Getting to Mt Cook Mackenzie

The Mt Cook Mackenzie region is located in the central South Island. Encompassing much of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook, the Mt Cook Mackenzie is home to vast high country farms, quaint rural towns and breathtaking mountain ranges.

BY AIR:

Timaru Airport is the Mt Cook Mackenzie region's largest airport. Air New Zealand operates one route between Wellington and Timaru. Smaller airstrips are dotted around the region - including Omarama, a world class gliding location.

BY ROAD:

CHRISTCHURCH TO LAKE TEKAPO: Head south out of the city on Main South Road, towards Rolleston. From Rolleston follow State Highway 1 to Ashburton. At Ashburton continue south on State Highway 1 for 36kms to Rangitata. Out of Rangitata turn right onto State Highway 79 and follow for 62kms to Fairlie. In Fairlie turn right at the end of the main road into town and follow the Fairlie-Tekapo Road (State Highway 8) 42kms to Lake Tekapo.

Driving Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO TIMARU: Take the Christchurch Southern Motorway out of the city to Blenheim Road. Follow Blenheim Road to Main South Road, and continue towards Rolleston. From Rolleston follow State Highway 1 64kms to Ashburton. From Ashburton continue South on State Highway 1 for 77kms, to Timaru.

Driving Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO AORAKI MT COOK: Head south out of the city on Main South Road, towards Rolleston. From Rolleston follow Stage Highway 1 to Ashburton. At Ashburton continue south on State Highway 1 for 36kms to Rangitata. Out of Rangitata turn right onto State Highway 79 and follow for 62kms to Fairlie. In Fairlie turn right at the end of the main road into town and follow the Fairlie-Tekapo Road (State Highway 8) 42kms to Lake Tekapo. From Lake Tekapo follow State Highway 8 south for 49kms to Lake Pukaki. Just after the Lake Pukaki Visitors Centre, turn right onto Mt Cook Road, and follow for 54kms into Aoraki Mt Cook Village.

Driving Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

QUEENSTOWN TO LAKE TEKAPO: Follow State Highway 6 north out of Queenstown for 60kms, to Cromwell. From Cromwell head right to State Highway 8. Follow State Highway 8 for 198kms north, to Lake Tekapo.

Driving Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

QUEENSTOWN TO TIMARU: Follow State Highway 6 north out of Queenstown for 60kms, to Cromwell. From Cromwell head right to State Highway 8. Follow State Highway 8 for 198kms north, to Lake Tekapo. From Lake Tekapo continue on State Highway 8 to Fairlie. Once in Fairlie continue following State Highway 8 for 63kms to Timaru.

Driving Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

QUEENSTOWN TO AORAKI MT COOK: Follow State Highway 6 north out of Queenstown for 60kms, to Cromwell. From Cromwell head right to State Highway 8. Follow State Highway 8 for 150kms to Lake Pukaki. Before the Lake Pukaki Visitors Centre turn left onto Mt Cook Road, and follow for 55kms into Aoraki Mt Cook Village.

Driving Time: 3 hours 15 minutes