Highlights: Campervan Trip from Christchurch to Queenstown
Lakes: Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Wānaka, Lake Wakatipu, Lake Dunstan, Lake Paringa, Lake Kaniere
Scenic Drives: Crown Range, Haast Pass, Lindis Pass, Arthur’s Pass
Activities: Hiking, cycling, stargazing, fishing, wine tasting, adventure sports
An Adventure of Turquoise Tranquility and Magnificent Views
This 10-day campervan itinerary from Christchurch to Queenstown showcases South Island’s best lakes and alpine scenery. From glacial-fed turquoise lakes to dramatic mountain passes, each day brings new highlights and unforgettable experiences.
Key Itinerary Highlights:
- Lake Heron, Mount Sunday, Dark Sky Reserve, Mount John
- Lake Pukaki, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Museum, Hooker Valley Track
- Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, Ohau Snow Field, Omarama Clay Cliffs
- Matukituki Valley, Crown Range Road, Queenstown’s Cycle Trails
- Skyline Gondola and Luge, Lake Dunstan Trail, Blue Pools Track
- Haast Pass Lookout, Lake Matheson, Hokitika Gorge, Kura Tawhiti
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Day 1: Christchurch to Ashburton Lakes
Theme: From the Sea to the Mountains
Start your adventure by crossing the Rakaia River Bridge, then head towards the mountains and the Ashburton Lakes. Enjoy rural scenery, stop in Methven for coffee, and explore Hakatere Conservation Park.
- Lake Clearwater: Circumnavigate the lake, fish, or ice skate (winter).
- Mount Sunday: Iconic hike with 360-degree alpine views.
- Lake Heron: Popular for trout and salmon fishing.
Distance: 143 km | Travel Time: 1 hr 52 min | Stay: Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp campgrounds
Day 2: Ashburton Lakes to Lake Tekapo
Theme: High Country to Glacial Lakes
Drive through Geraldine and Fairlie, stopping for local treats and unique shops. Arrive at Lake Tekapo for stargazing, hot pools, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Stargazing: Southern Hemisphere’s largest dark sky reserve.
- Tekapo Springs: Hot pools, ice skating, snow tubing.
- Mount John: 360-degree lake and mountain views.
Distance: 170 km | Travel Time: 2 hr 14 min | Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park, Lake Alexandrina Campground
Day 3: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook
Theme: The Alps of the Southern Hemisphere
- Tasman Lake Hike: See icebergs and the Tasman Glacier.
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Museum and Hooker Valley Track
- Scenic Flights, Kayaking, Alps 2 Ocean Trail
Distance: 103 km | Travel Time: 1 hr 10 min | Stay: White Horse Hill Campground
Day 4: Mount Cook to Lake Ohau
Theme: The Windy Lake
- Lake Ohau Track, Ohau Snow Fields, Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, Stargazing
Distance: 94 km | Travel Time: 1 hr 6 min | Stay: Round Bush Campsite, Lake Middleton Campsite
Day 5: Lake Ohau to Lake Wānaka
Theme: Over the Lindis Pass
- Ōmarama, Omarama Clay Cliffs, Lindis Pass
- Lake Wānaka: That Wānaka Tree, Puzzling World, Roys Peak, Glendhu Bay, Matukituki Valley
Distance: 146 km | Travel Time: 1 hr 47 min | Stay: Albert Town Campground
Day 6: Lake Wānaka to Queenstown
Theme: A Giant of a Lake
- Cardrona Hotel, Crown Range Lookout, Skyline Gondola, Arrowtown, Glenorchy Drive
Distance: 69 km | Travel Time: 1 hr 30 min | Stay: Driftaway Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown to Lake Dunstan
Theme: The Return North
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Gibbston Valley Winery, Goldfields Mining Centre, Lake Dunstan Trail
Distance: 62 km | Travel Time: 52 min | Stay: Bendigo or Lowburn Harbour Campsites
Day 9: Lake Paringa to Lake Kaniere
Theme: The Wild West Coast
- Bruce Bay, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, Lake Matheson, Hokitika Gorge, West Coast Wilderness Trail
Distance: 242 km | Travel Time: 3 hr 15 min | Stay: Hans Bay Campsite (Lake Kaniere)
Day 10: Lake Kaniere to Christchurch
Theme: Over the Pass
- Otira Stagecoach Hotel, Arthur’s Pass Village, Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, Porters Pass
- Christchurch: International Antarctic Centre, Hagley Park, Port Hills, Sumner Beach
Distance: 267 km | Travel Time: 3 hr 41 min | Stay: South Brighton Holiday Park
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