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Driving Route : Christchurch - Milford Sound - Christchurch

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

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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.

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View more Christchurch driving routes.


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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

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Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

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Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

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Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

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Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.