Christchurch – Queenstown – Christchurch

Day 1: Christchurch to Mt Cook Village

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Christchurch - Lake Tekapo 3 hrs  230/144 Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook Village 1.25 hrs  104/65   Totals for Day 4.25 hrs  334/209

Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook Village

The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.

The scenic route to Lake Tekapo begins at Rangiora, a rural centre north of Christchurch city. Small towns appear regularly as you travel across the Canterbury Plains through fields and farms. Explore the old coal mining settlement of Glentunnel before the road climbs over the braided Rakaia River and up to Mount Hutt. There are historic lime kilns at Staveley and Mt Somers, and the pretty town of Geraldine has an interesting car museum. After Fairlie you’ll ascend to the region known as the Mackenzie Country, named after the legendary Scottish sheep rustler who once roamed the area.

The settlement of Lake Tekapo is at the southern end of the lake. Fishing, kayaking, bike riding, horse trekking and skiing are some of the things you can do in the area. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue are great photo opportunities.

Scenic Highlights

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Founded more than 140 years ago, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens has many special areas to explore.

Cathedral Square
From the charming historic trams to the tall spire of Christ Church, Cathedral Square is a picturesque place to organise your day.

Lake Tekapo
Walk the lake shore or climb Mount John to appreciate the lonely high country beauty of the Mackenzie Basin.

Activities

Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook Village

The settlement of Lake Tekapo is at the southern end of the lake. The opaque turquoise colour of this lake and others in the area is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension. Fishing, kayaking, bike riding, horse trekking and skiing are some of the things you can do. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue are great photo opportunities.

The road to Mt Cook takes you through high country tussock to beautiful Lake Pukaki. You’ll hug the edge of the lake for most of the way up the Tasman Valley to Mount Cook Village.

The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park includes the highest peak in Australasia (Mt Cook - 3755m). The region attracts mountain climbers, hikers and scenery fanatics. Heli skiing, heli hiking and aerial sightseeing provide visitors with amazing memories. A variety of walking trails begin in or near Mount Cook Village – most take only a couple of hours. In the bar of the local hotel, huge windows provide a perfect view of Mt Cook.

Scenic Highlights

Lake Tekapo
Walk the lake shore or climb Mount John to appreciate the lonely high country beauty of the Mackenzie Basin.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak, is the centre of attention in this spectacular alpine park.

Activities

Christchurch - Canterbury
Boat Cruises (4), Climbing (2), Fishing – Fresh Water (11)

Tour and Sightseeing

Christchurch - Canterbury
Boat Cruises (1), Fishing – Fresh Water (1)