South Island
Road Trip
The great South Island road trip — one of the world's finest drives. From Christchurch through Tekapo, the West Coast, Queenstown and Milford Sound.
The South Island road trip is one of the world's great drives. In just 14 days, you pass through glacier-fed lakes of impossible blue, ancient rainforests dripping with moss, beaches of black volcanic sand, and the dramatic fiords of Fiordland. The route described here is the classic circuit — Christchurch to Queenstown with the best possible route in between.
The drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (3.5 hours) crosses the Canterbury Plains and climbs into the Mackenzie Basin — a high-altitude plateau of golden tussock grass ringed by snow-capped peaks. Lake Tekapo is famous for its extraordinary turquoise colour (caused by glacial flour suspended in the water) and the Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore — one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. The Mackenzie Basin is a Dark Sky Reserve — the stargazing here is extraordinary.
Drive south past Lake Pukaki (the most intensely turquoise lake in New Zealand) with Mount Cook reflected in its waters on calm days. Continue to the West Coast via Haast or the Arthur's Pass route. The West Coast is wild, green and extremely wet — it receives some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand, which is why the rainforests here are so ancient and lush.
Two of the most accessible glaciers in the world — tumbling down from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest just 300 metres above sea level. Walk to the glacier viewpoints for free, or book a helicopter tour to land on the ice. Heli-hiking (fly up, walk on the glacier, fly back) is the signature West Coast experience and worth every penny.
The Haast Pass is one of the great scenic drives in New Zealand — and one of the least-visited. The road climbs through ancient rainforest and descends into the Southern Lakes region via dramatic gorges and waterfalls. After the lush West Coast, the sudden shift to dry, golden tussock country and turquoise lakes feels almost unreal. Wanaka appears at the end of this drive like a reward.
Insurance: Long road trips increase your exposure to accidents, breakdowns and medical emergencies far from hospitals. Sort your travel insurance before you leave — make sure it covers driving and any adventure activities you plan along the way.
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Mobile data: You'll rely on your phone for navigation on NZ roads. An eSIM is the cheapest way to stay connected — activate it before you land. See our eSIM guide for provider comparisons.
