Your South Island road trip starts here.
Scenic drives, destination guides, itineraries and trip planning—then choose your vehicle and hit the road from Christchurch.
- Christchurch pickup
- Hand-picked premium fleet
- Local knowledge & 5★ reviews
One place to inspire, plan, and book
Use the sections below to explore scenic drives, read destination guides, and find day-by-day itineraries and practical planning tips. When you’re ready, pick a vehicle and check availability.
Scenic drives
Distance, drive time, best stops and tips for each leg. Plan your route with confidence.
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo
227 km · 3 hours
Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook
105 km · 1 hour 15 min
Lake Tekapo → Wanaka
260 km · 3 hours 30 min
Aoraki/Mount Cook → Wanaka
260 km · 3 hours 30 min
Wanaka → Queenstown
70 km · 1 hour
Queenstown → Te Anau
171 km · 2 hours
Te Anau → Milford Sound
119 km · 2 hours
Queenstown → Glenorchy
46 km · 45 min
Queenstown → Arrowtown
21 km · 20 min
Queenstown → Cromwell
60 km · 50 min
Cromwell → Wanaka
50 km · 40 min
Wanaka → Haast
280 km · 4 hours
Destination guides
Where to go, what to do, and how long to stay. Travel guides for South Island hotspots.
Itineraries
Day-by-day routes and timing for 7, 10 or 14 days. Start with the planner or pick an itinerary.
South Island road trip planner
Interactive map, 7/10/14 day presets, routes and destinations
7-day South Island itinerary
Day-by-day highlights route from Christchurch
10-day South Island road trip
Extended loop with more time for stops
14-day South Island itinerary
Two weeks for a relaxed full loop
South Island road trip itinerary
Overview and route options
Best South Island road trip route
Recommended route and tips
Trip planning
When to go, how to plan, weather, driving tips and car hire advice.
South Island Travel Planner
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How to Plan a South Island Road Trip
A South Island road trip is one of the best ways to see New Zealand. This guide...
Best Time to Visit the South Island
The South Island is a year-round destination, but the best time for you depends...
South Island Weather Guide
South Island weather can change quickly and varies a lot between regions. This g...
Renting a Car in New Zealand
Renting a car or 4WD in New Zealand is straightforward. This guide covers what t...
Winter Driving in New Zealand
Winter in the South Island brings snow and ice to alpine passes and shorter days...
Choose your vehicle
Our hand-picked fleet is built for South Island road trips—premium, performance and luxury vehicles that make the journey part of the experience.
Christchurch pickup · Airport-friendly
Ready to make the drive part of the holiday?
Check availability, browse our fleet, or ask us which car we recommend for your trip.