Longer, lighter days and rising temperatures showcase
Christchurch & Canterbury, a region basking in both warmth and
diversity.
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, Exploring Mount Cook National Park
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.
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.
Head back to Christchurch, or continue your journey toward
Wanaka and Queenstown.