The short answer
- Start
- Christchurch or Queenstown
- Ideal length
- 10 to 14 days
- Must sees
- Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Queenstown
- Longest drive
- The West Coast, 4 to 5 hours a day
The South Island is bigger than the North and much emptier, with the Southern Alps running down its spine. Most routes form a loop from Christchurch or run between Christchurch and Queenstown, which both have international flights.
Driving times
Swipe sideways to see every place →
| Picton | Christchurch | Lake Tekapo | Mount Cook | Queenstown | Te Anau | Franz Josef | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picton | 4.5 h | 7 h | 8 h | 9.5 h | 11 h | 6.5 h | |
| Christchurch | 4.5 h | 3 h | 4 h | 6 h | 7.5 h | 5 h | |
| Lake Tekapo | 7 h | 3 h | 1.5 h | 3 h | 4.5 h | 6 h | |
| Mount Cook | 8 h | 4 h | 1.5 h | 3.5 h | 5 h | 6.5 h | |
| Queenstown | 9.5 h | 6 h | 3 h | 3.5 h | 2 h | 5.5 h | |
| Te Anau | 11 h | 7.5 h | 4.5 h | 5 h | 2 h | 7 h | |
| Franz Josef | 6.5 h | 5 h | 6 h | 6.5 h | 5.5 h | 7 h |
10 days: the loop
Best for: Most visitors
| Day | Plan | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christchurch to Lake Tekapo | Lake Tekapo |
| 2 | Mount Cook: Hooker Valley Track | Mount Cook |
| 3 to 4 | Wanaka: the lake, the famous tree and Roys Peak | Wanaka |
| 5 to 7 | Queenstown and Arrowtown | Queenstown |
| 8 | Te Anau, with the glowworm caves | Te Anau |
| 9 | Milford Sound cruise, back to Queenstown | Queenstown |
| 10 | Fly home from Queenstown |
Want this as a private tour?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 10 days, built around your dates.
14 days: add the West Coast
Best for: Glaciers, rainforest and wild beaches
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Christchurch and Kaikoura for whales |
| 3 to 4 | Abel Tasman National Park |
| 5 to 6 | The West Coast: Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier |
| 7 to 8 | Haast Pass to Wanaka |
| 9 to 11 | Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound |
| 12 to 13 | Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo |
| 14 | Back to Christchurch |
Want this as a private tour?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 14 days, built around your dates.
Tips for the South Island
- Milford Sound: Stay a night in Te Anau rather than doing the 12 hour day trip from Queenstown. See our Milford Sound guide.
- Weather days: Leave a spare day around Milford Sound and Mount Cook; both depend on the weather.
- Fuel and food: Stock up before long stretches such as the Haast Pass and the Milford Road.
- Sandflies: Bring repellent for Fiordland and the West Coast.
Rather have a trip to New Zealand made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need on the South Island?
Ten days covers the main loop well; two weeks adds the West Coast or Abel Tasman without rushing.
Should I start in Christchurch or Queenstown?
Either. Flying into Christchurch and out of Queenstown, or the reverse, saves driving back the way you came.
Is the West Coast worth it?
Yes, for rainforest, glaciers and wild beaches, but it's wet and the drives are long. With less than 10 days, skip it.
New Zealand month by month
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Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand: guided tour or self drive? An honest comparison
Self drive is usually cheaper for two or more people and gives total freedom, but you plan everything and drive long, winding roads on the left. A tour costs more per person, but removes the driving, planning and booking, and suits solo travellers, first timers and anyone who'd rather look at the scenery.
Updated 17 October 2026
How much does a New Zealand tour cost? Prices by tour type and a calculator
Expect about NZ$330 to 480 per person per day on a small group tour, NZ$380 to 560 on a classic coach tour and NZ$750 or more on a premium tour. Driving yourself costs about NZ$250 to 330 a day each for two sharing, including activities. Add NZ$117 for the NZeTA and visitor levy unless you're Australian.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand itineraries: 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
With a week, stay in the South Island. Ten days adds Milford Sound and Mount Cook at a better pace; two weeks covers the highlights of both islands; three weeks adds the West Coast glaciers and Abel Tasman.
Updated 17 October 2026