South Island itineraries
The South Island is one of the world's great road trips. A single satisfying loop can link the Southern Alps, the fiords, glacial lakes and glaciers, with Queenstown and Christchurch as gateways. Whether you have five days or two weeks, here are the routes we build most often — easy to shorten, extend or tailor to your interests.
7–10 days: the highlights
Our most popular route: from Christchurch, head down through Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook to Queenstown, with a day cruise to Milford Sound. Loop up via Wānaka and the Haast Pass to the West Coast glaciers, then return over Arthur's Pass — or aboard the TranzAlpine train. It threads the island's best together at a relaxed pace. See our South Island tours.
5 days, or two weeks
Short on time? A 5-day route takes in Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown and Milford — the alpine essentials. Have longer? A two-week trip adds Dunedin and the Catlins, Kaikōura's whales and the Marlborough–Nelson north, with room to slow down. We'll match the length to your holiday. See our getting around guide.
Family, wildlife & two islands
We tailor to your interests: a family route balancing Queenstown, Mount Cook and easy walks; a wildlife and wine route through Kaikōura, Otago and Marlborough; or a two-island trip crossing Cook Strait to the north. Tell us who's travelling and what you love, and we'll craft the perfect South Island journey. See our enquiry page.
South Island itineraries: your questions
A classic 7–10 day loop runs Christchurch → Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Wānaka → the West Coast glaciers → Arthur's Pass and the TranzAlpine back to Christchurch. It links the alps, fiords, lakes and glaciers at a comfortable pace. Shorten or extend to suit your time. See our New Zealand itineraries for the full-country picture.
Around 7–10 days covers the highlights without rushing; 5 days works for a focused Christchurch–Mount Cook–Queenstown–Milford run; and two weeks lets you add Dunedin and the Catlins, Kaikōura, and the Marlborough–Nelson north. Distances are larger than the North Island, so allow driving time. See our getting around guide.
The favourite is the southern loop from Christchurch: down through the Mackenzie to Mount Cook, on to Queenstown and Milford, up via Wānaka and the Haast Pass to the West Coast glaciers, then back over Arthur's Pass (or aboard the TranzAlpine). Add Kaikōura and Marlborough for a top-of-the-south extension. See our West Coast & Glaciers guide.
Yes — many visitors do both, crossing Cook Strait by ferry between Picton and Wellington. Allow around two to three weeks for a satisfying two-island trip. You might fly into Christchurch or Queenstown, tour the south, then ferry north from Picton. See our North Island overview.
Ideal — the roads are scenic and generally quiet, and the classic loop is straightforward, though distances are longer than the north and some alpine passes need care (especially in winter). Christchurch and Queenstown are the main gateways. We can tailor a self-drive or guided route. See our best time to visit guide.