New Zealand’s South Island offers myriad choices for those seeking a carefree, rejuvenating escape.
A 2 day 703km road trip (via the Inland Scenic Route)
Dunedin to Oamaru 90 minutes
Oamaru to Omarama 90 minutes
Omarama to Twizel 25 minutes
Twizel to Mount Cook to Twizel 120 minutes
Twizel to Lake Tekapo 50 minutes
Lake Tekapo to Fairlie 40 minutes
Fairlie to Geraldine 40 minutes
Geraldine to Christchurch 95 minutes
Related Roadtrip:
Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo route planner (2 days)
Christchurch - Geraldine - Lake Tekapo
Take your time on route between Christchurch and Dunedin by driving the “Inland Scenic Route”. Starting with an easy drive through the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains in less than an hour you’ll cross the Rakaia River at the gorge bridge. Here partake in a thrilling and very scenic Jet Boat tour of the Rakaia Gorge cliffs and stunning snowcapped Mt Hutt backdrop.
This is just one of Canterbury’s many braided rivers with their distinctive wide shingle beds and snaking waterways which are a defining geographical feature of the eastern side of the Southern Alps.
When the road gets close to the Southern Alps take some time to get your heart racing and venture into the outdoors. Include a round of golf at the Terrace Downs Resort overlooking the gorge or Methven Golf Club. Downhill or cross-country mountain biking tracks at Mt Hutt, close to Methven. Detour 10 minutes into Methven, a ski town in winter and a Café haven during summer.
Partake in some of the many activities such as Ballooning, Scenic flights, golf or the Methven Summer school. Stay and enjoy meeting locals and a wide range of dinning, just ask at the Methven i-SITE in main street between the famous Blue & Brown pubs.
From here continue South on the 'Island Scenic Route' passing throught Staveley, its Cafe & Topp Lodge - home of Linda Topp & Donna. Mt Somers is next gateway to 'Middle Earth' and a lord of the rings filmset. If you have time partake in the Mt Somers walkways with information at the Staveley, Mt Somers or Mayfield stores.
Before reaching the golden hills of the Mackenzie Country, try white water rafting down the Rangitata River, horse riding in Peel Forest and Geraldine is worth the pit stop. Amble around this little town and taste local delicacies.
With its stunning turquoise water, Lake Tekapo offers a magnificent spectacle and is a year-round destination. There are so many ways to enjoy this part of the country – hiking, fishing or relaxing in hot pools while gazing at the lake. For the best views, head to the top of Mt John for 360 degree panoramic views. The sheer grandeur of the place truly comes alive at night with clear skies and remarkably dark nights make Lake Tekapo a stargazing dream.
Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook - Omarama
New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook is only 63km down the road and just a 35-minute drive from Lake Tekapo. Take the detour and you will be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the mountain and the options of outdoor activities and attractions.
Enroute to Omarama take a choice of detours for magical scenery. Clearly sign posted to the west is a easy drive to Lake Ohau with majestical views over the lake to the backdrop of the Southern Alps, Lake Ohau Lodge is an excellent all year accommodation option. Just 4 km north of Omarama are signs towards Clay Cliffs which are well worth a visit.
Omarama – gateway to the splendid Mackenzie Country – is a welcome stop for through travellers where, rain or shine, the outdoor hot tubs beckon for a relaxing soak amid stunning alpine scenery and clear mountain air. Omarama hosts the world’s best gliding and New Zealand’s highest altitude producing vineyard at Ladybird Hill.
Omarama - Oamaru - Dunedin
Around the pretty harbour is the world famous Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony – a must see attraction with day tours and nightly viewing of the birds coming ashore.
You will be treated to Oamaru’s wonderful restaurants including Riverstone Kitchen -Cuisine New Zealand Best Casual Dining Restaurant of the year 2010/2011, cafes & bars complimenting the regions extraordinary cuisine offerings. Award winning cheese awaits you at the Whitestone Cheese Factory. And don’t miss out on a Steampunk experience while you are here!
The route continues south along the Kakanui coastal drive towards Moeraki.
Make sure you see one New Zealand’s great natural wonders ... the Moeraki Boulders have been perfectly rounded over millions of years old and strewn across the beach, just waiting for your own photo call.
Just around the corner, at Katiki Point, you’ll find fur seals and yellow-eyed penguin colonies resting on the rocks alongside the Moeraki Lighthouse. The route continues along the coast. The singular beauty of Karitane, Waikouati will leave you speechless – again and again – as you pass these breath-taking white sand beaches.
