Canterbury stargazing and lakes itinerary

4 Days 750 km

Highlights

  • Christchurch City
  • New Zealand's longest Glacier
  • Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

Proximity

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Explore the beauty and excitement of Christchurch, South Canterbury and the Mackenzie region on this 4-day itinerary. Your journey begins in funky Christchurch and takes you through the rural settlements of Ashburton, Timaru and Waimate.

Visit New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and enjoy stargazing at Lake Tekapo, then head back to Christchurch via Geraldine and Methven.

Day 1: Christchurch to Waimate

Christchurch - Canterbury
Port Hills, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Explore the Port Hills
  • Explore beautiful gardens
  • Te Ana Maori Rock Art centre

Proximity

WAIMATE

Beautiful landscapes, Edwardian architecture and wild wallabies.

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Depart Christchurch and journey across the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains. Take the time to explore the bustling farming town of Ashburton. If gardens are your thing, you can’t miss Trots Garden, selected as a Garden of National Significance by The Royal Institute of Horticulture.

Timaru is a great place to stop for lunch. Take time to visit the tranquil Botanical Gardens and blooms at the Trevor Griffiths Rose Gardens.  The Te Ana Maori Rock Art centre is also well worth a visit. Enjoy an afternoon's stroll through native forest in Waimate, where songs of the bellbird and tui will accompany you. At dusk keep an eye out for the famous Waimate Wallaby.

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Day 2: Waimate to Aoraki Mount Cook

Christchurch - Canterbury
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Explore Tasman Glacier by boat
  • New Zealand's highest mountain
  • Hooker Valley hiking trails

Proximity

AORAKI MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Beautiful lakes, glaciers and New Zealand's highest mountain.

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Twizel is the Mackenzie Region’s largest town – featuring many excellent cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops.

There are epic views of mountains in all directions and the town is close to five lakes – handy for boating, fishing and swimming. Don't miss the Glacier Explorers, which can take you to the terminal lake of New Zealand’s longest glacier, Tasman Glacier. 

By night it is a stargazer’s delight – Twizel is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

You can cycle some of the world-famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail with several day trips near town. You can also catch a scenic flight at the Pūkaki Airport.  Soar above the gorgeous scenery in an open cockpit biplane, or opt for a glacier landing in the  Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Day 3: Aoraki Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo

Christchurch - Canterbury
Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Stargazing on Mount John
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Thermal hot pools

Proximity

STARGAZING

With clear, dark skies, New Zealand is one of best places for stargazing.

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Lake Tekapo is well-known for the famous Church of the Good Shepherd(opens in new window) on the lakefront. 

There are a range of activities to choose from: horse trekking(opens in new window), paddleboarding(opens in new window), hot pools(opens in new window), 4WD tours in remote mountain valleys,(opens in new window) scenic flights(opens in new window), stargazing tours(opens in new window) and more.

You can even take a helicopter to the world's highest whisky hut!(opens in new window) Dine and drink in scenic locations to suit all styles and budgets.

Simply strolling along the shores of this beautiful turquoise-coloured lake is a sublime way to take in the peace and tranquility of this alpine village.

Day 4: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

CHRISTCHURCH - CANTERBURY

Stretches from Alps to the ocean

Highlights

  • Punting on the Avon River
  • Quirky cafes, restaurants and bars
  • Street Art and heritage trams

Proximity

Travel back to Christchurch via Geraldine and Methven. Geraldine is home to the famous Barkers of Geraldine, a store offering delicious jams, chutneys and syrups; try a sample or buy a gift pack to take home. With Mount Hutt on its doorstep, the town of Methven is a hub of activity in winter (June-October), but it also offers fantastic biking and hiking options in summer.

Christchurch is brimming with innovativeness and creativity. The city boasts an array of diverse restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs along with its iconic activities. Visit the beautiful botanic gardens, enjoy a relaxing punt on the Avon River, and ride the historic tram.

View the route below

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Getting around

Getting around New Zealand is easy a great range of transport options available.

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Where to stay

There are plenty of accommodation options for every budget and travel style.

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Weather and Seasons

Visit in Spring or Autumn to enjoy warm weather, lower prices and short queues.

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Money & Costs

More information on basic costs for accommodation, travel and food.

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