Where is the best place to stay for one night on the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown in late December? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Where is the best place to stay for one night on the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown in late December? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
Lake Tekapo definately - gorgeous scenery. Or you could detour slightly to Mount Cook if you want to get closer to the mountains, but the views of them from Tekapo are great anyway.
It's slightly less than halfway, about 2 and a half hours drive from Christchurch.
Tekapo gets my vote too, I can highly recommend Lake Tekapo Lodge-
Hi there,
Tekapo is definately my vote as well - we stayed in the Alpine Cottage just last week & it was lovely.
We were a family of 4, not sure what you're after but here's their link.
http://www.laketekapoalpinecottage.co.nz
Happy travels!
R :)
Would you say this is a much better option than Lake Wanaka?
Tekapo is about 3 hours from Chch and 4 hours from Queenstown, while Wanaka is about 6 hours from Chch, one hour from Queenstown.
So Tekapo is the more central overnight stop, while the resort town of Wanaka is, imo, a destination in itself, rather than being a place for a one night stop.
I have stayed in both Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook. Both are small villages so there is no night life or entertainment if that is a factor. I'n my opinion nothing matches pulling the curtains and gazing on the Mountain. There is a much better chance of Aoraki being clear in the morning as it tends to cloud in the afternoon. You should drive up there anyway, the road alongside Lake Pukaki is absolutely stunning, regardles of the weather. Because it is in a National Park there is not much choice of accomadation and it's a bit pricey. The Hermitage has self catering Motels (you need to take your food, there's no shops) or there is a large tourist class hotel with a really nice restaurant (again a bit pricey).
Tekapo has some cheaper options. I've never had a meal there that I enjoyed but as I'm through every 6 weeks or so and live in hope! Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook are about 45 minutes apart. The roads are as good as they get! Just stop somewhere sensible for photos.
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