Snowy alpine scenery
Dramatic mountain views and snow-dusted peaks make winter drives unforgettable. The Mackenzie region, Tekapo, and Central Otago deliver some of the South Island’s most striking winter landscapes.
South Island Winter Road Trips
Winter is one of the most beautiful times to explore the South Island. Discover snowy mountain roads, alpine scenery and quiet destinations with a compact Suzuki Jimny.
Suzuki Jimny hire with snow chains included in winter · Christchurch & Queenstown pickup
Why explore the South Island in winter?
Winter brings a different kind of magic: fewer crowds, crisp air, and landscapes that feel untouched. Here’s why it’s one of the best times to plan a South Island road trip.
Quieter destinations
Popular spots feel calmer in winter. You’ll have more space to enjoy lakefronts, lookouts, and small towns without the peak-season crowds.
Clear winter days
Crisp air and clear skies often mean better visibility and stunning scenery. Winter can be one of the most rewarding times to travel the South Island.
Driving the South Island in winter
Most main tourist routes remain accessible in winter. Conditions in alpine areas can change, so a bit of preparation goes a long way — and we’re here to help. Snow chains are included during winter months with your Jimny hire, so you’re ready when they’re required.
Jimnys are compact and practical for South Island travel: easy to drive on winding roads and in small towns. You can pick up in Christchurch or Queenstown. Gravel roads are welcome; off-roading is not allowed on our vehicles.
Check winter availabilityWinter trip checklist
- Snow chains included in winter
- Christchurch or Queenstown pickup
- Compact Jimny — easy on alpine roads
- Gravel roads welcome
- Minimum 3-day hire
Best South Island winter road trip destinations
Lake Tekapo
Snowy mountain views, the famous turquoise lake, and a stargazing atmosphere that’s hard to beat. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the dark-sky reserve make Tekapo a must on a winter route.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Dramatic alpine scenery and one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. The road along Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village is unforgettable in winter.
Arthur’s Pass
Spectacular mountain roads, valleys, and a classic alpine drive. Winter adds snow-capped peaks and a quieter, more atmospheric journey.
Queenstown & Central Otago
Alpine lakes, open landscapes, and stunning winter scenery. Queenstown is a perfect base or endpoint for a winter road trip.
Why hire a Jimny for a winter road trip?
Compact
Easy to drive on winding alpine roads and in small towns. No stress in car parks or narrow streets.
Capable
Great for gravel roads and scenic backroads. Built for the kind of driving the South Island offers.
Winter ready
Snow chains are included in winter months so you’re prepared when conditions require them.
Example South Island winter itinerary
A simple three-stage route that takes in lakes, mountains, and alpine scenery.
1
Christchurch to Tekapo
Start from Christchurch and head inland. Stop at Geraldine or Fairlie, then arrive at Lake Tekapo for snowy mountain views and stargazing.
2
Tekapo to Mount Cook
Drive along Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Allow time for the Hooker Valley walk or viewpoints — one of the South Island’s most scenic legs.
3
Mount Cook to Queenstown
Return via Twizel and Omarama, over the Lindis Pass (check conditions in winter), then to Wanaka or Cromwell and on to Queenstown.
Need more ideas? Use our South Island road trip planner for interactive maps and route presets.
Pick up in Christchurch or Queenstown
Christchurch fleet
- Rooftop tents and camping gear available
- Great for longer South Island road trips
Queenstown fleet
- Airport pickup nearby
- Snow chains included in winter
- No rooftop tents
Ready to explore the South Island this winter?
Book your Jimny early and start planning your winter road trip.
Frequently asked questions
Are Jimnys good for South Island winter road trips?
Yes. The Suzuki Jimny is compact and practical for winter travel: easy to drive on alpine roads and in small towns. Snow chains are included in winter, and we offer pickup in Christchurch and Queenstown.
Are snow chains included?
Yes. Snow chains are included during winter months with your Jimny hire when they’re required for the routes you’re driving.
Where can I pick up the vehicle?
You can pick up in Christchurch or Queenstown. Christchurch offers rooftop tents and camping gear; Queenstown vehicles include snow chains in winter and are near the airport. No rooftop tents in Queenstown.
Can I drive gravel roads?
Yes. Gravel roads and scenic backroads are welcome. Off-roading is not allowed on our rental vehicles.
Can I camp in the Jimny?
Our Christchurch fleet can be fitted with rooftop tents and camping gear (Adventure Package). Sleeping in the Jimny is possible with that setup. Queenstown vehicles do not have rooftop tents.