Driving Route : Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Day 3 : Mt Cook Village to Christchurch
- Overview
- Day 1 : Queenstown to Arrowtown
- Day 2 : Queenstown to Mt Cook Village
- Day 3 : Mt Cook Village to Christchurch
Featured Tourism Operators
Route Summary
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
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
104 km (65 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park includes the highest peak in Australasia (Mt Cook - 3,755 metres). 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.
Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
230 km (144 miles)
Approximately 3 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
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.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Queenstown to Arrowtown
- Day 2 : Queenstown to Mt Cook Village
- Day 3 : Mt Cook Village to Christchurch
View more Queenstown driving routes.
Directory Information
Aoraki/Mt Cook:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Christchurch:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information