At a glance
The route
A clockwise loop around the South Island, with three nights in Twizel for flexibility around Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Christchurch Airport → Castle Hill → Arthur’s Pass → Kokatahi
30 July · collect the car and head west.
Kokatahi / Hokitika
30 July – 1 August · 2 nights.
Franz Josef / Tatare
1 – 3 August · 2 nights.
Wānaka
3 – 5 August · 2 nights.
Te Anau
5 – 7 August · 2 nights.
Queenstown
7 – 9 August · 2 nights.
Twizel
9 – 12 August · 3 nights.
Christchurch
12 – 14 August · 2 nights, then fly home.
Where we're staying
Kokatahi
Home in Kokatahi · host Angela
43 Wall Road, Kokatahi
Open Airbnb booking ↗Franz Josef / Tatare
Charles Douglas Place
16 Charles Douglas Pl, 7886 Tatare
Open Booking.com reservation ↗Wānaka
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Wanaka
3 adults, 2 children · Hotels.com itinerary: 72080579943909
Open Hotels.com booking ↗Day-by-day plan
| 30 Jul · Fri | Christchurch → Kokatahi. Collect car, then Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass if conditions and energy allow. Long travel day — keep stops optional. |
|---|---|
| 31 Jul · Sat | Hokitika / Kokatahi. Explore Hokitika, beach and local area; take it easy after arrival. |
| 1 Aug · Sun | Kokatahi → Franz Josef. Glacier area walks; Lake Matheson if weather and daylight suit. |
| 2 Aug · Mon | Franz Josef area. Flexible day for glacier viewpoints, short walks and weather. |
| 3 Aug · Tue | Franz Josef → Wānaka. Drive via Haast Pass with scenic stops; check road status. |
| 4 Aug · Wed | Wānaka. Lakefront, That Wānaka Tree and a relaxed day. |
| 5 Aug · Thu | Wānaka → Te Anau. Allow a good part of the day for the drive and breaks. |
| 6 Aug · Fri | Milford Sound day trip. Cruise and road trip, subject to weather and Milford Road conditions. |
| 7 Aug · Sat | Te Anau → Queenstown. Settle in; Queenstown Gardens or lakeside. |
| 8 Aug · Sun | Queenstown. Arrowtown, Skyline or Glenorchy depending on weather and family energy. |
| 9 Aug · Mon | Queenstown → Twizel. Via Lake Pukaki and Aoraki / Mount Cook if road and weather allow. |
| 10 Aug · Tue | Mount Cook / Pukaki. Use the day for the best weather window; check track access. |
| 11 Aug · Wed | Twizel / Tekapo. Extra flexibility for lakes, snow play if conditions allow, and stargazing. |
| 12 Aug · Thu | Twizel → Christchurch. Travel via Lake Tekapo; allow time for stops. |
| 13 Aug · Fri | Christchurch. Full day in the city; prepare for departure. |
| 14 Aug · Sat | Fly out of Christchurch at 4:15 pm. Return rental car and use the shuttle to the airport. |
Flights
| 26 Jul 2027 | Heathrow → Singapore · NZ3319 |
|---|---|
| 29 Jul 2027 | Singapore → Christchurch · NZ3297 |
| 30 Jul 2027 | Arrive Christchurch at 9:30 am |
| 14 Aug 2027 | Christchurch → Auckland · NZ558 |
| 14 Aug 2027 | Auckland → Vancouver · NZ24 |
| 17 Aug 2027 | Vancouver → Heathrow · AC860 |
| 18 Aug 2027 | Arrive Heathrow at 1:20 pm |
Rental car
Toyota Alphard or similar
GoldStar Car Rentals · booked via DiscoverCars.com
Booking: D015553893
Confirmation: D015553893-LANS
Airport collection
- Collect luggage.
- Call +64 3 360 3113, option 1, for the Airpark Canterbury courtesy shuttle.
- Freephone is available by Door 7 if needed.
- Shuttle collection is outside Door 1.
- Look for red and white Mercedes vans with Airpark Canterbury stickers.
Rental office
29 Logistics Drive, Harewood, Christchurch.
Return the vehicle to the office; shuttle transfer takes you back to the airport.
Collection and return times still need confirming. Check that the vehicle supplied has sufficient luggage capacity for five travellers and four large suitcases plus hand luggage.
Winter travel notes
Road conditions
Check NZTA road conditions before each major drive, particularly Arthur’s Pass, Haast Pass, Milford Road and routes around Aoraki / Mount Cook.
NZTA Journey Planner ↗Child restraints
Children under 7 must use an approved child restraint in New Zealand. Confirm suitable seats/boosters with the rental company before travel.
Weather flexibility
Keep Mount Cook, Pukaki and Milford Sound plans flexible. Winter weather can change quickly; allow extra driving time and avoid rushing.
What to pack
Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats, sturdy footwear and spare clothes for the children. Expect frost and possible snow/ice inland.