Ultimate New Zealand South Island Winter Road Trip

A New Zealand South Island winter road trip has it all. The best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere - check! A visit to NZ’s most popular ski resort - check! World-class fjords, glaciers, cascades, rainforest, lakes and mountains - check! Historic towns with French and Scottish heritage - check!

To help you plan your adventure, our travel experts have created the Ultimate New Zealand South Island Winter Road Trip itinerary. In our guide, we’ve included drive times, distances, winter weather advice and the best sites and attractions at each destination.

Stick to our guide and you’re bound to see and do all the best things that New Zealand’s South Island has to offer!

Before you set off, ensure that you’ve got the right vehicle for the journey! Take a minute to browse through the dozens of privately owned caravans, motorhomes and campers available for hire on the South Island via Camplify. Our page about South Island campervan hire will help you to choose a vehicle that is right for your travel needs and your budget.

New Zealand South Island Winter Road Trip Itinerary

Fast Facts

Total Drive Time and Distance:

• Return: 23hr (1,820km)

Total Number of Days:

• 7 - 8 Days Return

Winter in New Zealand

Winter in New Zealand lasts from June to August. You will need to prepare for all sorts of weather, including sun, rain and snow. The average daytime temperature across NZ in winter is between 12 - 16˚C (53 - 61˚F). However, the coldest regions (i.e. the alpine areas of the South Island) can reach as low as -10˚C.

The Benefits of a Road Trip in Winter

• Cheaper Travel: By travelling in winter you can save up to 50-70% in costs, meaning you can travel 5-7 times longer than you could during summer.

• Quieter Holiday: Because fewer tourists are travelling around NZ in winter, there is less demand for accommodation and tourist attractions. There’s also much less traffic on the road, making your drive easier and more enjoyable.

• Unique Winter Experiences: By travelling around NZ in winter, you can make the most of unique experiences that many tourists never get to see or do - skiing, snowboarding, whale watching and hot springs in the cold for example!

Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Drive Time: 3hr

Distance: 226km

Leave the hustle and bustle of Christchurch behind and head for greener pastures - literally. The highways between Christchurch and Lake Tekapo are lined with rich green farmlands and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stop by the artistic town of Geraldine and grab a coffee from one of their many outstanding local cafes.

Within a few hours, you’ll reach the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo. This area is a natural wonderland and boasts a tonne of sightseeing. Head to the historical Church of the Good Shepherd at dusk or dawn and grab a photo of the old stone building against the mountainous backdrop. Also, take the opportunity to do some stargazing at the Mount John Observatory overnight. If you are travelling between April and September, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Southern Lights.

Day 2: Lake Tekapo to Wanaka

Drive Time: 2hr 15min

Distance: 200km

After watching the sunrise over Lake Tekapo, continue south to the tallest mountain in New Zealand - Aoraki Mount Cook. Take one of the 10 beautiful short walks on offer from the Mount Cook Village. The tracks are well marked and take about 1 - 2 hours as they wind through the bush alongside Lake Pukaki.

Hop back in your camper and drive towards Wanaka. As you do, you’ll pass through one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes - Lindis Pass. This road is the highest highway on the Southern Island and is surrounded by tall mountains spotted in tussock. During winter, the Pass may be powdered in snow, perfect for a few landscape photos.

Eventually, you’ll reach the town of Wanaka, your final destination today. While in town, take the time to walk around the Wanaka Lakefront and snap a shot of the famous Wanaka Tree.

Day 3: Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive Time: 1hr

Distance: 68km

You’ve only got a short drive today but a tonne to see! Leave Wanaka and head for Queenstown. As you do, you’ll drive through the Cardrona Alpine Resort, which is New Zealand’s most popular ski field. If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, you may want to stop and shred for the day. If not, drop in for lunch at the historic Cardrona Hotel, famous for its rustic charm, great food and scenic views over The Remarkables.

After leaving Cardrona, take the scenic route through Arrowtown to Queenstown. Arrowtown is a living historic settlement that sits on the edge of the picturesque Arrow River. The whole town is like something out of a fairy tale, covered in 60 historical cottages, shops and churches that have been restored. Learn about the gold rush community that pioneered the area and visit the Lake District Museum (one of New Zealand's best small museums).

Finally, pull up stumps in Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand set upon the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. If you’re an adrenaline junky, you’ll be in heaven with your choice of jet boating, bungee, skiing or mountain biking!

Day 4: Queenstown to Milford Sound

Drive Time: 3hr 30min

Distance: 288km

Devour your breakfast at one of the many great cafes that line the streets of Queenstown before heading for the quaint township of Te Anau - gateway to the Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. These sites have been consistently named as the best tourist attraction in New Zealand thanks to their world-class scenery. On your drive through the National Park, you’ll see fjords, glaciers, cascades, rainforest, lakes and mountains. If you want to make the most of your time here, take one of the local day cruises and see Milford Sound from a different perspective.

Day 5: Milford Sound to Invercargill

Drive Time: 3hr 20min

Distance: 271km

After spending the night in Te Anau (Maori for “Place of Swirling Waters”), you’ll have to retrace yesterday's drive for an hour. But don’t head back to Queenstown. Instead, head further south towards Invercargill - New Zealand’s southernmost city!

Invercargill is a charming city with a rich history. Drive down its wide streets and admire its Victorian and Edwardian heritage buildings. Only a few minutes out of town, you can drive down the coastal highway that is Oreti Beach or explore the natural wonders of the Waituna Wetlands.

If you still have time to kill, check out some of the artistic shops around town or dine at the quirky bars and restaurants that fill the streets. Otherwise, you can check out some of the famous automotive museums in Invercargill, such as the E Hayes Motorworks.

Day 6: Invercargill to Dunedin

Drive Time: 2hr 30min

Distance: 204km

Head east after leaving Invercargill and you will pass through a wild and woolly corner of southern New Zealand known as The Catlins. This area remains largely untouched by tourism and is a great spot for those looking to get away from cities and crowds. Drive alongside the long sandy beaches and you are bound to spot hoards of sunbathing seals, sea lions and penguins.

Continue north until you reach the city of Dunedin - the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent of Edinburgh. This place prides itself on being one of the “best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.” Whilst rich in both Scottish and Maori history, it also boasts diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery. Plus, the quaint streets are lined with some of the finest restaurants that New Zealand has to offer.

Day 7: Dunedin to Akaroa

Drive Time: 5hr 20min

Distance: 414km

Today’s journey is a little longer, but it is well worth the trip! Continue north from Dunedin to the historic streets of Akaroa - the only French settlement in New Zealand. Originally settled in 1840 by a whaler, this small town is now filled with idyllic colonial cottages. Take some time to wander the old streets, visit the Akaroa Museum and dine at some of the excellent cafes and French restaurants.

Besides its history, Akaroa boasts some outstanding wildlife experiences. Take a local nature cruise to see the Hector’s dolphin which can only be found in New Zealand. Alternatively, if you’re willing to brave the winter chills, you can check out the largest little penguin colony in Australasia.

Day 8: Akaroa to Christchurch

Drive Time: 1hr 20min

Distance: 81km

In no time at all, you’ll be concluding your New Zealand South Island winter road trip back in Christchurch. But the fun’s not over yet! Why not take advantage of everything that is on offer in the big city?

If you’re interested in history and science, check out Canterbury Museum or some of the more unique attractions like the International Antarctic Centre or Quake City. Should you prefer to stretch your legs and take in the scenery, take a casual stroll through the Botanical Gardens or ride the Christchurch Gondola to Mount Cavendish.

What’s Next After Your New Zealand South Island Winter Road Trip?

Now that your New Zealand South Island winter road trip has come to an end, you’re probably itching to start planning your next adventure?

Luckily for you, our travel experts at Camplify have already done the hard work! Using our guide to a New Zealand road trip in winter, you can carry on from Christchurch to anywhere you like, including:

• Auckland

• Waitomo

• Ohakune & Whakapapa Ski Area

• Taupo

So what’re you waiting for, getting planning your next New Zealand winter road trip today!