Road trips
Christchurch to Invercargill: South Island road trip
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The beautiful South Island of New Zealand is an amazing place to explore, with so much to see and do during your stay. And how better to experience it all than on a Christchurch to Invercargill road rip?
The best way to enjoy as many adventures and views is to travel by road - as they say, it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters.
By zig-zagging a little across the island, you can make the most of your road trip and soak up as many places as possible. Here’s our guide for your Christchurch to Invercargill road trip.
Christchurch To Invercargill Road Trip
Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Distance: 226km
Driving time: 2 hours 49 minutes
Once you sort out campervan hire in Christchurch, it’s time to hit the open road. Lake Tekapo is the first stop on your Christchurch to Invercargill road trip and it’s well worth the visit.
The best thing you can do is leave bright and early in the morning to make the most of your day. The drive time isn’t long, which means you have the whole day ahead of you to see the sites. Your first stop should be to the lake itself to simply sit back and marvel at its beauty (perhaps with a coffee in hand).
You can then head up to visit the Mount John University Observatory for even more stunning views. If you’re feeling up to it, you might even consider a helicopter ride – it’s one you won’t ever forget.
Once you start feeling peckish, head to Lake Tekapo Reflections Restaurant, Rakinui Restaurant or Mackenzie’s Bar and Grill for a bite to eat.
You can then enjoy an afternoon of hiking through the mountains or relaxing at the nearby Tekapo Springs before you call it a night. There are plenty of campsites to choose from for the night:
Pattersons Ponds
Mackenzie Waitaki RV Camping
Day 2: Lake Tekapo to Wanaka
Distance: 199km
Driving time: 2 hours 14 minutes
AChristchurch to Wanaka road trip is a must while you’re on the South Island. There’s so much to see and do here. If you have the time, consider staying a couple of nights to fully explore the idyllic town.
Start with a walk down Lake Wanaka and enjoy the peace and quiet, along with the landmark Wanaka Tree which grows out of the water.
If you’re up for an adventure, then you can take off on a hike in Mount Aspiring National Park – there’s plenty of trails to choose from.
You can also enjoy a number of fun water sports down on the lake, such as paddle boarding and kayaking.
Once you’re ready for some food, head out to Rippon Winery, where you can also enjoy a little wine tasting at the same time. The lavenders alone are well worth the trip there.
There are so many more walks and hikes you can do and views to check out, depending on how much time you have on your hands. Rest up for the night at one of these campsites:
Day 3: Wanaka to Queenstown
Distance: 68.5km
Driving time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Another place you could enjoy for just one night, or a couple of nights, depending on the time you have during your visit. This place is well-known for its adventure sports, so if you love a thrill, then get ready! Bungee jump off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge or jet boat on the Shotover and art Rivers.
If you’re heading in Wintertime, then you’ll be able to set off down the slopes of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
If history is more your thing, then you can explore the historic mining towns in the area, and even stop off at some vineyards for a little culture and wine tasting throughout your trip.
When you’re ready to hit the sack, here are some great campsites to check out:
Day 4: Queenstown to Invercargill
Distance: 188km
Driving time: 2 hours 23 minutes
Last stop on your road trip! You’ve made it down to near the Southern tip of the South Island, which acts as a gateway to some wilderness areas such as Stewart Island.
You can take a trip through some natural wonders on the Southern Scenic Route. Or take off down the Rakiura Track to immerse yourself in nature. You can also check out Fiordland National Park and Oreti Beach.
If you’re after a bit of culture, then head to Bill Richardson Transport world or Classic Motorcycle Mecca (notice the theme here?).
Once you’re done, you can head back to Christchurch in one go. It’s just a little over seven hours, so as long as you break it up with a couple of stops (even better, switch drivers), you can do it with no issues. If you have a bit more time, you can also plan a couple of nights on the way back, stopping at Dunedin and Temuka.
Here are some places to camp during your stay at Invercargill:
Check out some more of the best Invercargill camping grounds.
What Next After Your Christchurch to Invercargill Road Trip?
This Christchurch to Invercargill road trip is just the beginning of some amazing adventures you can have in New Zealand. If you have a bit more time after arriving back, then consider a Christchurch to Picton road trip, perhaps even catching the ferry over to the North Island to see more! You can stay at one of theChristchurch holiday parks for a little downtime before hitting the road once again.
If time isn’t in your favour, then pop it on your to-do list for the next time you rent a campervan in Christchurch and are ready to explore some more!