Find a driving route for your Christchurch holiday: New Zealand self drive routes, Christchurch driving routes, South Island driving routes.

Directory Shortcut

Heritage Hotels Black Cat Alpha Campervans Tours Guide Transport Guide
Air New Zealand

Entire Site Search

Advanced Search

Free NZ Travel Newsletter

Latest Newsletter

Subscribe & Win

Monthly Prizes

Subscribe to Free NZ Travel Newsletter

Maps, Driving Routes

Quick Links

Popular Links

Business Centre

Christchurch - Milford Sound - Christchurch

Start Christchurch / Finish Christchurch
Recommended Length: 12 Days
Distance: 2261 km (1413 miles)

View more Christchurch driving routes.

Featured Tourism Operators

Click to view featured operator Web site
Travel Insurance
Click to view featured operator Web site
NZ DVDs
Click to view featured operator Web site
NZ Products
Click to view featured operator Web site
NZ Holiday Deals

Route Summary

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

  Travel Time Km (Miles)
Day 1
Christchurch to Oamaru		 3.25 hrs 246 154
Day 2
Oamaru to Dunedin		 1.5 hrs 119 74
Day 3
Dunedin to Te Anau		 4 hrs 291 182
Day 4
Te Anau - Milford Sound		 1.5 hrs 117 73
Day 5
Te Anau to Queenstown		 2.25 hrs 172 108
Day 6
Queenstown to Wanaka		 1.25 hrs 103 64
Day 7
Wanaka to Franz Josef		 3.75 hrs 284 178
Day 8
Franz Josef to Greymouth		 2.25 hrs 173 108
Day 9
Greymouth to Nelson		 4.25 hrs 328 205
Day 10
Nelson to Blenheim		 1.5 hrs 115 72
Day 11
Blenheim to Kaikoura		 1.75 hrs 129 81
Day 12
Kaikoura to Christchurch		 2.25 hrs 184 115
Totals for Driving Route 29.5 hrs 2,261 1,413

Adventure and Indulgence

Adventure and Indulgence

This route takes you right around the South Island.

From Christchurch you'll follow the coast to Oamaru, where you can see the amazing Moeraki Boulders. Dunedin has history and wildlife experiences on offer before you drive across Southland to Lake Te Anau and spectacular Milford Sound.

Have fun in Queenstown and Wanaka, where adventure and indulgence are available in equal quantities, then explore the soulful West Coast between Haast and Westport.

The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are highlights. Beaches, wine and art are things to enjoy around Nelson and Blenheim, while in Kaikoura you can get close to whales and dolphins.

Shop for wine in the Waipara Valley as you return to Christchurch.

More Driving Routes

View more Christchurch driving routes.

Travel Competition

New Zealand travel competition with great prize

Online Games

Play a selection of Travel IQ Tests and Online Games

Qualmark

qualmark For your perfect New Zealand holiday, make sure you look for accommodation and experiences which carry the Qualmark. (more)