10-Day South Island Loop from Christchurch

Sights along the way

Sight photos sourced from Wikimedia Commons — see individual post credits.

Why a loop from Christchurch works

Loops save you the one-way fee, and Christchurch is well-placed for a proper circle of the South Island. Pick up your car at our Christchurch depot or via the free shuttle from Christchurch Airport.

Day 1 — Christchurch → Kaikoura (2.5 hrs)

Whale-watching or a walk out to the seal colony at Point Kean.

Day 2 — Kaikoura → Nelson via Blenheim (4 hrs)

Wine detour through Marlborough — full route in our wine regions guide.

Day 3 — Abel Tasman day trip

Water taxi in, walk out.

Day 4 — Nelson → Punakaiki → Hokitika (5 hrs)

Pancake Rocks at high tide.

Day 5 — Hokitika → Franz Josef (2 hrs)

Glacier valley walk + hot pools at dusk.

Day 6 — Franz Josef → Wanaka (4.5 hrs via Haast Pass)

One of the great scenic drives. See our West Coast glaciers itinerary.

Day 7 — Wanaka

Roys Peak or the Blue Pools. Puzzling World for a rainy day.

Day 8 — Wanaka → Queenstown → Milford Sound (long day)

Overnight in Te Anau. Details in Milford Sound road trip from Queenstown.

Day 9 — Te Anau → Mt Cook (4.5 hrs)

Lake Pukaki lookout for THE photo. Hooker Valley Track at Mt Cook — see our Christchurch to Mt Cook road trip.

Day 10 — Mt Cook → Christchurch (4 hrs)

Tekapo for stargazing on the way home.

Total distance

~2,100 km — very comfortable across 10 days. Unlimited kms on all Nomado rentals.

Recommended car

• Summer: any mid-size SUV
• Winter: 4WD SUV — Lindis and Arthur's passes get snow

Related reading

• Christchurch to Queenstown road trip
• The Catlins road trip from Christchurch
• Skiing in New Zealand

Book your Christchurch rental — $29/day, unlimited kms, return the car right where you started.