The road trip from Queenstown up to Lake Tekapo (or vice versa) is a really lovely journey that is worth taking time to do. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes and charming towns that will make you want to stop quite often to soak it all in.
With perfect spots to call home at the end of the journey at Haka House Queenstown Lakefront and Haka House Lake Tekapo, this road trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
And if you have more time up your sleeve and want to explore more, a side trip to Aoraki Mt Cook is recommended, where you can also stay the night at Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook.
The journey starts in vibrant Queenstown – and before you hit the road, we highly recommend soaking in one last view over the town at the Lake Wakatipu Viewpoint. As far as the eye can see, this is a great spot for those shots for the ‘gram.
When planning out the road trip, you have 2 options to consider, which are both beautiful in their own ways – one that goes via the Crown Range (the mountain range way), and another that goes via Cromwell (the winery way). Whether you take option 1 or option 2, they will both meet at the Lindis Valley.
Arrowtown
This is a historic gold-mining town that’s just 20 minutes from Queenstown. It’s a very picturesque and quaint little town that’s perfect for strolling around. It was first established back in 1862 during the Otago gold rush, and 2023 it was named the Most Beautiful Small Town in New Zealand by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.
Crown Range Scenic Lookout
As you start your drive north towards Lake Tekapo, you’ll pass through the Crown Range which is highest main road in New Zealand. Be sure to make a stop at the scene lookout for some great panoramic views.
Cardrona Hotel
After the crown range, stop for a coffee at the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels.
Wanaka
Continuing on the journey, you’ll pass through Wanaka, famous for its beautiful lake and the Instagrammable “Wanaka Tree.” If you’re loving the vibes, you can also pit stop for the night and stay at Haka House Wanaka. The town is also home to several ski slopes including Treble Cone.
Kawarau River
As you head out of Queenstown, you’ll pass by Kawarau River – famous for the iconic Kawarau bridge which you can bungy from. Be sure to stop by AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre to take the leap or watch other adventure seekers.
Gibbston Valley
Known as the “Valley of Vines,” this is a renowned wine region nestled between Queenstown and Cromwell. Celebrated for world-class vineyards, there are some really great wineries you can visit here including Amisfield, Wet Jacket Wines, Peregrine, and Nockies Palette & Stoneridge Cellar. If you do plan to visit some wineries to do wine tasting, they usually require prior bookings. Some wineries also have an on-site restaurant where you could enjoy a meal. Just make sure there’s a designated driver if you do plan on wine tasting.
Jackson Orchards in Cromwell
Depending on the season, drop into Jackson Orchards, just off highway 6 to take your pick from a range of orchard fruits. You can also stop in for a fruit ice-cream, smoothies and frappes.
Roaring Meg
Named after the powerful and turbulent waters of the Kawarau River, it is known for its scenic beauty and historical importance during the gold rush era. The area also houses the Roaring Meg Power Station, which is part of New Zealand’s hydroelectric power generation system, contributing to the region’s sustainable energy efforts.
Lindis Pass
This is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, with great views of tussock-covered landscapes.
Omarama Clay Cliffs
An impressive natural rock formations that have been made up of layers of gravel and silt. These formations have been shaped over a million years ago by the flow of ancient glaciers. To get here, it is about a 20-30 minutes drive detour per way. To get here, turn onto Quailburn Rd off state highway 8 and then onto unsealed Henburn Rd.
Lake Ruataniwha & Ohau Bridge
As you head into Twizel, you will pass by Lake Ruataniwha, a lovely spot to stop and have a picnic or for a quick photo stop.
Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
This is definitely one for the ‘gram – just the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Puakaki is worth the stop here. From a distance, on a good weather day you’ll also be able to catch Aoraki Mt Cook. Whilst here, drop into the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon shop to enjoy locally farmed freshwater Chinlook salmon.
Detour to Aoraki Mt Cook
If you have time up your sleeve, take a few hours or the night to head out to Aoraki Mt Cook. You can stay at Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook and be surrounded by the beautiful of the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook. If you only have a couple of hours, here are some suggested stops:
Tapataia Mahaka Peter’s Lookout: This one is another great photo spot with stunning views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook – a postcard perfect moment.
NZ Alpine Lavender: open between November to early April, this lavender farm is a fragrant stop. You can walk through the lavender fields, plus enjoy a house-made lavender ice-cream as well as purchase other lavender products.
From the first Lake Pukaki viewpoint where the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon shop is, it’s another 35-40 minutes drive until you reach Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin. This small township is home to its famous turquoise lake and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd built in 1935. The town is also part of the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – a treasure for stargazers.
Whilst in Lake Tekapo, stay at Haka House Lake Tekapo, which boasts uninterrupted lake views. To see what activities we can help you book during your stay, head to our local experiences.
Wondering where to eat and drink in Queenstown? There’s plenty of foodie spots, including a wide range of great cafes and restaurants to explore. Whether you’re craving burgers or sweet treats, we’ve got you covered. Here are some yummy spots to add to your itinerary!
The road trip from Queenstown up to Lake Tekapo (or vice versa) is a really lovely journey, definitely worth taking. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes and charming towns that will make you want to stop quite often to soak it all in. This road trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
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