Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Day 3: Mt Cook Village to Christchurch

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

Mt Cook Village - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

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.

The road to Lake Tekapo takes you down the Tasman Valley to beautiful Lake Pukaki. The opaque turquoise colour of this lake and others in the area is caused by fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension. At the southern end of the lake you’ll turn left and drive through golden tussock land to Lake Tekapo.

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. The Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue are great photo opportunities.

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 (10)

Tour and Sightseeing

Christchurch - Canterbury
Boat Cruises (1), Fishing – Fresh Water (2)

Mt Cook Village - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

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.

The scenic route to Christchurch leads you out of the Mackenzie Country, named after the legendary Scottish sheep rustler who once roamed the area. Enjoy historic sights and museums in the country towns of Fairlie and Geraldine. At Mt Somers and Staveley there are historic cottages and lime kilns. The highly scenic climb up to Mount Hutt is followed by the natural beauty of the braided Rakaia River. Explore the old coal mining settlement of Glentunnel before passing through the farms and fields of the Canterbury Plains to the rural centre of Rangiora.

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.

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