How long is the New Zealand South Island Classic Circuit route?

This route takes 14 days taking in 10 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Christchurch to Christchurch in South Island, New Zealand.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is November to March: book ahead in January.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip.

New Zealand South Island Classic Circuit

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The route · 10 stops

9 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Christchurch

2 nights

The South Island's largest city is the practical gateway to the circuit. Spend two days exploring the regenerated central city, walking the Avon River, visiting the Botanic Gardens and taking the gondola up Port Hills for mountain views across the Canterbury Plains.The South Island's largest city is the practical gateway to the circuit. Spend two days exploring the regenerated central city, walking the Avon River, visiting the Botanic Gardens and taking the gondola up Port Hills for mountain views across the Canterbury Plains.

Recommendations

2h 44m · 197 km drive to Kaikōura

Kaikōura

1 night

A fishing town backed by snow-capped ranges and fronting a deep-sea canyon. Giant sperm whales are year-round residents; Whale Watch Kaikōura runs daily tours with roughly a 95 percent sighting rate. Fur seals haul out on the peninsula rocks just metres from the road.A fishing town backed by snow-capped ranges and fronting a deep-sea canyon. Giant sperm whales are year-round residents; Whale Watch Kaikōura runs daily tours with roughly a 95 percent sighting rate. Fur seals haul out on the peninsula rocks just metres from the road.

Recommendations

2h 21m · 169 km drive to Nelson

Nelson

2 nights

The sunniest region in New Zealand sits at the northern tip of the South Island, with Abel Tasman National Park on its doorstep. Use the second day for a water taxi into the park for the golden-sand coastal walk or a guided kayak between clear-water coves and inlets.The sunniest region in New Zealand sits at the northern tip of the South Island, with Abel Tasman National Park on its doorstep. Use the second day for a water taxi into the park for the golden-sand coastal walk or a guided kayak between clear-water coves and inlets.

Recommendations

3h 23m · 244 km drive to Punakaiki

Punakaiki

1 night

A tiny West Coast village best known for Pancake Rocks, where 30-million-year-old limestone stacks erupt in blowholes when a westerly swell rolls in. The 1.1km boardwalk loop is free and open all hours. The coast road south to Greymouth is spectacular driving.A tiny West Coast village best known for Pancake Rocks, where 30-million-year-old limestone stacks erupt in blowholes when a westerly swell rolls in. The 1.1km boardwalk loop is free and open all hours. The coast road south to Greymouth is spectacular driving.

Recommendations

3h 3m · 220 km drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier

1 night

Franz Josef and nearby Fox Glacier are among the world's most accessible glaciers, though both have retreated significantly in recent decades. A free valley walk reaches the glacier viewpoint in around 30 minutes. For the ice itself, heli-hike tours fly you to the upper glacier for a guided walk among crevasses.Franz Josef and nearby Fox Glacier are among the world's most accessible glaciers, though both have retreated significantly in recent decades. A free valley walk reaches the glacier viewpoint in around 30 minutes. For the ice itself, heli-hike tours fly you to the upper glacier for a guided walk among crevasses.

Recommendations

3h 3m · 219 km drive to Wanaka

Wanaka

1 night

The Haast Pass crosses the Main Divide through gorges and past roadside waterfalls before delivering you to Lake Wanaka, calmer and less commercial than Queenstown. Roy's Peak (16km return, 1250m ascent) is the signature hike but demands a very early start in summer.The Haast Pass crosses the Main Divide through gorges and past roadside waterfalls before delivering you to Lake Wanaka, calmer and less commercial than Queenstown. Roy's Peak (16km return, 1250m ascent) is the signature hike but demands a very early start in summer.

Recommendations

57m · 68 km drive to Queenstown

Queenstown

2 nights

The adventure capital of New Zealand sits beside Lake Wakatipu below the Remarkables. Two nights covers the main activities: Shotover Jet boat, AJ Hackett Bungy and a half-day to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown or the Glenorchy valley. The lakefront restaurant scene is excellent.The adventure capital of New Zealand sits beside Lake Wakatipu below the Remarkables. Two nights covers the main activities: Shotover Jet boat, AJ Hackett Bungy and a half-day to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown or the Glenorchy valley. The lakefront restaurant scene is excellent.

Recommendations

1h 33m · 111 km drive to Te Anau

Te Anau

2 nights

The small lakeside town is the gateway to Fiordland and the launch point for the Milford Sound day trip. Spend two nights: the first to explore Te Anau itself, the second to leave early for the fjord. The Milford Road drive through beech forest and the Homer Tunnel is extraordinary in its own right.The small lakeside town is the gateway to Fiordland and the launch point for the Milford Sound day trip. Spend two nights: the first to explore Te Anau itself, the second to leave early for the fjord. The Milford Road drive through beech forest and the Homer Tunnel is extraordinary in its own right.

Recommendations

4h 1m · 289 km drive to Dunedin

Dunedin

2 nights

New Zealand's most Scottish city sits at the head of Otago Harbour. The Otago Peninsula holds the world's only mainland royal albatross colony alongside yellow-eyed penguin tours and fur seals. Victorian and Edwardian architecture, craft beer and a lively student scene make it a rewarding final stop.New Zealand's most Scottish city sits at the head of Otago Harbour. The Otago Peninsula holds the world's only mainland royal albatross colony alongside yellow-eyed penguin tours and fur seals. Victorian and Edwardian architecture, craft beer and a lively student scene make it a rewarding final stop.

Recommendations

On the way

Christchurch
5h 37m · 404 km
A 4-hour drive north from Dunedin closes the loop. Allow a relaxed final morning before setting off. The SH1 return is straightforward and brings you back to the city in time for an afternoon flight or a final night before departure.A 4-hour drive north from Dunedin closes the loop. Allow a relaxed final morning before setting off. The SH1 return is straightforward and brings you back to the city in time for an afternoon flight or a final night before departure.
Recommendations

New Zealand South Island Classic Circuit