Shortest Driving Distances and Times Between South Island Cities in New Zealand

In this article, we will discuss the shortest driving distances and times between popular cities on the South Island, as well as provide some guidance on how to get there.

1. Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

The shortest driving distance between Christchurch and Lake Tekapo is 227 km (141 mi). To get there, take State Highway 1 (SH1) south from Christchurch, then turn onto State Highway 79 (SH79) at Geraldine. Continue on SH79 until you reach State Highway 8 (SH8), which will take you directly to Lake Tekapo. The estimated driving time is approximately 3 hours.

2. Christchurch to Dunedin

The shortest driving distance between Christchurch and Dunedin is 361 km (224 mi). To get there, follow SH1 south from Christchurch, passing through Timaru and Oamaru. The estimated driving time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

3. Christchurch to Franz Josef

The shortest driving distance between Christchurch and Franz Josef is 379 km (236 mi). To get there, take SH73 west from Christchurch, then turn onto State Highway 6 (SH6) at Kumara Junction. Follow SH6 south along the West Coast to reach Franz Josef. The estimated driving time is approximately 5 hours.

4. Christchurch to Greymouth

The shortest driving distance between Christchurch and Greymouth is 241 km (150 mi). To get there, follow SH73 west from Christchurch, passing through Arthur’s Pass National Park. The estimated driving time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

5. Christchurch to Omarama

The shortest driving distance between Christchurch and Omarama is 314 km (195 mi). To get there, take SH1 south from Christchurch, then turn onto SH79 at Geraldine. Continue on SH79 until you reach SH8, which will take you directly to Omarama. The estimated driving time is approximately 4 hours.

6. Christchurch to Queenstown

The shortest driving distance between Christchurch and Queenstown is 483 km (300 mi). To get there, take SH1 south from Christchurch, then turn onto SH79 at Geraldine. Continue on SH79 until you reach SH8, which will take you directly to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Cromwell. The estimated driving time is approximately 6 hours.

7. Dunedin to Franz Josef

The shortest driving distance between Dunedin and Franz Josef is 554 km (344 mi). To get there, follow SH1 north from Dunedin, then turn onto SH6 at Haast Pass. Follow SH6 north along the West Coast to reach Franz Josef. The estimated driving time is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

8. Dunedin to Gore

The shortest driving distance between Dunedin and Gore is 151 km (94 mi). To get there, follow SH1 south from Dunedin. The estimated driving time is approximately 2 hours.

9. Dunedin to Nelson

The shortest driving distance between Dunedin and Nelson is 770 km (478 mi). To get there, follow SH1 north from Dunedin, then turn onto SH6 at Inangahua Junction. Follow SH6 north along the West Coast and through the Buller Gorge to reach Nelson. The estimated driving time is approximately 10 hours.

10. Dunedin to Queenstown

The shortest driving distance between Dunedin and Queenstown is 282 km (175 mi). To get there, follow SH1 south from Dunedin, then turn onto SH8 at Clarksville Junction. Follow SH8 through Alexandra and Cromwell to reach Queenstown. The estimated driving time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

11. Picton to Ashburton

The shortest driving distance between Picton and Ashburton is 560 km (348 mi). To get there, follow SH1 south from Picton, passing through Blenheim, Kaikoura, and Christchurch. The estimated driving time is approximately 7 hours.

12. Picton to Fairlie

The shortest driving distance between Picton and Fairlie is 657 km (408 mi). To get there, follow SH1 south from Picton, then turn onto SH79 at Geraldine. Continue on SH79 until you reach Fairlie. The estimated driving time is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

13. Picton to Invercargill

The shortest driving distance between Picton and Invercargill is 1037 km (644 mi). To get there, follow SH1 south from Picton, passing through Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Timaru, and Dunedin. The estimated driving time is approximately 13 hours.

14. Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

The shortest driving distance between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo is 256 km (159 mi). To get there, follow SH6 north from Queenstown, then turn onto SH8 at Cromwell. Follow SH8 through Omarama to reach Lake Tekapo. The estimated driving time is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

15. Queenstown to Milford Sound

The shortest driving distance between Queenstown and Milford Sound is 286 km (178 mi). To get there, follow SH6 south from Queenstown, then turn onto SH94 at Five Rivers. Follow SH94 through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound. The estimated driving time is approximately 4 hours.

16. Queenstown to Motueka

The shortest driving distance between Queenstown and Motueka is 812 km (505 mi). To get there, follow SH6 north from Queenstown, then turn onto SH63 at Kawatiri Junction. Continue on SH63 until you reach SH6 again, then follow SH6 north through Murchison and Nelson to reach Motueka. The estimated driving time is approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Remember to always check road conditions and allow for extra travel time when planning your journey. Safe travels!