10-Day South Island Loop TranzAlpine Train South Island

August 23rd, 2025

I’m the creator at Virtual Journeys NZ & Australia and in this guide I’ll walk you through my favourite 10-day South Island loop that pairs the iconic Tranzalpine train South Island journey with Milford Sound, glaciers, high passes and lake‑side stargazing. This itinerary balances train time, scenic driving and one‑day adventures so you don’t end up spending all day behind the wheel.

Quick itinerary overview

Ten days, loop from Christchurch and back:

Night 1 – Christchurch
Night 2 – Punakaiki (West Coast)
Night 3 – Franz Josef
Nights 4–5 – Wanaka (or Queenstown)
Nights 6–7 – Te Anau (Milford Sound base)
Nights 8–9 – Mount Cook / Lake Tekapo region
Day 10 – Return to Christchurch

Day 1 — Christchurch: arrive and settle in

Christchurch airport is a short 15‑minute transfer into the CBD. I recommend staying near the Botanic Gardens for a relaxed first night — great for a stroll and easy access to the next morning’s TranzAlpine departure.

Day 2 — TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth

Board the tranzalpine train south island at 8:15 am (arrive early to check luggage). The rail route climbs into the Southern Alps, stops briefly at Arthur’s Pass village, then runs through the long Otira Tunnel and down into West Coast rainforest. The scenery is the real reason to choose the train — no driving, huge vistas and a relaxed start to your road loop.

Train vs rental car

If you prefer flexibility, drive the same route yourself to stop at photo spots like Castle Hill and the Punchbowl Falls outlook. If you choose the train and pick up a car in Greymouth, book the rental in advance — depots are small and choices limited in peak season.

Day 2–3 — Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks

From Greymouth head north along the Tasman Sea to Punakaiki. The Pancake Rocks and Pororari River track are must‑sees. Note: Punakaiki doesn’t have a supermarket, so stock up beforehand in Greymouth.

Day 3 — Franz Josef and the West Coast gems

Travel south to Franz Josef (roughly 3–4 hours with stops). Highlights en route: Hokitika Gorge’s turquoise water, the Kumara hotel, Ross gold‑rush relics and the Arahura Valley jade outlets. In Franz Josef choose between glacier heli‑hiking (weather dependent) or exploring Ōkarito Lagoon and its birdlife.

Days 4–5 — Wanaka or Queenstown

I prefer Wanaka for a more relaxed vibe and shorter drives. Spend two nights here: hikes, Matukituki River, Mount Aspiring National Park, and food‑and‑wine options. If you want nightlife and adventure sports, Queenstown is nearby but busier.

Days 6–7 — Te Anau and Milford Sound

Drive the Crown Range/ Kawarau route into Te Anau (or via the scenic Haast route from Wanaka). Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound. I recommend a small‑group operator (I use Trips & Tramps) and doing the combo: morning water‑taxi + short Milford Track walk to Giant Gate Falls, then an afternoon Milford Sound cruise. It’s one of New Zealand’s best full‑day experiences.

Tip: If you prefer a quieter, all‑day boat experience consider Doubtful Sound (requires a boat across Lake Manapouri plus a coach transfer).

Days 8–9 — Mount Cook / Lake Tekapo region

From Te Anau you’ll have a longer driving day back toward the Mackenzie Basin. Stay either at Twizel, Lake Tekapo or Mount Cook village — each has its pros. Tekapo is excellent for stargazing (Mount John) while Mount Cook offers alpine walks like Hooker Valley and Tasman Glacier viewpoints. Book ahead — accommodation is limited in peak season.

Day 10 — Return to Christchurch (inland scenic route)

If your flight allows, take the inland scenic route via Geraldine and Rangitata, stopping for local treats and short forest park walks. Otherwise head straight to Christchurch airport along State Highway 1.

Packing and planning tips

Pre‑book trains, rental cars and glacier or Milford operators in summer.
Expect rapid weather changes in alpine zones — layers, waterproofs and sturdy boots.
Fuel up at larger towns; West Coast and Haast have long gaps between services.
Download my travel planning sheet or use a tailored GPT planner for custom edits to this route.

“How do you fit these iconic experiences into one loop without endless driving?” — the answer is a mix of train + focused driving days, smart overnight stops, and booking key activities in advance.

This ten‑day loop pairs the tranzalpine train south island experience with the West Coast, Wanaka, Milford Sound and Mount Cook — a practical, scenic and memorable way to see the South Island without over‑stretching your schedule. If you want a version with more hiking days or more time in Queenstown, the route is simple to adapt.

Safe travels — see you on the road.