Road Trip Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive: 19 Unmissable Stops

Once you've arrived in Lake Tekapo, you'll be in no rush to head off anytime soon. Here are just a few of the most tantalising activities this beautiful township has to offer.

The lakefront

The lake that lends its name to the town is certainly its main attraction. It's a visually stunning location, with crystal-clear water framed by the South Island's trademark mountains.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake, such as an invigorating swim. Just keep in mind the lake's water comes from glaciers, so it gets pretty chilly. You can also hire kayaks during summer to take on the lake. Plus, it's surrounded by some gorgeous walks offering unique views of the area.

The Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the most Instagrammable locations in all of New Zealand. This beautiful stone church is particularly mesmerising at sunset, offering a stunning view of the nearby mountains.

Tekapo Springs

Love hot pools and stargazing? Then Tekapo Springs is the perfect stop on your New Zealand journey. You can enjoy an utterly relaxing time in these hot pools while receiving expert insight into the stars above us.

Mount Cook National Park

If you're spending a day or more in Lake Tekapo, you should definitely consider taking a day trip to Mount Cook National Park. Around an hour from Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park contains the highest mountains and longest glaciers in New Zealand.

Some highlights of the national park include the spectacular Hooker Valley Track and the awe-inspiring Tasman Glacier. You can also explore the best the park has to offer on a scenic flight and check out the charming Mount Cook Village.

When you're finished enjoying everything Lake Tekapo has to offer, you're just 42 minutes away from the next stop on your journey. Twizel was designed in a "Scandinavian style" and is one of the more unique towns in all of New Zealand.

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop

This stopover is an absolute must for any seafood lover. Just 12 minutes out of Twizel, this salmon shop is found on the shores of the stunning Lake Pukaki. Once there, you can enjoy a range of delicious salmon meals.

NZ Alpine Lavender

NZ Alpine Lavender is another unmissable location found just a short drive from Twizel. Open from mid-November to late March, Alpine Lavender gives you the chance to stroll through an enormous field of lavender. It's sure to produce some of the most remarkable photographs of your entire trip. While you're there, you can purchase a range of lavender goodies including ice cream, candles and chocolates. Don't miss out on one of the South Island's most iconic locations.

Lake Ruataniwha

After all your adventures so far, you deserve the chance for some rest and relaxation. That's exactly what Lake Ruataniwha offers. This artificial lake is perfect for watersports or simply hanging out with your travelling party. You can also check out the nearby Ohau River Bridge, which has stood since 1889.

Once you've had your fill of Twizel and its surrounding attractions, it's time to keep travelling to Omarama. To give yourself the chance to enjoy everything there is to see on this journey, we recommend calling it a day in Omarama.

There are a range of hotels, motels and holiday parks to spend the night in Omarama. In such a beautiful region, it’s easy to find a room with an incredible view.

Omarama Clay Cliffs

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Omarama, the clay cliffs are a stunning location that words can hardly do justice to. There's a 30-minute walk which shows off all the unique beauty of these cliffs.

If you or your travelling party are fans of the 2020 remake of Disney's Mulan, you'll be delighted to learn that these cliffs were used as a filming location for that movie. This stop is sure to enchant visitors young and old alike.

Hot Tubs Omarama

Once you've explored Omarama's famous clay cliffs, take a load off at Hot Tubs Omarama. This incredible location offers a sustainable way to experience the pure serenity of New Zealand's South Island.

The hot tubs themselves are made of sustainable wood while the water is derived from New Zealand mountains. These hot tubs can fit up to 8 people, and there is also a sauna to enjoy.

Hot Tubs Omarama offers day and night time sessions, enabling you to drink in the beauty of New Zealand just about any time you choose.

To start off the second day of your journey, you'll take your longest drive so far. Fuel up and prepare some snacks before making the drive to the gorgeous lakeside town of Wanaka.

Lindis Pass

You'll travel through this iconic pass on your drive from Omarama to Wanaka, but we recommend planning a pit stop to take in the incredible beauty of this area. This alpine pass is covered with golden tussock grass, a trademark of the South Island.

If you're taking this journey in winter, you can also expect to see some snow in this area. Remember to have snow chains in your vehicle in case they are required to take on this pass.

#ThatWanakaTree

The most famous spot in Wanaka is #ThatWanakaTree. Described as New Zealand's most famous tree, it grows in Lake Wanaka and stands at an iconic angle. In summer, take an invigorating swim out to the tree to get up close and personal.

Wanaka Lavender Farm

Been loving New Zealand’s lavender farms? Wanaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes outside of central Wanaka. Like some other South Island lavender farms, you're welcome to mosey through the field of lavender.

There's also an excellent gift shop to explore and delicious lavender ice cream to try, which goes down a treat on a warm summer's day.

Roy's Peak

Get your hiking shoes on and embark on the trip up to Roy's Peak. You can start this track with a 6 minute drive from central Wanaka. Though it's a lengthy 5-6 hour journey to the peak, the astonishing views of Lake Wanaka are a great reward.

Once you've soaked in everything Wanaka has to offer, you're ready to take on the final leg of your journey. You're now just over an hour away from the Adventure Capital of the World.

Arrowtown

A brief detour on your way to Queenstown will bring you to Arrowtown. This historic gold-mining town retains the character of its early years.

There are a range of delightful shops to explore on a stroll down Buckingham Street. Don't forget to stop in at the Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery. It offers a number of intriguing exhibits focussing on Maori culture and pioneering gold miners.

Queenstown Gondola

Now that you've finally made it to Queenstown, there's no better way to start your exploration than on the Queenstown Gondola. On the journey up the Gondola, you'll get an unbeatable view of the city, including the glorious Lake Wakatipu.

At the top of the gondola, you can enjoy a meal at Stratosfare Restaurant and the famous Skyline Queenstown luge. It's the perfect way to kick off your time in Queenstown.

Adventure activities

Queenstown isn't called the Adventure Capital of the World for nothing. Adrenaline junkies won't have to spend long looking for an activity to get their heart racing.

Whether it's bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bungy Centre or skydiving with a view of the South Island's remarkable mountain ranges, these adventurous activities are the trademark Queenstown experience.

Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown's city centre is built around this stunning turquoise lake, so you'll get plenty of chances to admire it and go for a summer swim. You can also book a cruise or a jet boat ride if you're in the mood for another adrenaline-pumping experience.

Onsen Hot Pools

There's no better way to relax after a long day of Queenstown adventures than at the Onsen Hot Pools. These luxurious private spas allow you to enjoy a range of drinks and snacks while gazing out over a gorgeous view of Shotover River.

It's the perfect way to cap off your epic road trip.