New Zealand · 14 days · 2,200 km · Loop
South Island Loop — Christchurch · West Coast · Queenstown · Aoraki
The grand South Island loop. Cross the Southern Alps, West Coast glaciers, Milford Sound fjords, Otago wines and back to Christchurch.
Highlights
- Arthur's Pass
- Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki)
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Wanaka Tree
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Mount Cook / Aoraki
- Lake Tekapo (stargazing)
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Christchurch → Arthur's Pass
Christchurch → Arthur's Pass · 150 km
- · Pickup in CHC
- · Castle Hill
- · Arthur's Pass village
Overnight: Arthur's Pass DOC Campsite
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Day 2
Arthur's Pass → Punakaiki
Arthur's Pass → Punakaiki · 165 km
- · Pancake Rocks and blowholes
- · Truman Track
Overnight: Punakaiki Beach Camp
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Day 3
Punakaiki → Franz Josef
Punakaiki → Franz Josef · 230 km
- · Hokitika Gorge (turquoise water)
- · Arrival at Franz Josef village
Overnight: Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
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Day 4
Franz Josef — full day
Franz Josef
- · Heli-hike on the glacier (optional)
- · Walk to the glacier valley
Overnight: Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
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Day 5
Franz Josef → Wanaka
Franz Josef → Wanaka · 290 km
- · Haast Pass
- · Lake Hawea
- · Wanaka Tree at sunset
Overnight: Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park
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Day 6
Wanaka → Queenstown
Wanaka → Queenstown · 70 km
- · Crown Range (spectacular drive, RV must stay on sealed roads)
- · Arrival in Queenstown
Overnight: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
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Day 7
Queenstown — free day
Queenstown
- · Skyline gondola
- · Gibbston Valley wines
- · Kawarau Bridge bungy (optional)
Overnight: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
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Day 8
Queenstown → Te Anau
Queenstown → Te Anau · 170 km
- · Lake Te Anau
- · Glow worm caves (optional)
Overnight: Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park
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Day 9
Milford Sound (cruise + back to Te Anau)
Te Anau · 250 km
- · Milford Sound cruise
- · Stirling Falls
Overnight: Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park
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Day 10
Te Anau → Aoraki / Mount Cook
Te Anau → Mount Cook Village · 380 km
- · Milky-blue Lake Pukaki
- · Arrive at Mount Cook for sunset
Overnight: Glentanner Park Centre
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Day 11
Mount Cook (Hooker Valley)
Mount Cook Village
- · Hooker Valley Track (3 hours)
- · Tasman Glacier Lake
Overnight: Glentanner Park Centre
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Day 12
Mount Cook → Lake Tekapo
Mount Cook Village → Lake Tekapo · 100 km
- · Church of the Good Shepherd
- · Dark Sky Reserve (stargazing)
Overnight: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park
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Day 13
Lake Tekapo → Akaroa
Lake Tekapo → Akaroa · 290 km
- · Canterbury Plains
- · French village of Akaroa
Overnight: Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park
-
Day 14
Akaroa → Christchurch (drop-off)
Akaroa → Christchurch · 80 km
- · Vehicle drop-off
Recommended brands for this route
Selection based on road type and trip length. Tighter budgets — we can also quote Mighty.