The Best Stops along the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive!
Last Updated: 5th November, 2023
Buckle up, and get ready to embark on an incredible journey through the heart of New Zealand’s South Island! From the serene shores of Lake Tekapo in Canterbury to the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of Queenstown in Otago, this road trip promises to be a breathtaking exploration of some of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet! In this post, I cover some of the best things to do on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive, so you can really make the most of your road trip!
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Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive
The Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive is an incredible road-trip through the South Island of New Zealand! Queenstown is one of the main tourist towns of New Zealand, and is filled with a number of exhilarating activities and incredible views that are must-see on your South Island Roadtrip!
This road trip is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, and travels through some of the most picturesque landscapes in New Zealand! From past turquoise alpine lakes, through a rugged mountain pass, and along the stunning Gibbston Valley, I will cover the best places to stop and explore during your Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive.
The Direct Route Vs. The Scenic Route
There are actually two different driving routes you can choose between on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive!
- Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive via Cromwell and Gibbston Valley:
The most direct and fastest route takes visitors past the charming town of Cromwell and through the beautiful Gibbston Valley, before arriving in Queenstown. This route is perfect if you are looking for a short road-trip from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown, and has some awesome places to stop along the way! - Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive via Wanaka and the Crown Range:
This scenic route from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown travels past the beautiful lakeside-town of Wanaka, before travelling through through the magnificent Crown Range. This journey is incredibly beautiful, and I would definitely recommend this route for if this is your first time on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive!
Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive via Cromwell
- Driving Time: ~3 hours
- Distance: 256 km (159 miles)
The most direst route along the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive follows the State Highway 8 south, passing through the rugged Lindis Pass and the charming town of Cromwell, before arriving in Queenstown!
Map of Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive via Cromwell
This route is filled with wonderful places to stop and explore, and I highly recommend taking around 2-3 days to explore this route properly!
The Best Stops along the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive via Cromwell
1. The Church of the Good Shepherd | Lake Tekapo
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 0 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 0 hours
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1-2 hours
Lake Tekapo is the starting point for this road-trip, and an incredible place to begin. It is one of my favourite places in New Zealand, and (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful! There is a bunch of things to do around Lake Tekapo, and I would definitely recommend spending a couple of days here before beginning on your road trip!
If you only have time for a brief look around Lake Tekapo, I recommend heading down to the lakefront and wandering around the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. This charming stone church is right on the shores of the vibrant Lake Tekapo, and makes for an incredible photo with the mountains as a backdrop!
After exploring the stunning Lake Tekapo shoreline, start your classic kiwi road-trip in style and grab a coffee and a pie at The Greedy Cow before hitting the road!
2. Admire the beautiful Lake Pukaki
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 47 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 30 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 30 minutes
Just around the corner from Lake Tekapo is another stunningly-blue alpine lake, called Lake Pukaki. This lake is incredibly scenic, and it’s definitely worth a quick stop to take a few photos and admire the view!
Lake Pukaki is renowned for being the largest glacial lake near the tallest mountain in New Zealand – Aoraki Mount Cook. On a clear day, you can get incredible views of the iconic Aoraki Mt Cook at the far end of the lake.
3. Go on a hike in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 104 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: At least a day!
While not technically directly on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive, one of the most beautiful and iconic places to visit on your road-trip is the breathtaking Aoraki Mount Cook National Park! This park is located at the northern end of Lake Pukaki, along the stunning Route 80, and is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain – Aoraki Mount Cook! At 3,724 meters, this magnificent peak is an iconic sight, and truly spectacular to see during your South Island road-trip.
One of my favourite things to do in the Mount Cook National Park is to lace up my hiking shoes, grab a backpack, and get out into the stunning alpine landscape! There is a number of short walks and hikes around the area, each offering incredible views of the wide glacier valleys and rugged, snow-capped peaks that surround you. Some of the most popular and beautiful walks in Mt Cook National Park take you to glacier viewpoints, where you can admire these breathtaking rivers of ice that have helped form the landscape throughout the Southern Alps.
Aoraki Mount Cook Lookout
If you don’t have time for a full day of exploring the Mt Cook National Park, then you can always make a (much shorter) detour to one of the best Mt Cook viewpoints around Lake Pukaki. Peter’s Lookout is located only a 12 minute drive up Route 80, and offers one of the most scenic views over the vibrant Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook!
4. Stop at a Cafe in Twizel
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 60 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 45 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1 hour
Twizel makes an awesome place to stop on your roadtrip from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown! It is the biggest township in the Mackenzie Region, and boasts a number of boutique shops and fantastic cafes and restaurants to visit! Twizel often acts as a base for travelers looking to explore the nearby lakes, as well as the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, as it is relatively close to most of the Mackenzie Basin attractions!
Best Cafes in Twizel, New Zealand
- Hydro Cafe
Hydro Cafe is located in the heart of Twizel, and serves fantastic Underground coffee, hearty breakfasts, and delicious baked goods – perfect for a road trip!
Location: 25 Market Place, Twizel - Poppies Cafe
Poppies offers a more extensive dining experience with a varied menu, including New Zealand specialties like lamb and seafood. It’s a great place for a nice dinner with a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: 1 Benmore Place, Twizel - The Musterer’s Hut Cafe
For a unique and family friendly cafe, check out The Musterer’s Hut Cafe and Gift Shop! On the road into Twizel, this charming cafe offers a fantastic coffee and breakfast options, as well as a mini golf course for the kids!
Location: 20 Ruataniwha Road, Twizel
5. Lake Ruataniwha
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 63 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 47 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 30 minutes
Only a few minutes drive from Twizel is the beautiful and secluded Lake Ruataniwha! This stunning alpine lake is a fantastic spot to stop for a swim and a picnic, or to feed the fish (and yourself!) at the nearby High Country Salmon!
6. Clay Cliffs in Omarama
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 94 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1 hour
Hidden in the heart of the stunning Mackenzie Country, and only a short drive from the charming town of Omarama are the magnificent Omarama Clay Cliffs! These unique rock formations, with their towering, sculpted pinnacles and ridges, are a must-see when driving from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown!
Location: Henburn Road, Omarama
7. Lindis Pass Summit
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 119 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 15 minutes
The Lindis Pass is a beautiful and dramatic mountain pass that spans Canterbury and Central Otago! Found between Omarama and Cromwell, it is an awesome place to stop and stretch your legs on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive, while soaking up some incredible scenery. The best place to stop is at the iconic Lindis Pass Lookout – the highest point of the pass, at 971 meters (3,186 feet) above sea level!
8. Cromwell
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 197 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1-2 hours
After emerging from the stunning Lindis Pass, the drive from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown will take you past the shores of the stunning Lake Dunstan and into the charming town of Cromwell – your first stop in Central Otago!
Cromwell is one of my favourite towns in Central Otago, but is often overlooked for the more touristy towns of Wanaka and Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Dunstan, and by the stunning Clutha River, it is filled with things to do and see!
5 Top Things to Do in Cromwell, New Zealand
- Explore the historic old Cromwell Heritage Precinct
- Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Otago landscape!
- Go on a winery tour in Bannockburn
- Race around the Track at the Highlands Motorsport Park
- Pick your own Cherries!
9. Kawarau Gorge
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 203 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 15 minutes
Driving through the Kawarau Gorge is a breathtaking journey that takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes between Lake Tekapo to Queenstown! The gorge is located between Queenstown and Cromwell and follows the course of the Kawarau River. Here are some of the best spots to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way:
- Roaring Meg Lookout
The Roaring Meg Lookout provides a stunning view of the Power Station and the stunning Kawarau Gorge. - Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
If you’re an adrenaline enthusiast, make a stop at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, famously known as the birthplace of bungee jumping. - Gibbston River Trail
The Gibbston River Trail is a popular short walk and offers a relatively easy hike with beautiful views of the Gorge!
10. Gibbston Valley Wineries
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 231 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1 – 2 hours
Calling all wine lovers! Gibbston Valley, often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Vines’, is a lush, beautiful valley located just a short drive from Queenstown. Gibbston Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and incredible locally-produced wine – especially its Pinot Noir!
One of the most popular activities in Gibbston Valley is to embark on a wine tasting through the incredible vineyards – though it might be best to organise a sober driver first! Some of the well-known wineries include Gibbston Valley Winery, Peregrine, and Mt Rosa Wines.
Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive via Wanaka
- Driving Time: ~3.5 hours
- Distance: 268 km (167 miles)
The scenic route along the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive follows the same route as the direct initially, travelling past Twizel and through the stunning Lindis Pass. As you emerge from the Lindis Pass, this route turns off the main highway and onto State Highway 8a, taking you into the beautiful town of Wanaka and through the magnificent Crown Ranges, before dropping down and arriving in Queenstown!
Map of Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive via Wanaka Route
The Best Stops along the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Drive via Wanaka
11. Wanaka
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 199 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1 hour (or a day if you can!)
Wanaka is one of the most popular must-visit destinations in the South Island of New Zealand, and it’s filled with awesome things to do and see on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive! If you have the time, I would definitely suggest slowing down your drive and spending a day or two in Wanaka so that you have time to explore this stunning lakeside town! If you are planning on just driving through, the must-see spots in Wanaka include:
- Lake Wanaka Waterfront
The pristine Lake Wanaka is in the heart of the town, and a lovely place to stop and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. - The Wanaka Tree
The Wanaka Tree, an iconic willow tree standing in Lake Wanaka, is an iconic photograph spot! - The Doughbin Bakery
Maybe it’s just me, but nothing beats a classic kiwi pie on a long road-trip! The Doughbin is located right opposite the lakefront, and does a bloody good pastry.
12. Cadrona Hotel
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 222 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1 hour
Located on the magnificent Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’ most iconic hotels. This charming hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most well-preserved buildings, dating back to the gold rush era! The hotel’s exterior has a rustic and vintage appearance, making it a popular spot for photos.
The Cadrona Hotel offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place to take a break during your road trip from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown! They have an award-winning restaurant and a legendary beer garden, perfect for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat before you continue on your way!
Location: 2312 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka, New Zealand
13. Crown Range Summit
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 236 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 2 hour 45 minutes
- Recommended Stopping Time: 15 minutes
Driving through the Crown Range in New Zealand is a breathtaking and exhilarating experience. The Crown Range is a spectacular mountain pass in the South Island of New Zealand The road through the range, known as the Crown Range Road, spans 69km between Wanaka and Queenstown, and is the highest main road in New Zealand – reaching an altitude of 1121 meters!
While the Crown Range Road is a shorter distance to drive from Wanaka to Queenstown, travel time is longer and the road is more challenging than the usual route through Cromwell. You should also allow time to stop and admire the massive views, which are often accompanied by amusing encounters with kea!
One of the best views along the Crown Range Road is Arrow Junction Lookout Point, just before the road starts its steep, zig-zagging descent into Queenstown. Here, you get panoramic views over Frankton, Lake Wakatipu, and into Queenstown!
If you plan to drive the Crown Range in the winter months (May to September), you need to make sure you are prepared for snow and ice, and are carrying chains!
14. Arrowtown
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 253 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 3 hours
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1-2 hours
Visiting Arrowtown on the drive from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown is like stepping back into the days of the Otago Gold Rush! This charming town is famous for its well-preserved historic architecture, beautiful natural surroundings, and rich history.
Arrowtown’s Historical Significance
Arrowtown was founded in the 1860’s during the Otago Gold Rush, and its historical heritage is still evident in the town’s architecture and atmosphere! The town’s streets are lined with picturesque, well-preserved cottages and buildings from that era.
While you’re there, you should check out the historical Chinese Settlement! The Chinese were an important part of the gold mining history in Arrowtown, and you can explore a reconstructed Chinese settlement that offers insight into their lives during that time.
This is a beautiful town to stop and explore, with a relaxing mix of nature, as well as boutique shops and cafes. The Arrow River flows through the town and is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk and a rest on your Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive.
15. Lake Hayes
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 252 km
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 3 hours
- Recommended Stopping Time: 1 hour
Visiting Lake Hayes on the Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive is a fantastic spot to stop, as it’s a beautiful lake located just a short distance from Queenstown! Lake Hayes is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. It’s nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, and the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range provides a breathtaking setting.
Lake Hayes Walks
The Lake Hayes area offers a variety of walking and biking trails that allow you to explore the lakeshore and the nearby hills. The Lake Hayes Loop Track is a popular trail that circles the lake and offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
16. And finally… Queenstown!
- Distance from Lake Tekapo: 268 km (167 miles)
- Time Driving from Lake Tekapo: 3.5 hours
Visiting Queenstown is one of the top things to do in the South Island of New Zealand! Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is renowned for its stunning landscapes. It’s a hub for adrenaline junkies, offering bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating, all against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
Queenstown also caters to those seeking a more relaxed getaway, with world-class wineries, cozy cafes, and scenic cruises on the lake. The town’s vibrant atmosphere, with its lively dining and nightlife scene, complements its remarkable surroundings. It is definitely one of the most exciting and popular hot-spots in the South Island, as should definitely be on your New Zealand bucket list!
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