10 Best Stops on the Drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook National Park

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Are you on the hunt to discover the most iconic spots in New Zealand? Well, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park definitely need to be on that list!

That said, it turns out that the drive between the two is worthy of its own kind of reward! Full to the brim with stunning viewpoints, fun things to do, and amazing trails, it’s such a shame that many people make this drive without knowing about the best stops along the way.

That’s why I’ve decided to put this blog together! Having driven this route many times, I’ve picked out the 10 stops you can’t miss on your road trip. So, without further ado, let’s start up those engines and explore this incredible drive.

About the Drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook

The drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook is 104 kilometers (64.6 miles) long and takes just over an hour without any stops. You’ll first leave Lake Tekapo town on State Highway 8 before turning right onto State Highway 80 (also known as Mount Cook Road). This highway goes along the edge of gorgeous Lake Pukaki before entering Mount Cook National Park and continuing on into Mount Cook Village.

Driving from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook (or the reverse, from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo) is a very common route on the South Island. These two destinations are beautiful and, as such, very popular tourist spots.

Besides that, Lake Tekapo is a larger town than Mount Cook Village. This means that you’ll find more delicious restaurants in Lake Tekapo, as well as hotels. For this reason, many people actually stay the night in Lake Tekapo and visit Mount Cook on a day trip from there.

Because the drive is only just over an hour long between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, day trips are common and a popular way to visit one of the most popular national parks in New Zealand.

The road between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook is paved the entire way, so it is suitable for 2WD cars and even larger motorhomes or campervans. That said, it is a single-lane highway almost the entire way, so if you get stuck behind a few slower-moving vehicles, it can take a little bit longer while testing your patience.

In the winter, this road is generally clear of snow and ice and safe to travel without snow chains. With that said, NZ’s winter weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountainous regions of Mount Cook National Park, so it’s best to have them with you just in case.

Besides, if you’re continuing to drive to Queenstown from Mount Cook, then you’ll probably need them on Lindis Pass anyway, or if you’re going between Queenstown and Wanaka, on the Crown Pass.

Hot Tip: If you’re renting a motorhome or any other vehicle in the winter, be sure that snow chains are included.

If you would rather not drive yourself, you can take the Intercity Bus from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes (however, it is not always available). Alternatively, there are plenty of guided tours available from Christchurch that stop in Lake Tekapo before heading to Mount Cook.

Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook FAQs

10 Best Stops on the Drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook

1. Lake Tekapo

The beautiful town of Lake Tekapo is where you’ll start your road trip to Mount Cook, and what a place to start! There are tons of fun things to do in Lake Tekapo with one of the most popular being the Church of the Good Shepherd. This church is especially popular with photographers as the altar window frames the perfect view of the Southern Alps and the milky blue lake. 

Did you know, Lake Tekapo is actually a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it’s one of the best places in the world to go stargazing? You can stargaze from a hot tub here at Tekapo Springs – what a way to enjoy the night sky all lit up with stars! You may be lucky enough to spot the Southern Lights too (the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent of the Northern Lights).

If you want to get an even better view of the stars, then you should definitely give this 2-hour stargazing tour a go, where you’ll head to Mount John Observatory to see the night sky through a high-powered telescope. I found the staff on this trip to be absolutely amazing, from the drivers to the knowledgeable guides – a really fun experience all in all!

Fancy a little sightseeing in the daytime? This scenic 4WD tour of the backcountry is ideal for grabbing photos and seeing the sights that you’d have a hard time seeing without driving a car suitable for off-road. We had a great time getting to know Ben and learning all kinds of interesting (and funny!) stories about Lake Tekapo and beyond.

Two of my other favorite activities in Lake Tekapo include wandering the lupin fields (colorful flowers) between October and January, and going for a coffee in town – The Greedy Cow café is one of my local favorites, or if you fancy a spot with a view then the mountain-top Astro Café easily has the best views in Tekapo.

There’s also an array of restaurants in Lake Tekapo including Dark Sky Diner on 1 Neil Anderson Way for dinner with a view.

Staying Overnight in Lake Tekapo

Staying a night or two in Lake Tekapo is highly recommended. This place is just too beautiful to simply pass by. Luckily, there are plenty of great options for hotels and hostels in Lake Tekapo town.

One place I always love to stay is the Lakes Edge Lodge, it’s perfect for budget travelers and the location is right in town. They offer beds in shared dorms which are ideal for ultra-cheap travel, as well as private single and family rooms. Staying here starts as low as $46 NZD per night, so make sure to book ahead for the best prices!

If you have a bit of a higher budget, then consider staying at the Mantra Lake Tekapo, which has its very own pool and hot tub, plus the reviews really do speak for themselves! You’ll find a range of self-contained apartments here that are ideal for a romantic stay away, or for families looking to make the most of the 3-bedroom apartments offered here.

2. Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

As one of the largest lakes on the South Island, Lake Pukaki is our first main stop after Lake Tekapo and is one that you can’t miss!

You may recognize Lake Pukaki from your Instagram feed – the bright blue lake with Mount Cook as a backdrop. Honestly, if you’re a photography fan, you must stop here! But even if you’re not, why wouldn’t you want to enjoy this view?!

There are lots of different places you can pull over to enjoy the views here, with a few unmarked spots on the road into Mount Cook National Park. However, one place that’s perfect for a stunning view is this particular Lake Pukaki Viewpoint. Located only about a 25-minute drive from Lake Tekapo town, this viewpoint is on the shore of Lake Pukaki and you can even see Mount Cook in the distance.

This is just a quick stop for a photo, unless you’re in a self-contained certified campervan, in which case you can actually freedom camp here from the night. Not a bad spot to wake up in the morning!

3. Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk

After the viewpoint, continue driving towards Mount Cook on State Highway 8 for a couple of minutes until you reach the Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk. This is a great stop on the drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook where you can stretch your legs.

The Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk is actually a longer walk at 13 kilometers return (8.1 miles). However, you don’t have to complete the entire track to enjoy it. Walk for as long as you feel before turning around and returning via the same track.

You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. I recommend just wandering for a couple of hundred meters before turning back – save your legs for the next stop on this blog.

4. Lake Pukaki Kettle Hole Walk

Just down the road from the parking lot of the Shoreline Walk, you’ll find the parking lot for the Lake Pukaki Kettle Hole Walk. This walk is 4 kilometers long (2.5 miles), about an hour’s walk that takes you to a kettle hole formed by melting glacial ice – a kettle hole is a bit like if nature took a big ice cream scoop out of the ground!

Along this trail, you’ll also enjoy spectacular views of Lake Pukaki. It’s a fairly easy trail that takes most people around an hour to complete. In my opinion, it’s probably the best hike of the drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook and well worth checking out. It’s also a pretty straightforward and accessible walk, suitable for most people, families included!

5. Twizel (slight detour)

The alpine town of Twizel, surrounded by the Southern Alps, is a very popular stop on the road from Queenstown or Wanaka to Mount Cook. However, when you’re driving from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook it isn’t actually on the way, and instead, you’ll have to drive an extra 11-kilometer (7 miles) detour to reach town.

If you’re planning to drive from Mount Cook to Queenstown or Wanaka then skip this stop and instead visit Twizel once you leave Mount Cook. That said, if you have the time to spare, then visiting Twizel is a must!

The landscape surrounding Twizel has a very ‘Lord of the Rings vibe’. In fact, nearby Ben Ohau Station is where the Battle Of Pelennor Fields scene in The Return Of The King was filmed. Worth noting is that Ben Ohau is privately owned, so can only be visited as part of a local tour.

Twizel is also a popular destination for those interested in rock and mountain climbing, cycling, and fishing. There are also a few great cafés and restaurants in town, including the awesome Poppies Café on Benmore Place. Open 10 am to 8 pm Sunday to Tuesday, and 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday, their menu is bursting with creative flavor – I loved their signature Poppies burger!

Stay Overnight in Twizel

Twizel is also a really nice place to spend the night, especially if the nearby towns of Mount Cook Village and Lake Tekapo are fully booked (which happens a lot in the summer months!).

If you do stay, you’ll have the chance to explore the area even better. My favorite thing to do is to head to Ruataniwha Lake to watch the sunset. On a calm day, you get amazing reflections, and the sky all but turns into cotton candy!

For a great midrange option, the Mountain Chalets Motel would be my personal pick. Their cozy chalets can sleep up to 5 people, so it’s perfect whether you’re traveling as a couple or as a family! All of the chalets also come with a kitchenette and have unlimited free Wi-Fi.

If epic views are what you’re after, then the Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park really can’t be beaten. As its name suggests, this holiday park sits directly on the shores of Lake Ruataniwha. If you get the chance, I really recommend going fishing or canoeing here on the lake – don’t forget to snap a few shots while you’re at it!

6. Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat

After our short detour from Twizel, the next stop will get us back on track and is only a 10-minute drive from town. Let me introduce to you one of the most relaxing, and downright beautiful stops on this trip!

Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat is a gorgeous place to spend a night or two, where you’re utterly surrounded by the serenity and beauty of Lake Pukaki. This place is seriously stunning and offers private villas with lake views and private hot tubs!

It’s probably the most luxurious place to stay near Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki and is well worth it if you’re looking to spoil yourself and a loved one.

Not up for an overnight stay? No problem! You can just stop here at their highly-rated restaurant for a bite to eat and a glass of wine with a view before hitting the road again. You’ll find Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat located on Highway 80 as you make your way toward Mount Cook National Park.

Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat also often hosts ticketed events, from Valentine’s Day celebrations to photography sessions and more. Keep an eye on their calendar in case one of them interests you!

7. NZ Alpine Lavender

Less than a 5-minute drive from Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat and 15 minutes from Twizel along Mount Cook Road, this is a spot you can’t miss!

There’s nothing quite like the smell of lavender fields – I always make sure to stop by and grab some photos whenever I find one, and NZ Alpine Lavender is the spot to do just that on your way to Mount Cook.

Imagine walking through a purple field full of lavender with three Southern Alps as your backdrop – it’s breathtaking! There is also a gift shop and even some lakeside accommodation available here, ideal if you’re looking for a calm retreat. I also highly recommend trying their lavender ice cream, it’s to die for!

It costs just $5 NZD per person to visit the lavender field, and if you spend $30 NZD in the shop, you’ll have your entrance fee credited back to you. Their opening hours do vary throughout the year, so don’t forget to check out their website ahead of time so you don’t get caught out. They also tend to close if the weather gets particularly bad – worth keeping in mind!

8. Glentanner Park Centre

Who knew that Mount Cook Road had this many epic stops?! Up next, we have Glenntanner Park Centre, which is located within Glentanner Station and is a good place to stop off for a coffee before you hit Mount Cook.

That said, Glentanner Park Centre is also home to a ton of fun activities, as well as 5,000 super cute merino sheep! The centre also offers accommodation, including rooms and campsites. Some of the activities you can book here include helicopter rides, kayaking, 4WD tours and so much more. Better yet, if you stay at the park, you can also enjoy discounts on many of these activities!

If staying the night or booking a tour isn’t your thing, you can instead just stop in at the Tasman Delta Cafe. Here, you can find an all-day menu including sandwiches, coffee, baked goods, and more. The café is open daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm and also offers Wi-Fi (which you might need since cellphone data is very limited on the road between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook).

9. Mount Cook Road Photo

A popular thing to do on the drive to Mount Cook is to snap a photo on the road! Hear me out – about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Mount Cook Village and just before the airport is one of the most stunning photo opportunities in Mount Cook.

You can pull your car safely off the road and stand in the middle of the road, where behind you the winding road and Mount Cook make for an epic backdrop. It’s sure to make your friends at home jealous!

This is a quick stop, of course, but make sure to be safe when pulling over. Watch out for cars and turn your hazards on. The speed limit on this road is 60 km/h (37mph) so the cars can come upon you pretty quick!

10. Mount Cook Village

Finally, you’ve arrived! Mount Cook Village is your final destination on this epic road trip, and a whole new round of fun is waiting for you. Here, you’ll find a few hotels and restaurants, as well as all of the best things to do in Mount Cook National Park!

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, standing tall at a whopping 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). It is, of course, a must-see on any New Zealand itinerary, and probably the main reason you decided to do this road trip in the first place! There is lots to do in Mount Cook, from undertaking one of the famous walks in the area to indulging in stunning scenic flights.

If you love getting outdoors and stretching your legs on a scenic trail (and I mean, who doesn’t?), then you’ll want to check out the Hooker Valley Track. It’s easy and flat, and at just a 10-kilometer (6.2-miles) round-trip, it takes around 3 hours to complete the return trip. The track provides gorgeous views of Mueller Lake, Mount Sefton, and Mueller Glacier, and is one of my favorite hikes.

But if that sounds too long, there are also some much shorter walks in Mount Cook too, including the Bowen Bush Walk, Glencoe Walk, and Governors Bush Walk. Perfect if you’re traveling with the little ones who might not enjoy a long hike!

That said, I don’t think anyone can deny that the best views of Mount Cook are those you get from up in the sky. There are lots of fantastic helicopter tours that operate in the area, but my favorite has to be this 20-minute scenic helicopter flight, thanks to its flexible flight times. It also includes an alpine landing – how neat is that!?

At $337 NZD per person, it’s not the cheapest experience, but if you’re looking to take your road trip from epic to truly unforgettable, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of soaring above the epic scenery below. Plus, you’ll land with a pocket full of incredible photos! You can check availability for this tour and book your spot online here.

Now that you’ve arrived, why not spend the night at Mount Cook so that you can experience more of the awesome activities on offer – like that helicopter tour or kayaking on Tasman or Mueller Lake? As one of the most popular destinations on this list, you can bet that this incredible area has a lot to offer!

Read on to learn more about the best places to stay in Mount Cook!

Where to Stay in Mount Cook

There aren’t a ton of places to stay in Mount Cook if I’m being honest. All of the accommodation is in Mount Cook Village, and in the summer months, the best places to stay are fully booked.

Glentanner Park Center – $

The Glentanner Park Center is my go-to choice for traveling on a budget. Although it’s a 17 km (10.6 mi) drive out of town, the dorm rooms here are clean and cheap, plus there’s also a communal kitchen area which is perfect for meeting new friends.

A bed in a mixed dorm here starts as low as $45 NZD per night, not a bad deal considering you’re on the doorstep of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks! You can check availability and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Another budget-friendly option is to camp! You can stay at White Horse Hill Campground in Mount Cook Village, which is operated by the DOC and requires bookings in advance. It costs $15 NZD per adult per night or $7.50 NZD per child in the off-peak period between the 9th of February and the 25th of December. For the remainder of the year, it costs $18 NZD per adult, and $9 NZD per child.

Aoraki Court Motel – $$

If you’re looking for something a little more mid-range, then the Aoraki Court Motel is definitely worth a look. All of the rooms here are spacious and modern, with fantastic mountain views, all just a 3-minute walk from Mount Cook Village.

Rooms here at the Aoraki Court Motel do sell out months in advance, so it’s a good idea to reserve your room as far as possible in advance as you can! If you do, you can snag some great early-bird deals from just $350 NZD per night.

Hermitage Hotel – $$$

The most popular (and luxurious) place to stay in Mount Cook is the Hermitage Hotel. With its stunning rooms, ranging from twin rooms all the way up to premium king suites, it’s not hard to see how this hotel gets its reputation as the height of luxury in Mount Cook Village!

The friendly staff here go above and beyond to help you with any requests you have, whether you’re looking to arrange a tour, or book in at their fantastic on-site restaurant. Rooms here at the Hermitage Hotel start as low as $467 NZD per night, but like the Aoraki Court Motel, they do book up far in advance. So make sure to check your dates and reserve your room online here.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Where to Stay in Mount Cook

There aren’t a ton of places to stay in Mount Cook if I’m being honest. All of the accommodation is in Mount Cook Village, and in the summer months, the best places to stay are fully booked.

Glentanner Park Center – $

The Glentanner Park Center is my go-to choice for traveling on a budget. Although it’s a 17 km (10.6 mi) drive out of town, the dorm rooms here are clean and cheap, plus there’s also a communal kitchen area which is perfect for meeting new friends.

A bed in a mixed dorm here starts as low as $45 NZD per night, not a bad deal considering you’re on the doorstep of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks! You can check availability and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Another budget-friendly option is to camp! You can stay at White Horse Hill Campground in Mount Cook Village, which is operated by the DOC and requires bookings in advance. It costs $15 NZD per adult per night or $7.50 NZD per child in the off-peak period between the 9th of February and the 25th of December. For the remainder of the year, it costs $18 NZD per adult, and $9 NZD per child.

Aoraki Court Motel – $$

If you’re looking for something a little more mid-range, then the Aoraki Court Motel is definitely worth a look. All of the rooms here are spacious and modern, with fantastic mountain views, all just a 3-minute walk from Mount Cook Village.

Rooms here at the Aoraki Court Motel do sell out months in advance, so it’s a good idea to reserve your room as far as possible in advance as you can! If you do, you can snag some great early-bird deals from just $350 NZD per night.

Hermitage Hotel – $$$

The most popular (and luxurious) place to stay in Mount Cook is the Hermitage Hotel. With its stunning rooms, ranging from twin rooms all the way up to premium king suites, it’s not hard to see how this hotel gets its reputation as the height of luxury in Mount Cook Village!

The friendly staff here go above and beyond to help you with any requests you have, whether you’re looking to arrange a tour, or book in at their fantastic on-site restaurant. Rooms here at the Hermitage Hotel start as low as $467 NZD per night, but like the Aoraki Court Motel, they do book up far in advance. So make sure to check your dates and reserve your room online here.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Thanks for reading!

And there you have it, the 10 best stops on the drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook. If you even stop at just a couple of the stops I mentioned, then you’re sure to have a great time on this road trip.

If you’re looking for more road trip blogs, then you’re in luck because I have tons! Be sure to browse my other blogs about the South Island or my hometown of Queenstown too! Here are some I think you might find useful:

50 BEST Hikes in New Zealand + My Personal Favorites

21 FUN Things to do in Picton, New Zealand

9 BEST Wineries in Queenstown that You Have to Visit (2024 Guide!)