Driving Route : Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Day 3 : Mt Cook Village to Christchurch

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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.

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