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, over about 7 days.
When
June to September for snow and skiing. July and August are the most reliable ski months.
Chains
Carry them. Compulsory where signposted; a 4WD is not exempt. Check NZTA each morning.
Daylight
Short. Keep travel legs to the morning and avoid alpine roads after dark.
Best for
Skiers, photographers and anyone who prefers empty roads and dramatic light to long summer days.
New to cold-season driving here? Read winter driving in New Zealand first.
The route overview
- Christchurch
- Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Wānaka (Cardrona, Treble Cone)
- Queenstown (Coronet Peak, The Remarkables)
- Return to Christchurch
Route map
The winter 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 and drive inland to Tekapo. Winter is the best season for the dark-sky reserve, so wrap up warm for the clearest stargazing of the year over the frozen tussock.
Top things:
- Church of the Good Shepherd in the snow
- Tekapo Springs hot pools
- Winter stargazing
Stay: Tekapo township.
Tip: Roads are usually clear but can be icy at dawn and dusk. Carry chains and check NZTA before the alpine legs.
Day 2: Tekapo → Aoraki/Mt Cook
Driving: approx. 1 hour
Drive along the frozen edge of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village. The Hooker Valley Track is doable in winter with care and the right footwear; the peaks are at their most dramatic under snow.
Top things:
- Hooker Valley Track (winter conditions)
- Lake Pukaki viewpoint
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Stay: Mt Cook Village or back at Tekapo.
Tip: Days are short, so start walks early. Check for ice on the tracks and carry warm layers.
Day 3: Mt Cook → Wānaka
Driving: approx. 3 hours (via Lindis Pass)
Cross the Lindis Pass, often the snowiest leg, to Wanaka. Settle in as a base for the Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields.
Top things:
- Lindis Pass in snow
- Lake Wānaka waterfront
- Puzzling World on a wet day
Stay: Wānaka.
Tip: The Lindis is the most likely place to meet a chain requirement. Fuel at Omarama before you climb.
Day 4: Ski day from Wānaka
Driving: access road up to 45 minutes
A day on the snow at Cardrona or Treble Cone, or a gentler day around the lake if you would rather not ski. The access roads climb quickly and often require chains.
Top things:
- Cardrona or Treble Cone
- Snow play for non-skiers
- Roys Peak lookout (lower, in good conditions)
Stay: Wānaka.
Tip: Fit chains at the bottom of the access road when directed. Book lift passes and gear ahead in peak season.
Day 5: Wānaka → Queenstown (via the Crown Range)
Driving: approx. 1.5 hours
Over the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in the country, into Queenstown. In winter the valley route via Cromwell is the safer choice if the range is snowbound.
Top things:
- Crown Range summit
- Arrowtown in winter
- Queenstown lakefront
Stay: Queenstown.
Tip: Check the Crown Range status; take the Cromwell route if chains are required and you would rather avoid the climb.
Day 6: Ski or explore from Queenstown
Driving: access road 30 to 45 minutes
Ski Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, or spend the day in town with the gondola, hot pools and winter dining. Queenstown is at its liveliest during the winter festival season.
Top things:
- Coronet Peak or The Remarkables
- Skyline Gondola
- Onsen or hot pools
Stay: Queenstown.
Tip: Night skiing runs at Coronet Peak on some evenings. Access roads need chains when signposted.
Day 7: Queenstown → Christchurch
Driving: approx. 6 hours
The drive back to Christchurch via Cromwell, the Lindis Pass and Tekapo. In winter, leave early to travel the passes in daylight and allow extra time if snow is forecast.
Top things:
- Lindis Pass
- Lake Tekapo or Fairlie for a break
- Drop-off in Christchurch
Stay: Christchurch (end of trip).
Tip: Check NZTA before you set off. If heavy snow is forecast, consider an overnight in Tekapo to split the drive.
Winter highlights
Tekapo dark skies
The clearest stargazing of the year on cold, still nights.
Aoraki/Mt Cook
The high peaks at their most dramatic under snow.
Cardrona & Treble Cone
The Wanaka ski fields, a short drive up the access road.
Coronet Peak
Queenstown skiing, with night skiing on some evenings.
The Remarkables
Big terrain above the Queenstown basin.
Hot pools
Tekapo Springs and Queenstown onsen after a day in the cold.
Winter festivals
Queenstown and Wanaka come alive mid-season.
Empty roads
The main sights without the summer crowds.
Winter driving essentials
- Carry chains between roughly May and September and know how to fit them. They are compulsory where signposted, and a 4WD is not exempt.
- Check NZTA road conditions each morning for closures, ice and chain requirements before the alpine legs.
- Travel in daylight. Days are short; keep driving legs to the morning and avoid the passes after dark.
- Slow down. Black ice is most likely at dawn, dusk and in shaded corners. Leave extra following distance.
- Fuel up early. Small towns and alpine sections have limited fuel; top up when you can.
More detail in our winter driving guide and snow chains explainer.
Vehicle advice for winter
Ground clearance and grip matter more in winter, especially on ski-field access roads. Our premium SUV and AWD options are well suited to alpine and cold-season driving. Whatever you drive, carry chains.
See our vehicles for pickup and availability, and book early in the ski season.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the South Island worth visiting in winter?
- Very much. Winter brings snow-dusted peaks, clear cold skies, world-class stargazing, fewer crowds and the ski fields around Queenstown and Wanaka. You trade long daylight for atmosphere and space.
- Can you drive the South Island in winter?
- Yes, with preparation. The main routes are sealed and cleared, but alpine passes can carry ice and snow, and chains are required where signposted. Check NZTA road conditions each morning and drive to the conditions. See our winter driving guide.
- Do I need snow chains for this itinerary?
- Carry them between roughly May and September. Chains are compulsory where signposted on snow-affected roads, and a 4WD is not exempt. See do you need snow chains in New Zealand.
- What are the ski fields on this route?
- Round Wanaka: Cardrona and Treble Cone. Round Queenstown: Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. All are a drive up an access road from town; access roads may require chains.
- How much driving is involved?
- Roughly 15 to 20 hours over the week. In winter, keep travel legs to the morning so you are not driving alpine roads after dark, when daylight is short.
- What vehicle is best for a winter South Island trip?
- A vehicle with good ground clearance and grip helps on snow-affected and access roads. Our premium SUV and AWD options suit alpine and winter driving; carry chains regardless.
- When is the ski season in the South Island?
- Roughly mid-June to early October, depending on snow. July and August are the most reliable months for the commercial fields.
- Is Milford Sound open in winter?
- Usually, but the road can close at short notice for avalanche control after snow, and chains are often required. If Milford is on your list, keep the day flexible and check the road status. See can you drive to Milford Sound.
Explore more with Dream Drives
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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 a South Island winter?
Book your vehicle, pack the chains, and go where the snow is. We're here when you're ready.