Self-drive tour from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Your road trip adventure truly begins today, with breathtaking natural wonders awaiting you.
Setting out from Christchurch, you'll drive through the rolling Canterbury Plains and onwards towards the highlands and the snow-capped Southern Alps. A highly recommended stop is at Lake Tekapo (Takapō), famed for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, and the charming stone Church of the Good Shepherd.
From here, your journey continues along the shores of Lake Pukaki (Pūkahaki), where the impressive sight of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook (Aoraki), gradually appears on the horizon at 3,724 metres.
You’ll arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you have the rest of the day at your leisure. One of the highlights is a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, named after the legendary New Zealand mountaineer. Alongside Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, Hillary became the first person ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Hillary had strong connections to the Mount Cook region, where he spent time training and scaling several of New Zealand’s highest peaks.
Mount Cook Village is a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike, with a variety of trails to suit every level of ability. Options include the Kea Point Track (easy, approx. 3 km), the Tasman Glacier View Track (easy, approx. 2.5 km), and the Hooker Valley Track (easy, approx. 10 km). Please note that sections of the Hooker Valley Track are currently closed due to erosion and the construction of a new suspension bridge, with works expected to continue until the end of 2026.
We recommend visiting the national park’s information centre upon arrival, where you can get the latest updates on routes, weather conditions, and safety.
In the evening, you may be lucky enough to experience one of the world’s clearest night skies—either on your own or as part of a guided stargazing tour in the Aoraki/Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Remember to fill up the car and stock up on supplies before entering the national park, as availability is limited and prices are higher once inside.
Driving distance: Christchurch – Aoraki/Mt Cook approximately 330 km
Drive time: around 4.5 hours (without stops)
You have the option to add extra nights in the various cities you visit if, for example, you’d like to spend more days exploring on your own. Please get in touch with our travel specialists with your specific requests for your tour.