The Ultimate 2-Week South Island Road Trip Loop: Christchurch to Christchurch With Wicked Campers
A complete 14-day itinerary from Christchurch to Christchurch hitting Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, the West Coast glaciers and Arthur’s Pass in a perfect, no-detour loop.
With total flexibility, epic scenery in every direction and the freedom to camp close to nature, this two-week loop from Christchurch gives you everything: turquoise lakes, winding alpine passes, glaciers, fiords and wildlife encounters.
Why This Itinerary?
- Zero wasted driving: It follows a clean loop, down through the Mackenzie Basin to Te Anau, then up through Mt Cook and across to the West Coast before returning through Arthur’s Pass.
- All major highlights in 2 weeks: Lakes Tekapo & Pukaki, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fox & Franz Josef, Hokitika Gorge.
- Perfect for Wicked Campers: Access to DOC camps, scenic overnight spots, and flexibility with changing alpine weather.
- Great balance of driving + exploring: Most days feature 2–4 hours of driving followed by hikes, viewpoints, lakes, towns or activities.
Day 1: Christchurch Lake Tekapo
Driving time: 3 hrs
Kick off your journey by heading inland to Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most Insta-famous lakes thanks to its shifting turquoise colour.
Highlights:
- Church of the Good Shepherd, we’re not kidding! It’s a good looking church.
- Tekapo Hot Springs to relax.
- Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Where to stay:Lake Tekapo Holiday Park or local DOC sites.
Day 2: Lake Tekapo Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Driving time: 1 hr 15 min
Follow the shoreline of Lake Pukaki toward New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook. This is one of the most scenic drives of the entire loop.
Must-do:
- Hooker Valley Track: NZ’s most iconic half-day walk.
- Tasman River & Glacier viewpoints.
- Kea spotting (New Zealand’s cheekiest alpine parrots).
Stay: White Horse Hill DOC campground for unbeatable views.
Day 3: Mt Cook Queenstown
Driving time: 3 hrs
Today’s drive takes you through the golden Mackenzie Basin, over Lindis Pass and into buzzing Queenstown.
Things to do:
- Skyline Gondola.
- Lake Wakatipu walk.
- Fergburger for snacks, it’s worth the wait!
- Arrowtown (optional detour).
Day 4: Queenstown — Full Day
Use this day to embrace the adventure capital of NZ, or simply relax by the lake.
Ideas:
- Jet boating or paragliding.
- Queenstown Gardens.
- Ben Lomond Track (full day) with amazing views over the lake.
- Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley.
Day 5: Queenstown Te Anau
Driving time: 2 hrs
Enjoy a laid-back drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Highlights:
- Te Anau Lakeside Walk.
- Glowworm caves.
- Fiordland Cinema (local gem).
Day 6: Milford Sound Day Trip
Driving time: 2 hrs each way
The Milford Road is often called the most beautiful drive in the world and for good reason. Check weather and road conditions as road closures could happen.
Stops along the way:
- Mirror Lakes.
- The Chasm.
- Eglinton Valley.
- Homer Tunnel viewpoints.
In Milford Sound:
- Cruise the fiord.
- Spot dolphins, seals & waterfalls.
- Optional kayak tour.
Return to Te Anau overnight.
Day 7: Te Anau Wanaka
Driving time: 3.5 hrs
Retrace the route to Queenstown and climb over the Crown Range, the highest main road in NZ.
Must-stop:
- Cardrona Hotel.
- "That Wanaka Tree" (sunrise or sunset).
Day 8: Wanaka — Full Day
Wanaka is the chill sibling of Queenstown, surrounded by lakes, peaks and rolling farmland.
Ideas:
- Roys Peak (popular hike).
- Diamond Lake Track (shorter option).
- Paddleboarding or kayaking.
- Wanaka Lavender Farm.
Day 9: Wanaka Haast Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
Driving time: 3.5–4 hrs
Cross the Southern Alps via Haast Pass, one of the most beautiful roads in NZ.
Must-stops:
- Blue Pools.
- Fantail Falls.
- Thunder Creek Falls.
- Bruce Bay beach.
Arrive in glacier country by late afternoon.
Day 10: Glacier Country — Full Day
Spend the day exploring Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier.
Top activities:
- Glacier Valley Walks.
- Lake Matheson (mirror lake walk).
- Hot pools at Franz Josef.
- Rainforest hikes.
Day 11: Glacier Country Hokitika Gorge Arthur’s Pass
Driving time: 4–5 hrs
Drive north along the rugged West Coast, stopping at the famous Hokitika Gorge, bright blue water surrounded by lush forest. Then turn inland toward Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Things to see:
- Devils Punchbowl Waterfall.
- Otira Viaduct lookout.
- Alpine village walks.
- Lots of Kea’s, who might steal your lunch!
Day 12: Arthur’s Pass Christchurch
Driving time: 2 hrs
Cross back over the Southern Alps, following river valleys and dramatic mountain views all the way to the Canterbury Plains. Arrive mid-day, relax, explore the city, or grab a meal at Riverside Market.
Day 13: Explore Christchurch (Flex Day)
Use this extra day for:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
- New Regent Street.
- Sumner Beach.
- Day trip to Akaroa.
Day 14: Return Your Wicked Camper
Drop off your camper and wrap up an unforgettable two-week journey around the South Island.
Additional Tips for Travelling in a Wicked Camper
- Plan fuel stops in remote areas: Milford Sound, Haast and parts of the West Coast have long stretches with no petrol.
- Check road & weather updates: NZ mountain passes are stunning, but conditions can change quickly.
- Book big activities early: Milford Sound cruises, glacier tours and popular hikes book out fast.
- Use DOC camps for the best nature stays: They’re often the most scenic and super cheap.
