Self-drive road trip · New Zealand
ourney through the spectacular heart of New Zealand’s South Island, from turquoise alpine lakes and snow-covered mountains to the dramatic wilderness of Milford Sound.
Per person, estimatedUS$1,371
Discover some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary landscapes on this unforgettable self-drive journey from Christchurch to Queenstown. Travel through the Southern Alps, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, spend time beneath New Zealand’s highest mountain, and experience the relaxed beauty of Wānaka.
Continue into Fiordland National Park for the magnificent road to Milford Sound before finishing with four nights in Queenstown. The suggested itinerary gives you plenty of time to enjoy each destination without rushing—and the duration and hotels can be adjusted to create your perfect New Zealand journey.
One scenic road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown — no backtracking
Enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it
Two full nights at Aoraki/Mount Cook with glacier walks on your doorstep
Optional Milford Sound cruise with seals, dolphins and waterfalls
Freedom to explore at your own pace with a rental car
World-class stargazing at Lake Tekapo's dark sky reserve
Duration and hotels can be tailored to suit you
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Pick up your car at CHRISTCHURCH (CHC), from 10:00. It's yours for all 12 days.
Welcome to New Zealand’s South Island. Collect your rental car at Christchurch Airport and make your way to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day discovering Christchurch, a city that combines English heritage with contemporary architecture, attractive gardens and a lively food scene. Walk beside the Avon River, visit the Botanic Gardens or explore the restaurants and cafés surrounding Riverside Market.
Overnight in Christchurch
Stay longer or shorter in Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Your stay in Christchurch to Lake TekapoDays 2–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 225 km / 140 miles
Approximate driving time: 3 hours
Leave Christchurch and travel across the wide Canterbury Plains toward the foothills of the Southern Alps. Pass through the rural towns of Geraldine and Fairlie before reaching the remarkable turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.
Visit the small Church of the Good Shepherd, enjoy the lake and mountain views, or relax in the hot pools overlooking the surrounding landscape. After dark, the exceptionally clear skies make Lake Tekapo one of the world’s finest stargazing destinations.
Overnight at Lake Tekapo
Overnight: Haka House Lake Tekapo
“Haka House Tekapo offers an unbeatable lakeside location with stunning views, comfortable beds, and exceptional cleanliness that guests consistently praise. With a welcoming atmosphere, well-equipped communal spaces, helpful staff, and the perfect setting for meeting fellow travelers, this hostel delivers great value for budget-conscious visitors exploring Lake Tekapo.”
Included in your trip1 night, 5 Motuariki Lane
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Christchurch to Lake Tekapo surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook
Your stay in Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount CookDays 3–5
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 105 km / 65 miles
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Follow the shores of Lake Pukaki, whose brilliant blue water is created by finely ground glacial rock. The road toward Aoraki/Mount Cook offers some of the most impressive scenery of the entire journey.
After arriving in Mount Cook Village, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or enjoy one of the shorter walking trails surrounding the village. Weather permitting, you will have magnificent views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Overnight in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Overnight: YHA Mount Cook, night 1 of 2
Enjoy a complete day surrounded by glaciers, mountain peaks and alpine valleys.
Choose from several walking trails according to your interests and fitness level. The popular Hooker Valley Track offers spectacular views, while shorter alternatives include the Tasman Glacier View Track and walks around Mount Cook Village. Scenic flights and glacier experiences can also be reserved locally, subject to weather conditions.
Overnight in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Overnight: YHA Mount Cook, night 2 of 2
“This charming lodge-style hostel impresses guests with its prime location near bus stops and Mount Cook attractions, spotless facilities including a well-equipped kitchen, complimentary sauna, and reliable Wi-Fi. Travelers rave about the warm, social atmosphere, friendly staff, comfortable beds, free parking, and excellent amenities that make it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious explorers seeking genuine hospitality.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 1 Bowen Drive, 1
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Aoraki/Mount Cook to Wānaka
Your stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook to WānakaDays 5–7
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 205 km / 127 miles
Approximate driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Return along Lake Pukaki before travelling through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Stop along the way to enjoy the views across the open tussock-covered hills before continuing to Wānaka.
Set beside a beautiful alpine lake, Wānaka offers a more peaceful atmosphere than Queenstown while still providing wonderful scenery, restaurants and outdoor activities.
Overnight in Wānaka
Overnight: Haka House Wanaka, night 1 of 2
Today is free to enjoy Wānaka at your own pace. Walk along the lakefront to see the famous Wānaka Tree, take a boat trip on the lake or explore the surrounding countryside.
Active travelers can choose from numerous hiking and cycling routes. For a gentler day, visit local wineries, enjoy Wānaka’s cafés or simply relax beside the lake with the Southern Alps in the background.
Overnight in Wānaka
Overnight: Haka House Wanaka, night 2 of 2
“Haka House Wanaka is a top-rated hostel perfectly positioned steps from Lake Wanaka and town center, offering clean, comfortable accommodations with spacious shared dorms featuring privacy curtains, a well-equipped kitchen, stunning lake views, and an exceptionally warm and welcoming staff that creates a fantastic community atmosphere for travelers.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 94 Brownston Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Aoraki/Mount Cook to Wānaka surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Wānaka to Te Anau
Your stay in Wānaka to Te AnauDays 7–9
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 230 km / 143 miles
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Travel through the beautiful Central Otago landscape and continue past Queenstown toward Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau is situated beside the South Island’s largest lake and makes the ideal base for visiting Milford Sound. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a lakeside walk or take an optional evening excursion to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Overnight in Te Anau
Overnight: Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park, night 1 of 2
Approximate return driving distance: 240 km / 149 miles
Approximate total driving time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Today brings one of the great highlights of the journey. Follow the Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, passing pristine lakes, dense rainforest, mountain valleys and the impressive Homer Tunnel.
At Milford Sound, an optional boat cruise takes you beneath towering cliffs and past waterfalls that descend directly into the fiord. Wildlife sightings may include seals, dolphins and penguins.
Return to Te Anau after your visit. Because weather and road conditions can change quickly, travelers who prefer not to drive may reserve an organized coach-and-cruise excursion from Te Anau.
Overnight in Te Anau
Overnight: Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park, night 2 of 2
“This beloved Te Anau holiday park delights guests with its unbeatable central location just steps from town and Milford Sound adventures, stunning mountain views, and exceptional facilities including spacious kitchens, clean bathrooms, and fun activities like go-karts. Visitors consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and comfortable, well-maintained accommodations at great value.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 15 Luxmore Drive
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Wānaka to Te Anau surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Te Anau to Queenstown
Your stay in Te Anau to QueenstownDays 9–13
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 170 km / 106 miles
Approximate driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a relaxed drive through Southland’s open countryside before approaching the Remarkables mountain range and the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Arrive in Queenstown, beautifully positioned between the lake and surrounding mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the compact town center, waterfront and excellent selection of restaurants.
Overnight in Queenstown
Overnight: Haka House Queenstown, night 1 of 4
Spend the day discovering Queenstown and its spectacular surroundings.
Ride the gondola for panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu, take a historic steamship cruise, enjoy a scenic walk or choose from Queenstown’s famous adventure activities. Options include jet boating, rafting, ziplining and bungy jumping.
Overnight in Queenstown
Overnight: Haka House Queenstown, night 2 of 4
oday you can choose between two very different excursions.
Drive beside Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, following one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads through landscapes used in numerous film productions. Alternatively, visit historic Arrowtown, known for its preserved gold-rush buildings, riverside walks, boutiques and cafés.
Both excursions can be enjoyed independently with your rental car.
Overnight in Queenstown
Overnight: Haka House Queenstown, night 3 of 4
Your final complete day is free to enjoy Queenstown your way. Visit the wineries of the Gibbston Valley, explore nearby historic settlements, reserve a special activity or simply relax beside Lake Wakatipu.
This additional night provides valuable flexibility should weather affect any of your earlier activities or scenic flights.
Overnight in Queenstown
Overnight: Haka House Queenstown, night 4 of 4
“This welcoming hostel in Queenstown offers an unbeatable location just steps from town center and the beautiful lake, paired with spotless rooms, thoughtful amenities like individual charging ports and a well-equipped kitchen, and genuinely friendly staff who go the extra mile to make guests feel at home.”
Included in your trip4 Nights, 6 Henry Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Te Anau to Queenstown surprise you.
Return your car at QUEENSTOWN (ZQN) by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
Enjoy breakfast and any remaining free time before driving to Queenstown Airport. Return your rental car and continue with your onward journey.
Your South Island fly-drive ends after an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s mountains, lakes and fiords.
Departure day · No overnight stay
A rental car is included for all 12 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.
Pick up, day 1CHRISTCHURCH (CHC), from 10:00
Return, day 11QUEENSTOWN (ZQN), by 10:00
Good to knowUnlimited miles. Rates assume a driver aged 30 or over.
Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$2,742
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$1,371 | US$784 | US$800 | US$916 |
| Per night | US$114 / night | US$87 / night | US$67 / nightBest | US$76 / night |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 13 days, 12 nights | 10 days, 9 nights | 13 days, 12 nights | 13 days, 12 nights |
| Stops | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Places | Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre Larch Grove, Wānaka, Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Queenstown | Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupo Lake Terrace, Napier, Martinborough, Wellington | Munich, Bad Wiessee, Ettal, Fuessen, Augsburg | Helsinki, Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Lieksa, Kuopio |
| Start and finish | Christchurch – Queenstown | Auckland – Wellington | Munich | Helsinki |
| On the road | ||||
| Total driving | About 500 km | About 820 km | About 270 km | About 1,110 km |
| Longest drive day | About 175 km | About 285 km | About 110 kmBest | About 420 km |
| Car included | Compact | Economy | Mini | Compact |
| Stays and extras | ||||
| Hotels included | 3 to 5-star hotels | 4 to 5-star hotels | 2 to 4-star hotels | 1 to 4-star hotels |
| Hotel choice | About 10 hotels per stopBest | About 8 hotels per stop | About 9 hotels per stop | About 7 hotels per stop |
| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
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