South Island
HubThe South Island is mountains, lakes, glaciers and fiords, with far fewer people than the north. A 14-day loop from Christchurch takes in the West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound and the Mackenzie. Late spring to early autumn has the best chance of open passes and clear views.
Quick facts
- Classic loop
- Christchurch loop, about 2,000 km over 14 days
- From our The 14-day South Island road trip guide
- Best time
- November to April; winter snow can close mountain roads
- From our The 14-day South Island road trip guide
- DOC campsites
- $15 to $20 per adult a night at standard sites
- From our The best campsites in the South Island for campervans and tents guide
Plan it:The 14-day South Island road tripChristchurch to QueenstownQueenstown to Franz Josef via Haast PassWest Coast road trip
South Island on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Coming up in South Island
See the events calendar
Official links for South Island
All useful linksCoastal Pacific (opens in a new tab)
The Picton to Christchurch train along the Kaik艒ura coast. Seasonal, so check dates.
TranzAlpine (opens in a new tab)
The Christchurch to Greymouth train across the Southern Alps, one of the classic NZ rail trips.
Christchurch Airport (opens in a new tab)
The main South Island gateway, including buses, parking and rental car desks.
Queenstown Airport (opens in a new tab)
Flight status, transfers and Alpine weather delays that regularly shuffle the timetable.
Dunedin Airport (opens in a new tab)
A useful official page if you are flying into Otago rather than driving the last stretch.
Nelson Airport (opens in a new tab)
Flight information for Nelson, the usual arrival point for Abel Tasman and the top of the south.
Invercargill Airport (opens in a new tab)
The usual gateway for Southland and the Stewart Island ferry.
Metro (Christchurch) (opens in a new tab)
Christchurch buses, including the airport route and timetables.
More South Island guides
South IslandThe best campsites in the South Island for campervans and tents
South IslandChristchurch to Queenstown: the best route, stops and how long it takes
South IslandNZ ski season guide: ski fields, passes and where to stay
Nelson TasmanAbel Tasman National Park: water taxis, kayaking and the coast track
SouthlandThe Catlins: waterfalls, wildlife and a slow coastal drive
OtagoChristchurch to Dunedin drive: 艑amaru, Moeraki Boulders and the coast road
FiordlandDoubtful Sound vs Milford Sound: which fiord should you see?
OtagoDunedin to Queenstown drive: Central Otago stops, wineries and drive times
West CoastFox Glacier vs Franz Josef: which glacier town to stay in
West CoastFranz Josef Glacier: heli-hikes, valley walks and whether it is worth the detour
Mackenzie