Day 1
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Distance 230km - Driving Time 3 hours
Roll south across the Canterbury Plains toward the high country and the Mackenzie Basin. Snow tipped peaks begin to fill the horizon, and the road delivers you into a landscape of luminous lakes and big skies that will set the tone for the week ahead.
Where to stop between Christchurch and Lake Tekapo
Geraldine for a coffee and artisan treats before the climb into the foothills. Fairlie for a classic country bakery stop and a stroll on the village green. Lakeside pull-offs or the Cowans Hill viewpoint as you crest the basin and first see the turquoise water.
Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Walk the lakeshore to the stone Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue, then drive or hike up Mount John for a panoramic view over the lake and surrounding ranges. Save time for a soak at Tekapo Springs, where alpine air, warm water and mountain views ease away any travel stiffness. After dinner, look up. You are in an International Dark Sky Reserve, and on a clear night the Milky Way is on full display.
Where to stay in Lake Tekapo
Set up at Lakes Edge Holiday Park for powered sites right on the lakeshore and an easy stroll to town. Skies here are typically very dark within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so stargazing is often excellent from lakefront sites when campground lighting is minimal.
Day 2
Lake Tekapo
Distance 20km - Driving Time 0.5 hours
Race day. Wake to crisp alpine air and line up for your chosen distance at Merrell Race Tekapo or take a thermos to the lakeshore to cheer on runners as they wind through golden tussock and along glacial-blue water. Post race, keep it gentle. Stretch your legs on the easy Lake Tekapo waterfront path or the short Mount John Summit Track. Ease tired muscles with another sunset soak and, if energy allows, join a stargazing experience to round out a big day.
Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Light activity is the theme today. Visit the tiny town’s cafes, wander among lupin blooms in late spring, or ride a short family friendly section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail near town. Evening skies are often at their best right after dusk, so plan dinner around a star watch.
Where to stay in Lake Tekapo
Base yourself for another night at Lakes Edge Holiday Park to keep logistics easy and recovery simple.
Day 3
Lake Tekapo to Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
Distance 105km - Driving Time 1.25 hours
This is a short, spectacular hop into the heart of the Alps. The road skirts the milky waters of Lake Pukaki, with New Zealand’s highest peaks pulling you forward into a world of glaciers and sheer rock faces.
Where to stop between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
Lake Pukaki shoreline for the postcard view toward Aoraki and a leg stretch. Tapataia Mahaka / Peters Lookout on the Mount Cook Road for sweeping lake and mountain vistas. Glentanner area for a quick riverside wander and photos of braided river flats.
Things to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
Tie up your hiking shoes for the Hooker Valley Track, a mostly flat walk with swing bridges, glacier-fed rivers and an amphitheatre of peaks at the end. If you prefer shorter outings, Kea Point and the Tasman Glacier View Track deliver big views with less time on trail. The village rewards slow evenings with alpine sunsets that set the peaks glowing.
Where to stay in Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
For a true alpine camp, choose White Horse Hill Campsite beneath towering cliffs. If you want services and powered sites, stay at Glentanner Park just outside the village with wide open views and easy access to the park.
Day 4
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village to Wānaka
Distance 206km - Driving Time 2.25 hours
Return down the valley, then climb over Lindis Pass into Otago’s big tussock country. The landscape shifts from glacial blues to tawny golds before dropping into Wānaka’s lake and vineyard scene.
Where to stop between Aoraki / Mount Cook Village and Wānaka
Omarama Clay Cliffs for otherworldly badlands and a short wander. Lindis Pass lookout for a high country panorama of rolling ridgelines. Tarras for coffee and a breather before the final run to the lake.
Things to do in Wānaka
Shake out the legs on the gentle Outlet Track along the Clutha River or take the short climb to the Diamond Lake lookout. Keen for more elevation and time on trail? Continue to Rocky Mountain for a longer half-day circuit with grand views. Stroll the lakefront, snap a photo of the famous lone willow, then settle into a relaxed evening of local food and Central Otago wines.
Where to stay in Wānaka
Choose Wānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park for leafy sites and good facilities a short drive from town, or Hampshire Holiday Parks – Wānaka (formerly Lakeview) for easy walking access to the lakefront and eateries.
Day 5
Wānaka to Queenstown
Distance 70km - Driving Time 1.5 hours
A short day, but one of the most memorable. The Crown Range delivers switchbacks, alpine views and historic stops on the way into the adventure capital.
Where to stop between Wānaka and Queenstown
Cardrona Valley for photos of historic buildings and broad mountain views. Crown Range summit lookout for a dramatic view toward Queenstown. Arrowtown to stroll tree lined streets and the restored Chinese Settlement. Lake Hayes for a quick loop walk or reflective photos on calm days.
Things to do in Queenstown
Ride the gondola for bird’s eye views, wander the lakeside gardens, or settle into a cafe for lunch. If you want a leg burner, take the Tiki Trail to the Skyline complex, or run an easy out and back along the Queenstown Trail beside Lake Wakatipu.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Park at Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde for a central base and an easy walk to town, or Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park in Arthurs Point for a quieter setting near trails.
Day 6
Queenstown
Distance 20km - Driving Time 0.75 hours
Today is for adventure at your pace. Mountain bikers can sample lift assisted laps in town or cruise traffic free sections of the Queenstown Trail to Frankton and beyond. Hikers can aim for Ben Lomond Saddle for big alpine views or keep it gentle with a lakeside promenade. Balance the day with a slow lunch and an evening by the water.
Things to do in Queenstown
Pick a half day bike hire and ride lakeside paths, book a jet boat for thrills on the Kawarau, or explore nearby Arrowtown’s museums and cafes. If you prefer a run, the Sunshine Bay Track is a scenic option close to town.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Stay a second night at Creeksyde or at Queenstown TOP 10 to keep logistics simple and maximize your time on trails.
Day 7
Queenstown to Te Anau
Distance 172km - Driving Time 2 hours
Follow the lake’s edge before swinging south through open farmland to the gateway of Fiordland. The pace eases, the horizons widen and the sky feels enormous.
Where to stop between Queenstown and Te Anau
Kingston for a coffee and views back across Lake Wakatipu. Mossburn for a leg stretch and high country scenery. Te Anau lakefront for first glimpses of the mountains you will explore tomorrow.
Things to do in Te Anau
Stroll the Lake2Lake trail at sunset, visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see native species, or take an evening cruise to the glowworm caves. Fuel up and prep for tomorrow’s fiord adventure.
Where to stay in Te Anau
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels has broad views and excellent facilities close to the water. Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park is another convenient base near shops and eateries.
Day 8
Milford Sound
Distance 240km - Driving Time 4 hours
The Milford Road is a journey in its own right, carved through valleys and over saddles into a deep, glacier sculpted fiord. Leave early to allow time for scenic stops and a midday cruise under towering cliffs and hanging waterfalls. This is the longest driving day of the itinerary, rewarded at every turn.
Where to stop between Te Anau and Milford Sound
Eglinton Valley for a wide valley floor framed by steep mountains. Mirror Lakes for perfect reflections on a calm morning. Lake Gunn Nature Walk for an easy mossy beech forest loop. Pop’s View and the Hollyford Valley outlook for big mountain drama. The Homer Tunnel entrance for kea sightings and epic rock walls. The Chasm for water carved rock formations near Milford.
Things to do in Milford Sound
Join a cruise to glide beneath tumbling waterfalls, scan for seals and, if you are lucky, dolphins. On a still day watch clouds hang like lace on the fiord walls. After the cruise, take the short foreshore walk before returning to Te Anau.
Where to stay in Te Anau
Return to your site at Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels or Te Anau TOP 10 and enjoy a relaxed evening by the lake.
Day 9
Te Anau to Wānaka
Distance 227km - Driving Time 3 hours
Climb back through northern Southland and into Central Otago’s wide valleys. The route resets you for another dose of lakeside living and accessible trails.
Where to stop between Te Anau and Wānaka
Five Rivers for a coffee with farm views. Cromwell Heritage Precinct to wander stone streets beside Lake Dunstan. Lake Dunstan viewpoints for a picnic by the water.
Things to do in Wānaka
Keep it easy after the drive. Walk the Mount Iron Track for a 360 degree outlook over town and lake, or rent bikes for a flat spin along the lakeshore. Sunset is particularly lovely from Eely Point or the marina.
Where to stay in Wānaka
Stay again at Wānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park or Hampshire Holiday Parks – Wānaka to be close to trails and town.
Day 10
Wānaka to Lake Tekapo
Distance 200km - Driving Time 2.25 hours
Retrace the high country route over Lindis Pass and into the Mackenzie Basin, returning to the luminous lakes and open skies that frame the central Alps.
Where to stop between Wānaka and Lake Tekapo
Lindis Pass lookout for a final look over Otago’s tussocklands. Omarama for a break or a short riverside walk. Lake Pukaki viewpoints for another angle on Aoraki across blue water.
Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Choose a relaxed afternoon. Soak at Tekapo Springs, wander the lakeshore, or take the gentle Cowans Hill Track for a quieter outlook. If you missed Mount John earlier, late afternoon light makes the panorama even more photogenic.
Where to stay in Lake Tekapo
Return to Lakes Edge Holiday Park for a familiar base and starry skies.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 11
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Distance 230km - Driving Time 3 hours
Descend from the high country to the plains, trading mountain horizons for patchwork fields and rivers braiding toward the coast. Aim to reach Christchurch by early afternoon to explore on foot.
Where to stop between Lake Tekapo and Christchurch
Fairlie for a final country bakery stop. Geraldine for galleries and a leafy stroll. Rakaia River bridge area for a quick viewpoint over the wide shingle riverbed.
Things to do in Christchurch
Wander the Botanic Gardens and the Ōtākaro / Avon River, browse the Riverside Market for local food, then ride the heritage tram or explore the evolving street art scene in the central city. The city’s mix of innovation and English garden charm makes for easy urban strolling.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch offers roomy sites and great facilities a short drive from the city. North South Holiday Park near the airport is a convenient alternative with good access for your final days.
Day 12
Christchurch to Akaroa
Distance 85km - Driving Time 1.5 hours
Wind over the volcanic ridges of Banks Peninsula to a sheltered harbour where French influence meets Kiwi hospitality. The drive is a highlight in itself with blue bays and green hills unfolding at every turn.
Where to stop between Christchurch and Akaroa
Little River for coffee and the art gallery. Hilltop Tavern for wide views over the harbour and peninsular peaks. Barrys Bay Cheese for tastings and a picnic stop.
Things to do in Akaroa
Join a harbour cruise to look for Hector’s dolphins, little penguins and seals, or explore the coastal tracks around Ōnuku. Back in the village, pastel facades, boulangeries and waterside restaurants invite a slow afternoon.
Where to stay in Akaroa
Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park sits above the harbour with great views and easy access to the village. Settle in for a peaceful night among birdsong and sea air.
Day 13
Akaroa to Christchurch
Distance 85km - Driving Time 1.5 hours
Enjoy a leisurely morning by the harbour, then return over the ridgelines to the city. With a short drive, you will have a relaxed afternoon to round out your loop.
Where to stop between Akaroa and Christchurch
Duvauchelle or Robinsons Bay for final harbour views. Sign of the Kiwi on the Port Hills for a quick stop with city and Alps outlooks.
Things to do in Christchurch
Walk the modern Tūranga library for architecture lovers, explore the new arts precinct, or head to New Brighton Pier for sea air and an easy beach walk. If you prefer a run, the Hagley Park paths are flat and leafy.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Return to Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch or North South Holiday Park for a final comfortable night with space to repack and prepare for drop off.
Day 14
Christchurch
Distance 30km - Driving Time 1 hour
Leave the camper parked and make the most of a flexible final day. Start with coffee in a laneway cafe, then choose a short Port Hills hike such as the Bridle Path for big views over the harbour and plains. If coast calls, drive out to Sumner and walk the promenade to Cave Rock, or continue to Taylors Mistake for a headland stroll on the Godley Head Track. Cap it all with a relaxed dinner in the city.
Things to do in Christchurch
Blend movement and culture. Visit the Canterbury Museum’s reopening exhibitions when available, take a gentle punt on the Avon, or browse local designers and food producers at the market. Keep it easy so tomorrow’s travel feels effortless.
Where to stay in Christchurch
If you are flying tomorrow, North South Holiday Park near the airport is convenient. If you plan to linger in the city for an extra night, Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch remains a solid base with quick access to parks and the CBD.
This loop puts the Merrell Race Tekapo weekend at the heart of a classic South Island road trip, balancing active days with restorative evenings and keeping most days to a few hours behind the wheel. The Milford Sound adventure is the longest driving day, and it is worth every kilometre. You will carry home snapshots of starry skies, ice carved valleys and mirror calm fiords, along with that feeling of freedom that only a motorhome journey delivers. Bring your running shoes, your sense of wonder and a camera. The rest will take care of itself.