One Charge Challenge: Driving from Sweden to New Zealand on a Single Charge

Seventeen thousand nine hundred and fifty-one kilometres (or 11,154 miles). That’s the distance from Polestar’s HQ in Sweden to Polestar Christchurch in New Zealand. But when it comes to great driving roads, this South Island destination might just be the perfect place for a Polestar 2.

One route stands above the rest: the 230 km journey from the West Coast to Christchurch. Regardless of which Polestar 2 you’re in, you’ll have plenty of battery left upon arrival—but the drive is so good, you might just turn around and do it again.

READ MORE: Hilarious moment ‘God’s Eye’ self driving car crashes as it shows off ‘intelligent’ parking

For this adventure, we’re in a Polestar 2 Long range Single motor, designed for sharp handling and instant torque—ideal for the endless twists and turns that carve through New Zealand’s breathtaking high country.

And thanks to the country’s geothermal and hydroelectric power, charging is as sustainable as the landscape itself.

Starting in Greymouth, the road immediately heads inland, where the scenery changes at an astonishing pace—from beaches to rainforest to mountains in under an hour.

Following the Taramakau River, the Polestar 2 climbs effortlessly toward the first major highlight: the Otira Viaduct. A feat of engineering, this elevated road slices through a vast valley, providing a perfect chance to feel the EV’s power and torque on the winding ascent.

Next up is Arthur’s Pass, where you might spot a Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot—and a notorious car-chewer.

But a few nibbled trim pieces are a small price to pay for seeing one of New Zealand’s rarest birds. Film buffs will also recognize this dramatic terrain as the Misty Mountains from Lord of the Rings.

Beyond Arthur’s Pass, the landscape transforms into a high-altitude grassland, known as the high country. Here, wide-open roads stretch through golden plains, lakes, and mountain peaks, offering some of the best driving in the world.

Along the way, you’ll pass historic homesteads and luxury lodges, like the renowned Wilderness Lodge, where travelers can pause for an unforgettable stay.

As the road descends into Christchurch, the scenery shifts once more, leading into a city that blends heritage architecture with a thriving café scene. But the adventure doesn’t have to end here—there’s always more of New Zealand’s incredible roads to explore.

A three-hour journey that takes you from coastline to rainforest, alpine peaks to open plains, with world-class driving and wildlife encounters in between—this might just be one of the best road trips on the planet.

READ MORE: Porsche Showcases Iconic Models at Retro Classics 2025