Itinerary

South Island Highlights Loop

Duration: 7 Days

Start/End: Christchurch
Total Distance: Approx. 2,569 km (1,596 mi)
 

Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

Route: Christchurch – Kaikōura – Waiau – Hanmer Springs
Distance: 307 km (191 mi)
Highlights: Kick off your South Island ride heading north out of Christchurch, following the scenic SH1 toward the stunning Kaikōura Coast. As the Pacific Ocean hugs the road to your right and the Kaikōura Ranges rise dramatically on the left, this stretch delivers incredible seaside twisties with frequent wildlife sightings — keep an eye out for fur seals and seabirds. After a break in Kaikōura for fresh seafood or a short beach stroll, turn inland at Mt Fyffe and head west through rolling farmland. The route becomes more winding as you approach Waiau, offering gentle curves through pastoral countryside. From Waiau, it's a relaxed climb into the alpine thermal resort town of Hanmer Springs, where you'll wrap up the day with a soak in the famous hot pools.

Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Hokitika

Route: Hanmer – Lewis Pass – Reefton – Buller Gorge – Punakaiki – Greymouth - Hokitika
Distance: 346 km (215 mi)
Highlights: Depart Hanmer Springs and head west into the heart of the Southern Alps via the majestic Lewis Pass, a remote alpine route lined with native beech forest and rugged peaks. From Springs Junction, ride the tight, twisty section into Reefton, a historic gold-mining town perfect for a coffee stop. Continue through the Buller Gorge, where the road carves alongside the river, framed by steep rock faces and dense bush. Rejoin the coast at Westport, then enjoy the wild, windswept beauty of the West Coast as you head south through Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. The final coastal leg through Greymouth to Hokitika is smooth and scenic, with sweeping sea views and frequent glimpses of driftwood-strewn beaches.
 

Day 3: Hokitika to Wanaka

Route: Hokitika – Franz Josef – Haast Pass – Wanaka
Distance: 419 km (260 mi)
Highlights: Start your day tracing the remote and rugged West Coast Highway past lush rainforest, glacier-carved valleys, and dramatic seascapes. Stop in Franz Josef to view the famous glacier or take a short hike into the bush. South of Fox Glacier, the road narrows and winds through dense native forest, offering a thrilling ride toward Haast. After crossing the Haast River, begin the stunning Haast Pass climb, a jewel of alpine riding, with cascading waterfalls, deep river gorges, and quiet forest sections. Once over the pass, the scenery opens up dramatically as you cruise along Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka toward the vibrant lakeside town of Wanaka.

Day 4: Wanaka to Queenstown (Rest Afternoon)

Route: Wanaka – Cardrona – Crown Range – Arrowtown – Glenorchy - Queenstown
Distance: 167 km (104 mi)
Highlights: A shorter, relaxed day packed with iconic high-country riding. Leave Wanaka via the picturesque Cardrona Valley, climbing to the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, offering spectacular alpine views and exhilarating switchbacks. Stop for a photo at the summit, then descend into Arrowtown, a charming historic village worth exploring on foot. Continue to Queenstown and, if you’re up for more riding, take the scenic detour along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and back, a world-class route of tight bends, lake vistas, and towering peaks. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Day 5: Queenstown to Dunedin

Route: Queenstown – Cromwell – Alexandra – Roxburgh – Lawrence - Dunedin
Distance: 283 km (176 mi)
Highlights: Ride out through the Kawarau Gorge, past dramatic cliffs and vineyards, before cruising the sweeping roads around Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and on to Alexandra. This Central Otago leg features big skies, golden tussock landscapes, and gentle undulations perfect for cruising. Stop for a pie in Roxburgh, then follow the Clutha River south through Lawrence, one of Otago’s oldest towns. As you descend toward the Pacific, the terrain shifts from dry interior hills to green farmland. The ride into Dunedin wraps up with coastal views and the option to explore the city’s rich Scottish heritage and lively pub scene.

Day 6: Dunedin to Tekapo

Route: Dunedin – Moeraki – Oamaru – Omarama – Tekapo
Distance: 318 km (198 mi)
Highlights: Leave the city behind and follow SH1 north along the coastline. Take a short detour to visit the mysterious Moeraki Boulders scattered along the beach, then continue to Oamaru with its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and steam-punk precinct. From there, ride inland through rolling farmland to the alpine basin of Omarama, a good lunch stop and gliding capital of New Zealand. Cruise toward the high Mackenzie Country, where turquoise lakes and wide-open roads lead you into Tekapo. Check out the famous Church of the Good Shepherd or stargazing in the International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 7: Tekapo to Christchurch

Route: Tekapo – Burkes Pass – Geraldine – Inland Scenic Route – Oxford – Ashley Gorge – Rangiora – Christchurch
Distance: 302 km (188 mi)
Highlights: Begin your final leg with the gentle descent through Burkes Pass, then drop into the lush farmland around Fairlie and Geraldine. From here, ride the lesser-known Inland Scenic Route, a local favourite for motorcyclists, winding through the foothills and small towns of Canterbury. The road through Oxford and Ashley Gorge offers flowing corners, native bush, and a peaceful backcountry feel. Loop past Rangiora and finish with a smooth cruise back into Christchurch. It’s the perfect wind-down after a week of world-class riding across New Zealand’s stunning South Island.