If you’re craving adventure, incredible views, and a truly unforgettable journey, a road trip from Christchurch to Mount Cook should be on your road trip to-do list. From alpine mountains to beautiful lakes and the small towns you’ll discover along the way, this road trip has something for every avid explorer and promises to make some amazing memories.
While the journey isn’t really that far, covering 352km and taking just over 4 hours if done in a single day, it’s absolutely worth taking your time and spending a few days on the road to take in everything this road trip has to offer. And the best way of doing that is to hire a campervan in Christchurch, giving you a safe and comfortable place to call home throughout and a reliable way of visiting each of the destinations on the itinerary you’ll find below.
But what are the best spots to stop on this journey? Let’s explore them together!
Christchurch

Before setting out on the road, it’s worth spending some time exploring Christchurch, the city that makes the beginning of your South Island adventure! Known as the “Garden City”, there are loads of green spaces and parks to explore, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is one of the most beautiful. There are over 21 hectares of plants from all over the world here, and paths that allow you to take a leisurely stroll before getting behind the wheel of your campervan.
It isn’t just gardens on offer here, though. The city also has a fascinating history, and you’ll see a combination of Gothic architecture, like the Christchurch Cathedral, and modern buildings that resulted from the rebuilding efforts following the 2011 earthquake. There are plenty of local cafes and restaurants here, too, giving you the opportunity to fuel up before starting out on your journey.
Rakaia
Distance from Christchurch: 60km / 45 minutes
Your first stop along the road is Rakaia, which is just 45 minutes from Christchurch and situated on the banks of the Rakaia River. One of the most famous landmarks here is the Rakaia Bridge, which also happens to be the longest bridge in New Zealand and offers some of the most spectacular views of the river and the surrounding landscape, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs and take some awesome photos.
Another popular activity to do in Rakaia is salmon fishing, so it’s an ideal place to stop if you’re interested in trying your hand at catching your own dinner. You can also book a guided jet boating tour for a more thrilling way of exploring the river, or for something more laid-back, the town has some interesting shops and cafes that are surrounded by views of the Southern Alps in the distance.
Ashburton
Distance from Rakaia: 30km / 25 minutes
Another 25 minutes down the road from Rakaia, you’ll find Ashburton, a small town that is often overlooked by many travellers but one that is definitely worth a visit. This town has an interesting history, which you can learn more about at the Ashburton Aviation Museum, home to an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, including military and civilian aircraft. It’s only 10 minutes from the town centre and is a particularly good spot for aviation enthusiasts to visit or for families travelling with kids who love planes!
It’s not just planes that are the main attraction here, though. Ashburton is also a must-visit spot for foodies, and the region has some of the freshest produce you can ever dream of, including locally grown fruits, vegetables, and artisan products. The Ashburton Farmers Market is the best place to find these delicious offerings, which is usually open on the first weekend of each month and gives you an opportunity to grab the perfect souvenir or gift to take home with you.
Lake Tekapo
Distance from Ashburton: 139km / 1 hour 50 minutes
Spending a bit longer on the road now, a 140km drive takes you to Lake Tekapo, one of the most beautiful locations in all of New Zealand and also one of the most photographed. The lake is most famous for its distinctive turquoise colour, which is created by glacial flour suspended in the water, and if you can take your eyes off the lake for a moment, you’ll also spot many different bird species in the surrounding trees. Lake Tekapo is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in the world to view the stars and planets.
The lake itself is undoubtedly the star attraction here, but a 10-minute walk from the Dark Sky Project takes you to the Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone church right by the lake’s edge. This is another great place for photography, and it’s particularly beautiful at night, with the stars as its backdrop. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay around here check out some of the places you can freedom camp around Lake Tekapo.
Twizel
Distance from Lake Tekapo: 60km / 45 minutes
Twizel is a small town that serves as a gateway to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and while you might be keen to power through and get straight to your final destination, we highly recommend stopping and exploring here. In fact, it’s worth spending a couple of nights here as there are some of the best hiking trails in the country surrounding it, including the Clay Cliffs Track, which is 25 minutes from town, is dog friendly, and open all year round.
Or, if you’re looking for something a little more challenging and willing to drive about 50 minutes north, you can take on the Hooker Valley Track. This takes you on a 3-hour trek through alpine meadows and across swing bridges with views of glaciers and Mount Cook. There are lots of cycling trails here, too, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re travelling with your mountain bike. If you love trekking be sure to check out the 10 best hikes on the South Island.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Distance from Twizel: 60km / 45 minutes
At last, you’ve reached Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak (and from which the park takes its name), Aoraki / Mount Cook. There are many different hiking trails you can head out on once you’re here, with varying difficulty levels, each offering amazing views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape.
For a short walk, take the Glencoe Walk, which starts behind The Hermitage Hotel. It takes an average of 30 minutes to complete and takes you on a route lined with totara trees and ferns, and it’s particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the light plays across the mountains. Or, at the other end of the difficulty scale, there’s the Sealy Tarns Track. This takes you to an elevation of 600m on a 3-4 hour hike and has been nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven”, with 2,220 stairs that take you up to freshwater lakes and through meadows of alpine flowers.
Final Thoughts

As you can see, the road from Christchurch to Mount Cook is filled with different landscapes and fascinating towns, all of which come together to create an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re renting a campervan for a few days or hiring one for longer to explore some other South Island road trips, Travellers Autobarn has a huge range of vehicles available for all needs, from solo journeys to family holidays. Our rentals also include free unlimited kilometres, so you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and make the most of every stop.
Interested in some other road trips out of Christchurch? Take a look at these articles:
- Christchurch to Hokitika Road Trip
- Christchurch to Marlborough Road Trip
- Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Road Trip
- Christchurch to Franz Josef Road Trip
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