Driving Queenstown to Mount Cook – Best Sights To See

With Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park being a mere 3 hour drive from Queenstown, it is totally feasible to do a day trip and bang out one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails, Hooker Valley. For those with a bit more time however, this is the blog post for you! Truly one of the most beautiful drives up the south island, you will be treated to plenty of lake and mountain views, and the coveted lupin flowers if visiting at the right time of year.

Taking SH6 out of Queenstown, you will first pass Gibbston and it’s numerous vineyards, the turquoise Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell for a fresh fruit ice cream, and gorgeous Lake Dunstan. For keen cyclists, the 55km Lake Dunstan Trail is a must-do, with 3 of the 4 sections currently open to the public (the final section is under construction). There are plenty of areas to rest or go boating and swimming alongside the lake.

The final Central Otago town before crossing over the border into Canterbury country is Tarras, a perfect wee pit stop for cake and coffee at Tarras Country Cafe before entering Lindis Pass.

Continuing on SH8 towards Omarama, be sure to take a detour to the Clay Cliffs, a series of towering rock formations made of gravel and silt. As the cliffs sit on private land, there is a $5/car honesty box next to the gate. Take a stroll down to the Ahuriri River (which can also be accessed via the Ahuriri Bridge Campsite past Omarama Airport), and if you happen to be visiting close to mid December, you will be treated to fields of colourful lupins.

Just a little further north will take you into the Mackenzie District, famous for its turquoise lakes, alpine scenery and internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve. The township of Twizel offers eateries and lodging options, but if you are looking for a more unique stay, there are plenty of secluded Airbnb options, including this gem near Lake Ohau (*makes mental note to book this in the future!*)

Other notable lakes include Lake Ruataniwha, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, the latter famous for the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount John Observatory and lupin flowers in December.

Driving the length of Lake Pukaki will take you to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with its abundance of hiking trails ranging from family friendly strolls to overnight hut stays beneath New Zealand’s tallest mountain. If you are visiting between December and March, stop off at New Zealand Alpine Lavender along Mount Cook Road for a frolic through their purple fields or a taste of their lavender berry ice cream!

There is so much more to look forward to in 2021, so for now, I wish you all a Meri Kirihimete and a relaxing silly season 😀 Stay healthy and safe out there!