DHL Lions Series - Test Match Route

Day 1: Christchurch to Twizel

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Christchurch - Lake Tekapo 3 hrs  230/144 Lake Tekapo - Twizel 0.75 hr  58/36   Totals for Day 3.75 hrs  288/180

Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Twizel

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 - Twizel

The settlement of Lake Tekapo is at the southern end of the lake. The exquisite 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 short drive to Twizel takes you past the southern end of beautiful Lake Pukaki. Enjoy the golden tussock and snow-capped mountain landscape.

The town of Twizel was purpose-built in the 1960s to provide a home for workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme. Today it is a well-placed base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking and hiking. It’s also a place to spy on the rarest wading bird in the world – the Black Stilt. If you don’t have the time to catch your own salmon, the local salmon farm sells it – fresh or smoked.

Scenic Highlights

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

Activities

Christchurch - Canterbury
Climbing (2), Cycling/Mountain Biking (5), Fishing – Fresh Water (10), Kayaking – Fresh Water (1), Scenic Flights (5), Skiing (7)

Tour and Sightseeing

Christchurch - Canterbury
Cycling/Mountain Biking (12), Fishing – Fresh Water (2), Scenic Flights (1), Skiing (2)