5 days in Christchurch, Lake Tekapo & Queenstown Itinerary

Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, use the Christchurch visit planner.

Auckland to Christchurch is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train and ferry. Traveling from Auckland in January, you will find days in Christchurch are a bit warmer (26°C), and nights are slightly colder (13°C). You will leave for Lake Tekapo on the 9th (Sat).

Located in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo offers evenings of stargazing and days of long walks.

To find where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Lake Tekapo trip maker.

Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. On the 11th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Queenstown.

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

You've added Twelve Mile Delta to Bob's Cove Track, Shotover Canyon Swing, Real Journeys - TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises, and other attractions to your itinerary. On the 11th (Mon), get some thrills on the water with Shotover Jet and then get a new perspective on things with Real Journeys - TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: push the limits with Shotover Canyon Swing and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Twelve Mile Delta to Bob's Cove Track.

For reviews, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Queenstown online tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Christchurch.

For maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Christchurch route maker website.

You can fly from Queenstown to Christchurch in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.