christchurch to queenstown
The Southern Alps provide a pristine playground for New Zealanders and nowhere more
so than at Mt Hutt, an easy two-hour drive from Christchurch. Travelling south the
road hugs the foothills to the quintessential country towns of Geraldine and Fairlie,
before ascending into Mackenzie country where the turquoise-blue waters of Lake
Tekapo and Lake Pukaki contrast sharply with the dry, rocky hinterland. SH80 leads
to Mount Cook, NZ’s highest mountain, and to the rumbling Tasman Glacier, with its
lake embedded in a vast lunar-like landscape. Further south the popular lakeside
resorts of Wanaka and Queenstown, both situated beside sparkling lakes in a stunning
alpine setting, provide endless opportunities for adventure activities.We take three
days to explore the route from Christchurch to Queenstown and begin the journey
with an unexpected snowboard lesson at Mt Hutt. We buy new jumpers in Geraldine,
spend the evening with locals at a country cinema, enjoy a scenic flight over Mt
Cook, taste 500-year old ice from the Tasman Glacier, sunbathe in Wanaka, explore
Arrowtown and relax on the shores of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu wondering where
we should begin!
day two: geraldine to mt cook
Key
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After a slower start to the day we sit above Fairlie admiring the view of the Southern
Alps. We stop for a latte at the town’s Old Library Café, then stretch our legs
around its Heritage Museum. But Bob’s keen to get into the mountains and so we depart,
ascending through Burkes Pass to the vast open landscape of Mackenzie country and
the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo, where we arrive amid a flurry of
tour buses.
“Wow,” says Bob, as we wait it out before we enter the church, “I’m sure glad we’re
travelling by car and can take our time.” The church, constructed from stones gathered
locally, was built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Nearby,
the bronze statue of a sheep dog, erected in memory of all high-country mustering
dogs, gazes longingly at the turquoise-blue lake. “I think he wants a swim,” says
Bob.
There’s a long line of eateries on Tekapo’s main street serving a variety of international
fare, but we choose to picnic in the park beside the beautiful lake. Lunch includes
fresh fruit and chutney from Barkers, and crackers and smoky manuka cheese from
Talbot Forest Cheese. Then we depart and drive the alternate scenic route to Lake
Pukaki along the Tekapo Canal Road, stopping at the Mount Cook Salmon Farm en route...
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Christchurch to Queenstown scenic drive, courtesy of apex car rentals
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