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Best Scenic Drives in the South Island

The South Island is famous for its scenic drives. From alpine passes and turquoise lakes to rainforest and coast, here are the best stretches, with links to our detailed drive guides so you can plan stops, times, and conditions.

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Updated for 2026

In this guide

The list

1

Milford Road (Te Anau to Milford Sound)

Fiordland

Often called one of the world’s most scenic drives. Fiordland rainforest, mirror lakes, Homer Tunnel, and the fiord. Allow 2 hours each way plus stops.

Best time: Year-round. Rain brings waterfalls.

  • Start early
  • Allow 4+ hours return with stops
  • Check tunnel/road status
Best drive Read destination guide
2

Lindis Pass (Lake Tekapo to Wanaka)

Canterbury / Otago

Golden tussock hills and the Lindis summit lookout. Key leg between the lakes and Central Otago.

Best time: Year-round. Winter can bring snow.

  • Photo stop at summit
  • Fuel at Omarama
  • Sealed road
Best drive Read destination guide
3

Haast Pass (Wanaka to West Coast)

Otago / West Coast

Mountain and rainforest; Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, and Lake Hawea views.

Best time: Year-round. Winter conditions possible.

  • Allow 3–4 hours
  • Multiple waterfall stops
  • Check NZTA in winter
Best drive Read destination guide
4

Lake Pukaki (Tekapo to Mount Cook)

Canterbury

Turquoise lake with Aoraki/Mount Cook at the end. Straightforward sealed road; views the whole way.

Best time: Clear days year-round.

  • Multiple lookouts
  • About 1 hr 15 min
  • Fill fuel at Tekapo
Best drive Read destination guide
5

Queenstown to Glenorchy

Otago

Stunning drive along Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables. Short and unforgettable.

Best time: Year-round.

  • About 45 min
  • Glenorchy for Dart River
  • Sealed
Best drive Read destination guide
6

Arthur’s Pass (Christchurch to West Coast)

Canterbury

Alpine pass with Devil’s Punchbowl, kea, and Otira Viaduct. Dramatic mountain scenery.

Best time: Year-round. Winter snow/ice possible.

  • Stop at Devil’s Punchbowl
  • Chains in winter
  • Sealed highway
Read destination guide
7

Kaikōura coast (Picton to Christchurch)

Marlborough / Canterbury

Coastal road with sea and mountains. Whale watching, seals, and seafood in Kaikōura.

Best time: Year-round. Check for slips.

  • Allow 2.5–3 hrs Christchurch–Kaikōura
  • Sealed; can be affected by slips
  • NZTA for status
Best drive Read destination guide
8

Crown Range (Queenstown to Wanaka)

Otago

Highest sealed road in NZ. Cardrona valley and summit views. Alternative to the Cromwell route.

Best time: Year-round. Can be icy in winter.

  • Allow ~1 hour
  • Check conditions in winter
  • Cardrona Hotel stop
Best drive Read destination guide
9

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Canterbury

Plains to lake; first taste of the turquoise lakes and Church of the Good Shepherd.

Best time: Year-round.

  • About 3 hours
  • Fuel at Geraldine
  • Sealed highway
Best drive Read destination guide
10

Hokitika to Punakaiki

West Coast

West Coast rainforest and coast; Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes.

Best time: Year-round. Rain common.

  • Allow 1.5–2 hours
  • Punakaiki walk
  • Sealed
Best drive Read destination guide

What makes a drive scenic?

We’ve picked routes for views, variety, and accessibility on public sealed and gravel roads. All are suitable for standard vehicles when driven to conditions. Winter can affect alpine passes; check NZTA and carry chains where required.

Lindis Pass

The drive from Omarama to Wanaka over the Lindis Pass is all golden tussock and big skies. Summit lookout is a must-stop. Sealed; can be icy in winter.

Haast Pass

Wanaka to the West Coast through mountain and rainforest. Waterfalls, lakes, and dramatic scenery. Allow a full morning or afternoon; check conditions in winter.

Planning tip

Combine several of these drives into a loop using our South Island road trip itinerary. Fill up fuel before remote sections.

Plan your trip

Itineraries, camping guides, and drive routes to help you plan.

Camping resources Camping Freedom camping NZ South Island itinerary Best road trip route Te Anau → Milford Sound Lake Tekapo → Wanaka Wanaka → Haast Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook Queenstown → Glenorchy Kaikōura → Christchurch Milford Sound Wanaka Aoraki Mount Cook Queenstown Kaikōura Punakaiki

Frequently asked questions

What is the most scenic drive in the South Island?
Many rate the Milford Road (Te Anau to Milford Sound) as the most scenic. Lindis Pass, Haast Pass, and the drive to Mount Cook along Lake Pukaki are also highlights.
Is the Lindis Pass open in winter?
Usually yes, but it can be affected by snow and ice. Check NZTA for conditions; carry chains when required.
How long is the drive to Milford Sound?
From Te Anau, about 2 hours each way. Allow a full day return with stops and a cruise. From Queenstown, allow 4 hours each way to Milford.
Are these drives suitable for a normal car?
Yes. The routes we list are on public sealed or maintained gravel roads. Drive to conditions; winter may require chains on passes.
Do I need a 4WD for scenic drives?
No. Main scenic routes are sealed. 4WD can help on some gravel roads and in winter; off-road is not permitted on rentals.
What is the best time for scenic drives?
Year-round. Clear days show the views best. March and April often have great weather and fewer crowds. Winter can bring snow on passes; check conditions.

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