Driving Route : Rotorua - Christchurch - Invercargill
Start: Rotorua
Finish: Invercargill
Recommended Length: 14 Days
Distance: 2,246 km (1,404 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 Rotorua to Taupo |
1 hr | 81 | 51 |
| Day 2 Taupo to National Park |
1.5 hrs | 98 | 61 |
| Day 3 National Park to Wanganui |
1.5 hrs | 123 | 77 |
| Day 4 Wanganui to Palmerston North |
1 hr | 72 | 45 |
| Day 5 Palmerston North to Wellington |
1.75 hrs | 139 | 87 |
| Day 6 Wellington to Nelson |
2.5 hrs | 188 | 118 |
| Day 7 Nelson to Murchison |
1 hr | 88 | 55 |
| Day 8 Murchison to Hanmer Springs |
3 hrs | 229 | 143 |
| Day 9 Hanmer Springs to Christchurch |
1.75 hrs | 135 | 84 |
| Day 10 Christchurch to Mt Cook Village |
4.25 hrs | 334 | 209 |
| Day 11 Mt Cook Village to Queenstown |
3.25 hrs | 258 | 161 |
| Day 12 Queenstown to Te Anau |
2.25 hrs | 172 | 108 |
| Day 13 Te Anau to Milford Sound |
1.5 hrs | 117 | 73 |
| Day 14 Te Anau to Invercargill |
2 hrs | 157 | 98 |
| Totals for Driving Route | 30.5 hrs | 2,246 | 1,404 |
Wild Places & Outdoor Adventure
This is an itinerary for people who love wild places and outdoor adventures.
Begin with the geothermal attractions of Rotorua and Taupo, then get close to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
Embark on a river adventure in Wanganui on the way to Wellington's cultural fun.
The alpine village of St Arnaud gives you a taste of South Island adventure, while in Hanmer Springs you can enjoy spa therapies.
Christchurch has heritage architecture and gardens to admire.
Your last few days offer a range of mountain-country experiences—explore the walks around Mt Cook village and enjoy the high life in Queenstown.
Nothing beats a boat trip on Milford Sound, from Te Anau or Queenstown.
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