7 Tage

Autumn 7 Day Photo Trip - Christchurch to Milford Sound

What you'll do

This itinerary is the ultimate way to experience the best of the Autumn Colours on a 7 day journey across the lower central South Island, and is the route I have taken on many of my own personal photography trips. The photos speak for themselves and I can't think of a better way to explore the changing colours of the South Island than by going to these favourite spots of mine.

This adventure will take you to the magnificent Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, through the Mackenzie Country, then on to Wanaka, Milford Sound and finish in Queenstown, covering some of the most incredible photo locations New Zealand has to offer.

This itinerary is designed if you are travelling in a campervan or self driving on a budget.

Day 1

Start your journey by collecting your rental car and/or camper (if required) and heading to the supermarket to grab food supplies. It is usually cheaper to shop in the bigger cities like Christchurch.

1

car_rental

Britz Campervan Hire Christchurch Canterbury

Adventure-filled road trips with Britz

Britz Campervan Hire Christchurch is the perfect way to experience this vibrant, adventurous region. Offering a wide selection of campervans that are comfortable, affordable and perfectly suited for any kind of journey - from a family holiday to an action-packed road trip - Britz Christchurch branch has it all. With pick-up available from Auckland, Queenstown or Christchurch branches, self check-in options and plenty of deals available, renting a campervan with Britz offers the ultimate flexibility and convenience for your next New Zealand road trip. Visit places like Akaroa, Mount Somers, and the Waipara Valley, discover stunning national parks like Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park, Northern Pegasus Bay and Lake Tekapo Regional Park, and make memories to last a lifetime.

2

car_rental

Omega Rental Cars - Christchurch Airport

Explore Christchurch conveniently and affordably

Omega Rental Cars at Christchurch Airport offers customers the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand with convenience and affordability. From economy cars, MPV's and SUV's, Omega also provides a range of free services as well as accessories to help make your journey comfortable. In addition, take advantage of special web rates which include standard insurance, unlimited kilometres and GST - so you know exactly what you're paying for up front. For even bigger savings, make sure to check out the daily deals and relocation specials. Get ready to drive away in the car of your choice today!

Drive to Lake Tekapo (3 hours)

Check in to the Lakes Edge Tekapo Holiday Park for an overnight stay. If you have time I'd highly recommend Tekapo Springs for a soak and then if you want to catch the sunset head to the Church of the Good Shepherd and/or stay for astrophotography.

3

Hotel

Lakes Edge Holiday Park Tekapo

Beautifully scenic escape with varied accommodation

Lakes Edge Holiday Park, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Tekapo, offers guests a stunning escape with magnificent alpine views and breathtaking glacial lake vistas.

Accommodation options range from ensiute cabins, motels, family units, and camping and motorhome powered and non-powered sites.

Guests can also stay in the lodge where they will find private family rooms, cabins and ensuite cabins for a truly unique experience.

All guests have access to modern facilities, hot showers and lakeside picnic spots with support from the park team who are always available to make your visit memorable. With nearby activities and attractions, Lakes Edge is the perfect spot to explore and get the most out of your trip to Tekapo.

4

Heiße Quelle

Tekapo Springs

Beautiful hot pools and cafe with mountain views

Tekapo Springs Cafe & Bar provides the perfect spot to soak in breathtaking lake and mountain views while enjoying delicious meals. The café is open daily and serves a wide range of dishes, from vegetarian options to ice cream and sweet treats. With its own in-house roasted 720 coffee blend, the Altitude 720 Café & Bar also stocks an excellent selection of New Zealand beer, wine, and spirits. Surrounded by alpine air and decorated to honour New Zealand’s “Monarch of the Mountains”—the Himalayan tahr—it's clear why this café has become a popular destination for adventurers and holidaymakers alike!

5

Photospot

The Church of the Good Shepherd Tekapo

Peaceful church by the lake front

The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated in one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand - Lake Tekapo. Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country, it combines nature and faith, creating a spiritual atmosphere that visitors from all around the world find enchanting. Inside, one can explore the historical and spiritual significance of the church, while taking in the stunning views and indulging in some photography (by prior arrangement).

Photography info: Capture the beauty of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo during the golden hours, framing the iconic church against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. At night-time you can capture the stars and the milkyway in one of the darkest sky reserves in New Zealand.

6

Aktivität

Tekapo Stargazing

Explore the night sky in Tekapo

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, the Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve is a celestial wonderland that beckons stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts from around the globe.

Renowned for its exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution, this reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the brilliance of the cosmos.

As night falls over Lake Tekapo, the vast expanse of stars, planets, and constellations illuminates the heavens, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Chameleon Star Gazing offer quality and budget-friendly Tekapo stargazing tours. Less commercial, more about stars.