Road Trippin’ The Starlight Highway
Don’t you love that feeling when you’re all packed up and heading down your driveway about to embark on a road trip. Freedom, adventure, escapism, fun.
We have driven the route from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo hundreds of times and have carved out the perfect road trip route! Read on to uncover all the hot spots between Christchurch and Lake Tekapo that make up the ultimate South Island roadie.
A touch cliche, but in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, we believe a road trip should be about the journey - the scenery, the quirky stops, and the off-the-beaten-track photo opportunities!
Leave Christchurch heading west on the Main West Coast road, take Inland Scenic Route 72.
You soon feel a sense of openness, with the Southern Alps right in front of you and spacious farmland all around.
Just a few minutes from Hororata, you will come to the Rakaia Gorge Bridge. There is a 10km loop walk with great views of the gorge as you pass through forest, farmland and tussock-covered terraces. If walking is not your thing, the lookout point is worth a photo stop as the views of the turquoise braided Rakaia river and the Southern Alps are stunning.
As you drive along the straight and narrow road through Mayfield you will come to Geraldine. The new Barkers Foodstore and Eatery is a foodies delight. Deliciousness to try and buy, eat in or take with you. A modern and relaxing cafe with a unique sampling concept.
As you walk in all the dips, chutneys, jams and juices are laid out and ready to sample. Our faves are the ginger beer syrup for a refreshing cool drink and tomato chutney. Buy now, so you are platter prepared when you hit your destination.
IMAGE SOURCE: BARKERS.CO.NZ
The drive from Geraldine to Tekapo is hands down our favourite bit of driving. The road becomes bendy and hilly now as you leave the Canterbury Plains and get into the foot hills of the Alps. Lots of green to start with that slowly turns to tussock. If you consider yourself a bit of a Jason Strahan “transporter” you will love the climb into Fairlie as you hug some extremely curly corners which are fun and definitely better if you’re lucky enough to be cruising in a 1950’s sportscar with the top down.
Fairlie is world famous for pies at the Bakehouse - if you can fit any more food in! Don’t forget, you can always go there on the way home. There are lots of cool shops to check out, our favourites are Matilda and the Metalman, The Little Red Fox and Blank Space for a mix of quirky homeware, gifts and designer fashion labels. Who would have thought a tiny little town in the mountains would have so much retail on offer.
You have just swung a hard right leaving Fairlie, and you see the sign Lake Tekapo 43 km.
Now you are getting to the pointy edge of the trip. You are heading straight for the mountains. Change up the playlist, (We recommend anything that includes Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits or Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music or Van Morrison) this is the best part of the trip!
You are now entering the Mackenize International Dark Sky Reserve. The sky is so clear that millions of stars appear right before your eyes and these clears skies are like nothing else found in New Zealand. Unique to the Mackenize there is very limited light pollution and to keep it that way in 2012 the area was declared an International Dark Sky Reserve. It is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the reasons International visitors have flocked to Tekapo in their millions over the last few years.
It’s now time to settle back and enjoy those delicious local foodie delights you gathered along the way. There is no better place to enjoy Lake Tekapo than the modern villas at The View. Breathe in the peace and quiet as you look out from the expansive deck at the mountains, the lake and millions of stars.
Interested to learn more about The View, luxury accommodation?
Top 10 stops between Christchurch & Tekapo
Inland Scenic Route 72, Touring route in Canterbury
Rakaia Gorge Bridge, Rakaia
Staveley Cafe & Local Store, Staveley
Barkers Foodstore and Eatery, Geraldine
Fairlie Bakehouse, Fairlie
Matilda and the Metalman Fairlie
Garage Gallery, Kimbell
Three Creeks Vintage Garage, Burkes Pass
Photos in the Lupins, Lake Tekapo
The View Luxury Accomodation, Lake Tekapo
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Located just 2.5 hours from Christchurch, this quaint village is the ultimate destination for total relaxation.
The View Tekapo is the luxury premium accommodation option in Lake Tekapo. With two separate apartments, The View can sleep up to 8 adults. Each house is equipped with two Queen beds, two bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, dining, lounge, fire and a giant deck to soak up the view.
