The Ultimate South Island Loop – 10 Days With Sure Rentals

Start in Christchurch, return to Christchurch – a perfect mix of mountains, lakes, and coast.

Day 1 – Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (3 hrs). Stay for stargazing.

Day 2 – Tekapo to Aoraki Mt Cook (1 hr). Hooker Valley Track.

Day 3 – Mt Cook to Wanaka (3 hrs). That Wanaka Tree and cinema.

Day 4 – Wanaka to Queenstown (1 hr). Adventure capital.

Day 5 – Queenstown – day trip to Glenorchy (45 min each way).

Day 6 – Queenstown to Te Anau (2 hrs). Glowworm caves.

Day 7 – Te Anau to Milford Sound (2 hrs). Boat cruise, then back to Te Anau.

Day 8 – Te Anau to Dunedin (4.5 hrs). Wildlife and railway station.

Day 9 – Dunedin to Oamaru (1.5 hrs). Moeraki Boulders and penguins.

Day 10 – Oamaru back to Christchurch (3.5 hrs) via the inland scenic route.

Our hybrid SUVs are ideal for this loop – fuel efficient but with enough space for luggage and hiking gear.