This highland lake and settlement at 710 meters (2300 feet) is
in the heart of the Mackenzie District and surrounded by a vast
basin of golden tussock grass. The name Tekapo derives from Maori
words Taka (sleeping mat) and Po (night). Finely ground rock in the
glacial melted waters give Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique
turquoise colour.
Day 1: Christchurch (or Central South Island) to
Tekapo
Depart from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo via the Ashburton and
Central South Island districts. You can refer to their itineraries
- Ashburton Discovery or Central SI Magic - should you wish to
fully experience these areas.
Lake Tekapo has fantastic accommodation options, why not
try:
Visit Alpine Springs and Spa
Winter Park - just as much fun on rainy winter evenings as
sparkling summer days.
Take a scenic Air Safari flight (50 minutes) over 12
major glaciers, including the Main Divide and the Murchison,
Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
And don't forget - organise your amazing star gazing tour with
Earth and
Sky.
For dinner, try Reflections Café and
Restaurant, Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers
Bluewater Resort or Italian-style Pepe's.
Day 2: Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
On the road from Tekapo, depart SH8 by taking a right on State
Highway (SH8) - this scenic detour takes you past salmon farms and
sparkling canals. When you arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook, check into
The
Hermitage - a world-renowned as a tourist destination since
1884.
Staying here, you have free access to the newly opened Sir Edmund Hillary
Alpine Centre. Don't miss the planetarium film and 3D movie.
Another "must-do" in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
is the local Visitor Centre - you'll admire its architecture and
appreciate the displays on geological and mountaineering
history.
Dinner this evening is at The Hermitage Panorama
Restaurant.
Day 3 & 4: Exploring Mount Cook National
Park
During the Winter you can enjoy breakfast at the Heritage before
booking an adventure with Glacier Explorers. Their unique boat
tour explores the melting ice face of New Zealand's' largest
glacier: Tasman Glacier.
Altnernately if the weather is fine Aoraki Mount Cook National
Park has some of the best walks in the country. The scenery
is spectacular, with the tallest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount
Cook, soaring above at a height of 3754 metres.
From an easy stroll along a formed path to a gruelling ascent of
Mount Cook, there is something for all abilities in Mount Cook
National Park.
After which, you can follow in the footsteps of mountaineers in
more ways than one. Mount Cook Ski Planes have long
been the choice of climbers and mountaineers, and are now popular
with sightseers in search of an unforgettable experience.
Where else for lunch, but the Old
Mountaineers Café? With a special atmosphere all its own, it is
much more than a café, but a local institution. Take time over the
views, the shop and just sitting in front of the fire.
Stay the night at Glentanner Park, conveniently
located just 18 km before The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Nestled amongst native bush with panoramic views of Aoraki Mt Cook.
Here you will find awesome outdoor adventure activities
including scenic helicopter flights with snow landings, scenic
plane flights around the Aoraki/Mount Cook, horse trekking, summer
season only), glacier boat trips, walks, hikes, fishing and
hunting.
Head back to Christchurch, or continue your journey
toward Wanaka and Queenstown.
Key Links
- If you'd like more information about how to book this or other
itineraries, simply contact info@christchurchnz.com
- The Christchurch i-SITE is your
ultimate source of itinerary advice and trusted local knowledge.
They offer a FREE booking service for accommodation, activities and
transport throughout Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.
- Being New Zealand's largest independent car rental company,
Apex Car Rentals offers a large fleet of new and late model car
hire options. Contact Apex for car rental
information and booking.