3 Day Trips

Highlights

  • Aoraki/Mt Cook
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Mackenzie region

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 hr from Christchurch to Tekapo

  • by bus:

    3 hr 50 min from Christchurch to Tekapo

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

From beautiful turquoise lakes to towering mountains these are some of the top day trips you can take from Christchurch into the Mount Cook Mackenzie area.

Lake Tekapo

Christchurch - Canterbury
Church of the Good Shepherd, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Church of the Good Shepherd
  • International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Hot springs

Proximity

  • by car:

    2 hr 55 min from Christchurch

  • by bus:

    3 hr 50 min from Christchurch

EXPLORE LAKE TEKAPO

Picturesque by day and dazzling by night.

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Boasting some of the most dazzling night skies in the world, Lake Tekapo draws visitors from all over. You’ll be amazed at what you can see with the naked eye – it’s not for nothing that Tekapo is part of an international Dark Sky Reserve, the largest of its type anywhere in the world. Come in winter and you might catch the Aurora Australis. There’s an observatory atop Mt John overlooking the lake and day and night tours of the observatory are available.

Mackenzie District

Christchurch - Canterbury
Lake Ohau, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
  • High country farmland
  • Ski fields in Winter

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 hr 35 min from Christchurch to Twizel

  • by bus:

    5 hr 16 min from Christchurch to Twizel

  • Visit iSITE Visitor Centre for tours

TOP EXPERIENCES IN MACKENZIE-TEKAPO

From sweeping plains to soaring mountains, coastline to glacial lakes.

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The Mackenzie region’s reputation for cycling and mountain biking is growing fast, thanks in no small part to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Beginning in the Southern Alps, descending from Aoraki/Mt Cook through farmland and continuing for 300km to Oamaru on the east coast, this trail showcases some of New Zealand’s most unique landscapes. There are eight different sections – you can ride as few or as many parts as you like; the entire trail takes about 6 days. Highlights include the Ohau mountain ranges, Lake Pukaki, Maori rock art and the so-called Elephant Rocks.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Christchurch - Canterbury
Aoraki / Mount Cook, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Walking and hiking trails
  • New Zealand's tallest Mountain
  • Tasman Glacier

Proximity

  • by car:

    4 hr 12 min from Christchurch

  • by bus:

    4 hr 50 min from Christchurch

  • Visit iSITE Visitor Centre for tours

AORAKI MOUNT COOK

Discover New Zealand's highest mountain.

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Home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain (Aoraki Mt Cook) and longest glacier (Tasman Glacier), this national park is a bona fide outdoor playground. It has some of the best mountaineering in Australasia, but a number of easy alpine walks cater to the less intrepid too. Keep an eye out for kea, the famously cheeky mountain parrot – it’s all part of the fun. Coming in spring or summer? Look for the Mt Cook lily, the largest buttercup in the world.

At the foot of the mountain, beside scenic Lake Pukaki, sits Mt Cook village, the starting point for exploration. You’re guaranteed awe-inspiring views if you opt for a scenic flight over the snowy peaks. Encounters with the mighty Tasman glacier can be had by boat, heli-hiking or even skiing.

View Mt Cook Mackenzie day trips below

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