6 Week South Island Motorhome Itinerary from Christchurch

A six-week South Island motorhome trip from Christchurch gives you time to slow down, explore beyond the main highlights and enjoy New Zealand at a much more relaxed pace.

With six weeks, you can include Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, the West Coast, Nelson, Abel Tasman, Kaikōura, Central Otago, Dunedin, the Catlins and more, without needing to rush from one stop to the next.

This itinerary is a flexible route idea, not a strict schedule. Weather, campground availability, road conditions and your own travel pace should always shape the final plan.

Who this itinerary suits

A six-week South Island itinerary suits travellers who want a proper road trip rather than a quick holiday.

It works well for international visitors, retired travellers, families with more time, sabbatical travellers, and anyone wanting to spend longer in the places they enjoy.

Six weeks also gives you more flexibility around weather. That matters in the South Island, especially around alpine areas, Milford Sound, the West Coast and the glaciers.

Days 1–3: Christchurch pickup and a gentle start

After pickup and handover in Christchurch, keep the first few days simple. A motorhome handover takes time because you need to understand the power, water, heating, fridge, gas, toilet, shower, grey water and other systems before heading away.

Use the first day to collect the motorhome, buy groceries, unpack and stay somewhere easy. You might spend your first night near Christchurch, then ease into the trip rather than planning a long drive straight after pickup.

Starting slowly helps the rest of the journey feel more relaxed.

Days 4–7: Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook

The Mackenzie Country is one of the best places to begin a South Island motorhome trip.

Spend time around Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook. With six weeks, you can stay longer than most travellers and wait for good weather if needed.

Highlights may include the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo hot pools, stargazing, Lake Pukaki viewpoints, the Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier viewpoints and short walks around Mount Cook village.

This area rewards slow travel, so avoid treating it as a one-night stop.

Days 8–12: Central Otago, Queenstown and Glenorchy

From the Mackenzie Country, travel south through Central Otago toward Queenstown.

With six weeks, you can take your time through places like Omarama, Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra or Arrowtown rather than driving straight through.

Queenstown is worth several nights if you want time for the lakefront, gondola, restaurants, activities, Arrowtown or a drive toward Glenorchy. It can be busy, so booking ahead in peak season is sensible.

Glenorchy is a beautiful side trip and feels much better when you are not rushing.

Days 13–17: Te Anau, Milford Sound and Fiordland

Te Anau is the best base for visiting Milford Sound and exploring Fiordland.

Allowing several nights here gives you flexibility around weather and road conditions. You can choose to drive the Milford Road yourself if conditions suit, or book a coach and cruise option for a more relaxed day.

With extra time, you can also enjoy Te Anau itself, lake walks, glowworm caves, Manapouri or quieter days before moving on.

Fiordland is one of the areas where a longer hire makes a real difference.

Days 18–22: The Catlins and Dunedin

From Fiordland or Southland, continue toward the Catlins and Dunedin.

The Catlins gives you a different side of the South Island, with rugged coast, waterfalls, wildlife, beaches and quieter roads. It is often missed on shorter trips, but it fits well into a six-week itinerary.

Dunedin is useful for supplies, history, wildlife, the Otago Peninsula and a change of pace after several rural stops.

This section is ideal for travellers who want more than the standard Tekapo, Queenstown and West Coast route.

Days 23–27: Wanaka and the lakes

After the south, work your way back toward Wanaka and the lakes.

Wanaka is a great place to pause for several nights. You can walk by the lake, visit cafés, restock supplies, enjoy viewpoints and take a break from moving every day.

With six weeks, you can also spend more time around Hawea, Cardrona, Cromwell or quieter lakeside areas depending on your route.

This is a good point in the trip to slow down and reset.

Days 28–34: Haast Pass and the West Coast

From Wanaka, travel over the Haast Pass to the West Coast.

The West Coast is best enjoyed with flexibility. Weather can change quickly, but the rainforest, waterfalls, wild beaches, glaciers and coastal scenery are all part of the experience.

Good stops may include Haast, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Okarito, Hokitika, Greymouth and Punakaiki.

With six weeks, you can take extra nights where the weather is good, avoid long driving days and spend more time in the places that suit your style.

Days 35–39: Nelson, Abel Tasman and Golden Bay

From the West Coast, continue toward Nelson, Abel Tasman and possibly Golden Bay.

This part of the trip feels quite different from the alpine and West Coast sections. You get beaches, warmer weather, coastal walks, kayaking options, cafés, markets and a more relaxed holiday feel.

Abel Tasman is worth several nights if you enjoy beaches or walking. Golden Bay can also be included if you want a quieter, more remote-feeling extension.

This is one of the main advantages of a six-week South Island motorhome trip: you can include the top of the South Island properly.

Days 40–41: Kaikōura or Hanmer Springs

From Nelson, start working your way back toward Christchurch.

Kaikōura is a good coastal option with wildlife, sea views and seafood. Hanmer Springs is a good inland option with hot pools, forest walks and a relaxed final stop.

Choose the route that suits your timing and energy level. By this stage, it is better to finish calmly than squeeze in too much.

Day 42: Return to Christchurch

Return the motorhome to our Christchurch base at the agreed time.

It is usually best to stay your final night within easy reach of Christchurch. This gives you time to refuel, empty waste tanks, pack properly and return the motorhome without stress.

If you are flying out after your hire, SpringLight can usually drop you back to Christchurch Airport after return, depending on timing.

Why six weeks works well

Six weeks gives you time to experience the South Island properly.

You can travel the classic route, add the Catlins, Dunedin, Nelson, Abel Tasman and quieter detours, and still have time for rest days and weather changes.

A shorter trip can still be excellent, but six weeks gives you room to enjoy the journey rather than constantly thinking about the next drive.

If six weeks is longer than you have available, our 4 week South Island motorhome itinerary still gives you a relaxed route with time for the main highlights, Nelson, Abel Tasman and Kaikōura.

For more trip-length advice, read our guide on how long to hire a motorhome in New Zealand.

Travelling with SpringLight

SpringLight Motorhomes is based in Christchurch and offers clean, comfortable and well-equipped motorhomes for South Island road trips and longer New Zealand adventures.

All SpringLight hires include unlimited mileage, so you can enjoy your route without worrying about an additional kilometre surcharge for the hire itself. We also provide a full handover before you leave, so you understand the vehicle and feel confident before starting your trip.

If you are flying into Christchurch, you can select free Christchurch Airport pickup. We will bring you back to our base for your full handover before you head away.

Ready to plan your South Island motorhome trip?

View our available motorhomes, check availability and book online, or contact us if you have questions before booking.