Adventure-lovers get ready for your next road trip. This three to five-day trip takes you past incredible views of mountains, lakes and small towns as you travel from Christchurch to Mount Cook. The 352km trip has something for everyone, but it is a fantastic choice for those who want to soak up local history and enjoy some adventure.
You will travel through Rakaia, Lake Tekapo, and Twizel, seeing beautiful botanical gardens and scenery, and you will have the chance to spot some wildlife, too. Use the itinerary below to start planning your trip!
Stop 1 – Christchurch
Before leaving Christchurch, make sure you spend some time exploring this fantastic city. The “Garden City” has plenty of parks and green spaces for you to enjoy, with the Christchurch Botanic Gardens being one of the most beautiful. Spreading over 21 hectares, you can enjoy plants from all over the world and follow several different paths. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs before driving.
Christchurch also has plenty of history to enjoy. Its cathedral has stunning Gothic architecture, standing out alongside modern buildings rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake. You can enjoy food and drink in one of the many restaurants and cafes here too, fuelling you for your road trip.
Stop 2 – Rakaia
After a short, 45-minute drive, you will arrive at Rakaia, located on the banks of the Rakaia River. The Rakaia Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks and is the longest bridge in New Zealand. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the river and the landscape. Be sure to hop out of your campervan to stretch your legs and enjoy these views.
Rakaia is also a fantastic place for salmon fishing. If you want to catch your own dinner, set some time aside for fishing! Guided jet boating tours are a wonderful way to explore the river, too, and the local town is filled with cafes and shops to explore. Plus, you get to enjoy views of the Southern Alps too!
Stop 3 – Ashburton
A quick 25-minute drive will take you to the small town of Ashburton. It is usually overlooked by travellers, but it has plenty of history for you to enjoy. The Ashburton Aviation Museum is an excellent place to visit and see vintage aircraft.
Ashburton also has some of the freshest produce available and is a haven for foodies. There are plenty of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and artisan products to enjoy. Time your trip to the Ashburton Farmers Market on the first weekend of each month. Here you can stock up on treats, grab souvenirs, and gifts.
Stop 4 – Lake Tekapo
A longer 140km drive takes you to Lake Tekapo, a stunning location. This is one of the most photographed places in New Zealand and it is easy to see why. The turquoise colour of the lake is created by glacial flour suspended in the water, which photographs beautifully. There are lots of different bird species you can spot here too, so tear your eyes away from the lake if you can.
Lake Tekapo is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and is one of the best places to view the planets and stars. Make sure you build time into your trip to stay here overnight and enjoy a view of the night sky. It’s worth taking a 110-minute walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd, too, a stone church built on the lake’s edge. It is a beautiful space for a photo, especially at night with the stars behind it.
Stop 5 – Twizel
Twizel is the perfect small town to stop in. It is full of hiking trails, so we recommend extending your trip to spend a few nights here. The Clay Cliffs Track is our favourite and allows you to see stunning views. The track is just twenty-five minutes from the town and is open all year, plus it’s dog-friendly!
You can push yourself with more of a challenge too and head to the Hooker Valley Track. The three-hour walk takes you across swing bridges and through alpine meadows, where you can enjoy views of Mount Cook and glaciers. There are also cycling trails, making it a great stop if you are travelling with your mountain bike.
Stop 6 – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
A final 45-minute drive brings your road trip to a close at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Where you can see New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, you can choose one of the many hiking trails to enjoy while you are here, with different difficulty levels and views to enjoy.
Glencoe Walk is a short option, taking 30 minutes to complete. You are behind The Hermitage Hotel, following a line of totara trees and ferns, where you can see stunning sunrises and sunsets. For those who want a challenge, the Sealy Tarns Track should be considered. The three-to-four-hour hike takes you 600 meters high, with 2,220 stairs that are climbed to reach freshwater lakes. The view of meadows with alpine flowers does soften the climb slightly.
Start planning your Christchurch to Mount Cook road trip
Now that you have your itinerary, it’s time to start planning your trip. All good road trips start with a campervan, allowing you to travel comfortably, with all the essentials you want to bring. Travellers Autobarn have some of the best prices, ensuring your comfort doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Reach out to Travellers Autobarn for campervan hire in Christchurch today.
