The drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook is one of the most popular journeys on New Zealand’s South Island. From the South Island’s biggest city you’ll head inland towards its tallest mountain, with heaps to see in between. This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and book a hotel or tour we’ll get … Read more
Fairlie, like many small towns close to tourism giants, is in a strange position. It gets heaps of people passing through on the way to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, but aside from grabbing a pie (at one of the most famous pie shops in New Zealand) most tourists don’t linger. Should you stick around … Read more
Twizel sits in a strange space as far as tourist towns go. It’s a popular spot with locals, due to a huge number of baches (holiday homes) and is perfectly positioned as the closest town to Mount Cook National Park. But it’s only 45 minutes from Lake Tekapo, one of the most iconic small towns … Read more
If you’re travelling through the mountain areas of the central South Island, then you’ll almost definitely end up in Lake Tekapo at some point. It’s one of the most popular South Island tourist towns and the surrounding area, known as the Mackenzie Basin (or Mackenzie Country), is full of interesting sights. Mountain vistas are the … Read more
If you’re looking to explore the area around Lake Tekapo, the short drive to Lake Alexandrina is a great option. The road there is very scenic and there are some great views to be had above Lake Alexandrina and Lake McGregor. Keep reading to find out more! The Scenic Drive to Lake Alexandrina One of … Read more
Lake Tekapo, and the surrounding area, is home to some of the best scenery in New Zealand. It’s a great place to visit at any time of year, but if you happen to be there in summer (especially early summer) you’ll be greeted to a colourful treat – lupins! We went searching for lupins in … Read more
You’ll drive around the shores of Lake Pukaki when driving between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook (or between Twizel and Mount Cook) and if you’re lucky enough to strike it on a nice day you’ll be blown away by how blue it is. It’s a surreal place to see and is one of the main … Read more
In a country full of scenic roads, the road to Mount Cook stands out as one of the most spectacular. The Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, are on full view as you skirt the bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Thinking of driving the scenic road to Mount Cook? Keep reading for more information (and … Read more
Lake Tekapo, a small town on the edge of the lake with the same name, is home to one of New Zealand’s most iconic churches. Why is the Church of the Good Shepherd so popular? Is it overrated? Should they move the car park to allow for better photos? I travelled to Lake Tekapo to … Read more
Lake Tekapo, the tiny town with an old stone church by the lake of the same name, is the perfect place to relax after hiking in the Mount Cook / Mackenzie Basin region. After a long day of hiking it’s hard to beat a relaxing soak in the Tekapo Springs hot pools. These pools look … Read more