How long it takes to drive around the South Island will depend on the pace at which you want to travel. The distance from the most northern to the southern tip of the island is 895 km, and it would take roughly two days to travel by car. Ideally, you would give yourself more time to travel and afford a week or more. The island may be small geographically, but it is also vast and diverse. The South Island is home to the buzzing Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, and expansive regions like Milford Sound and Franz Josef/Waiau. Inspiring Journeys’ South Island tours curate the duration of trips to balance a pace that allows for in-depth exposure to the destination but makes space for relaxation.