South Island winter road trips
Three self-drive itineraries from Christchurch. Your car, your pace, winter light.
Pick your route
3 nights / 4 days
Mackenzie Basin Winter Escape
Christchurch → Tekapo → Aoraki/Mt Cook → Twizel → Christchurch
View itinerary →4 nights / 5 days
Southern Alps & Queenstown Loop
Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass → Queenstown → Arrowtown → Crown Range → Christchurch
View itinerary →3 nights / 4 days
West Coast Wilderness Drive
Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass → Hokitika → Franz Josef → return (or one-way flight option)
View itinerary →Why drive in winter
No crowds
The Mackenzie in July is a different place to the Mackenzie in January.
Better light
Low winter sun on snow. The South Island earns its reputation.
The road is yours
Empty highways, unhurried stops, no queue at the glacier car park.
Cars built for these roads
Indicative daily rates — confirm when you choose dates.