Most travelling days involve approximately 2 to 4 hours of driving, with some longer regional journeys taking 4 to 5 hours. Multi-night stays in destinations such as Queenstown, Wānaka, Te Anau, Christchurch or the West Coast glaciers provide days with little or no driving.
South Island distances can take longer than expected because roads often cross mountain passes, follow winding lakeshores or include narrow rural sections and one-lane bridges. It is important to allow additional time for rest breaks, short walks, viewpoints and photographs, as the scenery between destinations is an important part of the holiday.
Tours around How much driving is required each day on a South Island itinerary?
Frequently asked questions
Packages generally include car rental for the required driving period, pre-booked accommodation and a detailed day-by-day itinerary with recommended routes, approximate travelling times and suggested stops. Depending on the holiday selected, inclusions may also feature a Milford Sound cruise, scenic rail journey, wildlife encounter, glacier experience, guided walk or other attraction.
Wellington-starting itineraries may include Interislander ferry travel when specified. Airfares, fuel, parking, most meals, travel insurance and optional activities are not normally included unless clearly stated. Exact inclusions and rental vehicle conditions will be confirmed before booking.
Most South Island self-drive packages begin in Christchurch or Queenstown and finish in either city. Popular choices include Christchurch to Christchurch, Christchurch to Queenstown, Queenstown to Christchurch and Queenstown to Queenstown.
South Island itineraries can also start in Wellington with an Interislander ferry crossing to Picton. Car rental normally begins in Picton and finishes in Christchurch or Queenstown. Another option is to return the vehicle in Picton and travel back to Wellington by ferry.
Car hire from Wellington can be arranged when required, although it is not normally included in a Wellington-starting South Island package.
Most South Island self-drive packages run for 7 to 16 days, although extended itineraries of up to 21 days are also available. Seven days is suitable for concentrating on one route, such as Christchurch to Queenstown, while 10 to 14 days provides a more comfortable balance of driving and sightseeing.
Allowing 16 days or longer makes it possible to explore both coasts, Fiordland, Central Otago and the upper South Island. Whenever possible, include two-night stays in major destinations so you have time to enjoy activities without changing accommodation every day.
Food and Wine Self-Drive Holidays
Food and wine itineraries visit celebrated regions such as Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago. Selected winery tours, tastings, local lunches and boutique accommodation can be included.
Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton Self-Drive Holidays
Film-themed itineraries combine Hobbiton, Wellington film locations, Wētā Workshop, Edoras and landscapes around Queenstown and Glenorchy. These journeys also include many of New Zealand’s leading natural and cultural attractions.
Nature and Wildlife Self-Drive Holidays
Nature-focused routes can feature whales in Kaikōura, rare dolphins in Akaroa, penguins on the Otago Peninsula, native birds on Stewart Island and marine life around Abel Tasman. National parks, glaciers, fiords and rainforest landscapes add further variety.
Hiking and Walking Self-Drive Holidays
You can choose from itineraries featuring short day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or fully guided Routeburn and Milford Track experiences. Rental car travel before and after the walk makes it possible to combine a Great Walk with other regions.
What Can You See on a North Island Self-Drive Holiday?
North Island itineraries combine Māori culture, geothermal landscapes, film locations, forests, beaches and wine regions. Popular routes feature Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.
What Can You See on a South Island Self-Drive Holiday?
South Island journeys showcase alpine lakes, glaciers, national parks, wildlife-rich coastlines and dramatic mountain roads. Depending on the route, you may visit Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, the West Coast, Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Dunedin and Stewart Island.
How Much Time Is Needed to Visit Both Islands?
Allow at least 10 to 14 days for a focused two-island itinerary, although 18 to 21 days provides a more comfortable pace. Interisland travel may include the Wellington–Picton ferry, and some itineraries also use scenic rail journeys or domestic flights.
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