New Zealand South Island: 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch

Walk the botanical gardens and city centre. Rest after a long flight before driving.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo

Drive to Tekapo with country stops and walk the lakeshore. On a clear evening choose permitted dark areas for stargazing.

3–4 hours driving · Overnight: Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki Mount Cook

Stop for Lake Pukaki views. On arrival in Aoraki, check open walking options at the visitor centre.

1.5–2 hours driving · Overnight: Aoraki Mount Cook

Day 4: Aoraki Mount Cook

Choose a valley walk suited to weather and DOC alerts. Never bypass closures; use the visitor centre and short alternatives in poor weather.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: Aoraki Mount Cook

Day 5: Aoraki Mount Cook → Wānaka

Travel via Lindis Pass subject to road conditions. Enjoy a relaxed evening on Wānaka’s lakeshore.

2.5–3.5 hours driving · Overnight: Wānaka

Day 6: Wānaka

Choose an easy lakeside walk or cycle. Assess longer hikes such as Roys Peak separately for fitness, season and closures.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: Wānaka

Day 7: Wānaka → Queenstown

Take a weather-appropriate road to Queenstown. Unwind with a walk along the lake and through the centre.

1.5–2.5 hours driving · Overnight: Queenstown

Day 8: Queenstown

Choose one main activity such as a gondola or lake cruise. Slow down with gardens and walking paths afterwards.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: Queenstown

Day 9: Queenstown → Te Anau

Arrive early to explore Te Anau’s lakeshore. Check fuel, food supplies and Milford Road conditions for tomorrow.

2–3 hours driving · Overnight: Te Anau

Day 10: Te Anau → Milford Sound → Te Anau

Choose a cruise time with ample driving margin. Viewpoint stops and tunnel waits make this a full-day outing.

4–5 hours driving · Overnight: Te Anau

Day 11: Te Anau → Queenstown

Return to Queenstown after a short morning lake walk. Keep the afternoon restful after the full Milford day.

2–3 hours driving · Overnight: Queenstown

Day 12: Queenstown → Cromwell → Oamaru

Take a rest stop in Cromwell before Oamaru. Explore the historic harbour and follow official rules at wildlife sites.

4–5 hours driving · Overnight: Oamaru

Day 13: Oamaru → Christchurch

Return to Christchurch with regular coastal breaks. Spend the final night in town to avoid a long drive on departure day.

3–4 hours driving · Overnight: Christchurch

Day 14: Christchurch

Have breakfast and a short city walk before returning the car. Allow enough time for airport formalities.

0–1 hours driving · Overnight: End of itinerary

Before you drive

Check Milford Road conditions and DOC trail alerts. Allow time for left-side driving and narrow roads even when map distances look short.

Estimated budget for two

Illustrative October 2026 planning allowances, not live prices or quotes. Two adults, one rental car, a shared mid-range room and 13 nights. Flights, visas, insurance upgrades, deposits and one-way rental fees excluded. Peak season and major activities may exceed these amounts.

• Room per night: 160–280 NZD
• Car per day: 65–120 NZD
• Food for two per day: 80–130 NZD
• Fuel for the trip: 350–550 NZD
• Visits, parking and toll allowance: 300–600 NZD

Total range including 10% reserve: 5236–9119 NZD

Midpoint estimate / per person: 7185 / 3592.5 NZD