Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook.
The South Island's most famous drive runs from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka and the Crown Range. Four to seven days gives time for alpine views, stargazing and adventure.
🚐 About 3 hours (around 230 km)
Drive west across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and stargaze in the Dark Sky Reserve. The Canterbury Plains are flat. Tekapo has a church.
Close to the lake.
A park with views.
🚐 About 1.5 hours (around 105 km)
Drive south via Lake Pukaki. Walk the Hooker Valley Track. Lake Pukaki has a viewpoint. The Hooker Valley Track is a highlight.
A basic campsite near the track.
Near Lake Pukaki.
🚐 About 3.5 hours (around 270 km)
Drive via Twizel, Omarama and the Lindis Pass. Photograph That Wanaka Tree. The Lindis Pass is scenic. Wanaka has a tree.
Close to the lake.
A basic site by the river.
🚐 About 1 hour via the Crown Range (around 70 km)
Drive the Crown Range Road to Queenstown. Visit Arrowtown on the way. The Crown Range Road is high. Arrowtown has autumn colour.
A park near the town.
Close to the lake.
Campsite rules, fees and availability change. Check the park or operator website before you go.
Thermal pools and forest walks in the mountains.
Read the itinerary