Arrowtown, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Beach, New Zealand
Fiordland, New Zealand
Lake Matheson, New Zealand
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Rotorua, New Zealand

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

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.

More Driving Routes

View more Rotorua driving routes.

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Mainstay New Zealand Hotels

Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Hawkdun Rise

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.

Featured
 
Mainstay New Zealand Hotels

Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Hawkdun Rise

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.