Getting around the South Island
The South Island is a road-tripper's dream — with a little planning. Scenic, quiet highways link the alps, lakes and coast, with Christchurch and Queenstown as gateways; add domestic flights, guided coaches, two of the world's great scenic trains, and the Cook Strait ferry to the north. Distances are bigger than up north, so here's how to get around and how long to allow.
Self-driving the loop
A car or campervan is the most flexible way to travel and ideal for the classic loop. Roads are scenic and mostly quiet, but distances are longer than the North Island and alpine passes (Arthur's, Crown Range, Haast) need care — especially in winter, when chains may be required. Pick up a rental in Christchurch or Queenstown and take your time. See our itineraries guide.
Flights, coaches & the scenic trains
Prefer not to drive the lot? Domestic flights connect Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Nelson and Invercargill; guided coach tours handle the driving; and two superb scenic trains — the TranzAlpine (Christchurch–Greymouth) and the Coastal Pacific (Picton–Christchurch) — are journeys in themselves. Mix and match for an easy trip. See our Christchurch & Canterbury guide.
The Cook Strait ferry
To continue north, the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries cross Cook Strait from Picton to Wellington — a scenic 3–3.5 hour voyage that begins through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, carrying cars and passengers. It's the classic way to link a South Island trip with the north. See our North Island overview.
Getting around the South Island: your questions
Most visitors self-drive — the roads are scenic and generally quiet, and a car gives the freedom to follow the classic loop at your own pace, with Christchurch and Queenstown the main gateways and airports. You can also fly between centres, join guided coach tours, or ride the scenic TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains. See our South Island tours.
Distances are larger than the North Island, so allow time: Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook is about 4 hours, Mount Cook to Queenstown about 3, Queenstown to Milford Sound about 4 hours each way, and Queenstown to the glaciers via Haast around 5–6. A classic loop runs over 1,500 km — an unhurried 7–10 days suits it best. See our itineraries guide.
The main routes are good sealed roads, but the South Island has alpine passes — Arthur's, Lindis, Crown Range and Haast — that are winding and, in winter, can require care and sometimes snow chains. Drive to the conditions, allow extra time, and check road and weather reports in the colder months. See our best time to visit guide.
Two famous journeys: the TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass, and the Coastal Pacific runs the coast between Picton and Christchurch (via Kaikōura). Both are relaxed, scenic ways to travel and highlights in their own right. See our Christchurch & Canterbury guide.
By the Cook Strait ferry — the Interislander and Bluebridge services cross between Picton and Wellington, a scenic 3–3.5 hour voyage through the Marlborough Sounds, carrying cars and passengers. You can also fly between the main centres. See our North Island overview.