Alpine Lakes Itinerary

Start your journey in the vibrant city of Christchurch, the largest centre in the South Island, where old English gardens contrast with pop-up bars and fascinating street art.

Christchurch offers an amazing array of activities, try punting down the Avon River, biking in the surrounding Port Hills, or take an early morning ride in a hot air balloon.

The city is also home to several fascinating museums and galleries, including the International Antarctic Centre.

For something a little further afield, visit the historic port town of Lyttelton or enjoy French culture in Akaroa.

As you travel through the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains, take time to visit some of the small towns along the way.

With its stunning turquoise water, Lake Tekapo offers a magnificent spectacle year-round. There are so many ways to enjoy this part of the country – hiking, fishing or relaxing in hot pools while gazing at the lake.

The sheer grandeur of the place truly comes alive at night. With clear skies and remarkably dark nights, this area is home to world's largest Dark Sky Reserve and one of the best places to view the Southern Lights.

Head to the Mount John Observatory and take in unobstructed views of a star filled sky.

From Lake Tekapo head to Mount Cook Village, at the foot of the country's highest peak.

This region is a mountaineer's dream, offering some of the best climbing experiences in Australasia. For the less adventurous, choose from the array of shorter walks and take in the stunning alpine landscapes of herb fields, morraines, glaciers and cheeky kea. 

Mount Cook National Park is also the home of New Zealand's longest glacier. Get up close with a Tasman Glacier boat trip, or for something a little different take a scenic flight and view the glacier from above aboard a ski-plane or helicopter.

Travel past turquoise lakes and rivers to the lakeside resort town of Wānaka. Set alongside the renown Mt Aspiring National Park, Wānaka is the ultimate outdoor utopia.

Hiking(opens in new window), biking both on and off road, water activities, airborne adventures(opens in new window) and climbing there is something for all, no matter your flavour of fun.

From Wānaka it is a short journey across to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Thrill yourself with a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jetboating, bungy jumping, white water rafting and skydiving(opens in new window) – all guaranteed to get your blood pumping!

For those looking to relax, Queenstown is also a great destination for luxury and indulgence with gourmet food and wine, spa treatments(opens in new window) and world-class golf courses.

An easy drive from central Queenstown, Arrowtown is a perfectly preserved piece of gold rush history.

Explore the Chinese gold miners’ settlement by the Arrow River, visit the Lakes District Museum, then find a convivial café to soak up the surroundings.

Those looking for more adventure can try horse riding in Glenorchy. Don't forget to check out some of the Lord of the Rings filming locations while you're there.

Or, for something a little further afield take the full day and book a scenic flight and boat cruise in Milford Sound.