
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 | ~3–4 hrs |
| Wanaka → Queenstown | ~1 hr |
| Queenstown → Te Anau | ~2 hrs |
| Te Anau → Milford Sound | ~2 hrs each way |
| Te Anau/Queenstown → Christchurch | ~6–8 hrs |
Book in advance in peak season (December–April), especially Tekapo, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Mt Cook. Holiday parks offer powered sites, kitchens, and showers; DOC campsites are often basic but in great locations.
Follow simple camping etiquette: leave no trace, use facilities provided, keep noise down, and respect other campers and the environment.
Travelling with a rooftop tent or tent? See our freedom camping guide and camping resources. For trip planning and maps, use our South Island road trip planner. Driving an EV? Check EV charging South Island for charger locations.
You’ll be driving most days, so comfort and ease matter. A compact car or SUV reduces stress on winding roads and in towns, and saves on fuel. Easy to drive and park, and suitable for sealed and gravel public roads (off-road is not allowed). Gravel rules differ between rental companies, so check which roads your rental agreement allows.
See our vehicles and South Island car hire for pickup locations and availability. Book early in peak season.
Destinations, scenic drives, trip planning, and our premium fleet.
Itineraries and planning guides.
Premium car hire from Christchurch.
Christchurch pickup · Airport-friendly
Cars from our Christchurch fleet that suit this trip.
Comfortable and capable on long South Island roads. Suited to couples and small groups heading to the West Coast, the Mackenzie or the lakes.
From NZ$330 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$990
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Thinking about an EV? Spend a few days living with one. Quiet, comfortable and cheap to run, with charging along the main routes south.
From NZ$179 / day
Typical 3-day total: ~$540
✓ Concierge handover and collection — NZ$0
Book your vehicle, pack your bags, and hit the road. We're here when you're ready.