Intro: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Kia ora and good morning! Welcome aboard your journey from Christchurch to Queenstown, with a stop at Aoraki / Mount Cook village, where on a nice day you can see Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain.We’re delighted that you chose to travel with us today. Throughout the trip, we’ll be sharing stories, local legends, and a few fun facts to help bring the landscape to life. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the adventure, or the culture — there’s something special around every corner.So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we head through some of the most stunning landscapes Aotearoa has to offer.
Intro: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Kia ora and good morning! Welcome aboard your journey from Queenstown to Christchurch, with a stop at Aoraki / Mount Cook village, where on a nice day you can see Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain.We’re delighted that you chose to travel with us today. Throughout the trip, we’ll be sharing stories, local legends, and a few fun facts to help bring the landscape to life. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the adventure, or the culture — there’s something special around every corner.So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we head through some of the most stunning landscapes Aotearoa has to offer.
All Tours
It is with pleasure that we provide commentary direct to you as we share today’s journey.We hope you will relax and enjoy your day. Please feel free to ask the driver any questions you may have.Your comfort and safety are important so here are some tips as we begin the day.Please ensure your personal headphones are connected to your phone while listening to this commentary, so you don’t disturb others who may be listening to the driver’s commentary.For those with mobility concerns please enter and exit at the front of the coach where the driver attends the door offering assistance to those who require it. Your seat reclines for maximum comfort. While the coach is moving, please remain seated and if the coach is fitted for seatbelts by law these must be worn.For your convenience there is a toilet on board.In the unlikely event of an accident, follow the instructions of your driver and remember exits are at the front, side door and rear doors, and emergency exit windows at the rear.For the comfort of others, we ask that you don’t eat messy food on board, smoke cigarettes or use electronic vapes as we have plenty of rest stops for that. Just pay attention to the time the driver gives you to return to the coach. New Zealand is a beautiful country, and we have a great day ahead.
All Tours
It is with pleasure that we provide commentary direct to you as we share today’s journey.We hope you will relax and enjoy your day. Please feel free to ask the driver any questions you may have.Your comfort and safety are important so here are some tips as we begin the day.Please ensure your personal headphones are connected to your phone while listening to this commentary, so you don’t disturb others who may be listening to the driver’s commentary.For those with mobility concerns please enter and exit at the front of the coach where the driver attends the door offering assistance to those who require it. Your seat reclines for maximum comfort. While the coach is moving, please remain seated and if the coach is fitted for seatbelts by law these must be worn.For your convenience there is a toilet on board.In the unlikely event of an accident, follow the instructions of your driver and remember exits are at the front, side door and rear doors, and emergency exit windows at the rear.For the comfort of others, we ask that you don’t eat messy food on board, smoke cigarettes or use electronic vapes as we have plenty of rest stops for that. Just pay attention to the time the driver gives you to return to the coach. New Zealand is a beautiful country, and we have a great day ahead.
Christchurch
As we travel through Ōtautahi Christchurch, we’d like to share a bit about this special city and its rich heritage.Ōtautahi is known as the Garden City, celebrated for its expansive parks and green spaces. At the heart of the city lies Hagley Park— a large urban park that sits beside the Avon River and the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.Christchurch has a strong story of resilience and renewal. After the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the city was rebuilt with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and honouring both its English and Māori histories. Today, you’ll see a blend of restored heritage buildings and modern developments, alongside public art that reflects the culture of Ngāi Tahu — the mana whenua (indigenous guardians) of the region.South and west of the city centre, suburbs such as Wigram and Hornby are part of the fast-growing areas along the Southern Motorway, SH76.This route links Ōtautahi with the wider Canterbury Plains, known for their fertile soil and rich farming traditions.Ōtautahi is also the gateway to many iconic destinations in Te Waipounamu (the South Island), including Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest peak in Aotearoa, and Akaroa, with its deep French and Māori heritage.Whether you’re arriving to explore or departing on your journey, Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city of community, culture, and connection — a place where the past and future come together under wide skies and soaring mountains.
New Zealand General
New Zealand, or Aotearoa, lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is made up of two main islands — Te Ika-a-Māui (the North Island) and Te Waipounamu (the South Island) — along with many smaller islands, including Rakiura, known as Stewart Island. The two main islands are separated by Te Moana-o-Raukawa, or Cook Strait, which is just 20 kilometres wide at its narrowest point.Aotearoa is a land of mountains, rivers, and forests. Around 75% of the land rises above 200 metres. The South Island is home to Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the Southern Alps, a mighty mountain range that runs the length of the island like a backbone.In the central part of the North Island is the Volcanic Plateau, a region shaped by active volcanoes and geothermal activity. These sacred lands are rich with stories and hold deep spiritual significance. You can also see the volcanic origins of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), where ancient volcanoes shaped the land where many iwi (tribes) have lived for generations.Māori developed strong connections with the land, the sea, and the sky — everything is taonga (treasured) and carries its own whakapapa (genealogy).European arrival began with the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in 1642, who called the land Staten Landt. Later, Dutch explorers renamed it Nieuw Zeeland, which became New Zealand. But it was Captain James Cook in 1769 who mapped the coastline with great care and accuracy, opening the way for more contact.In the early 1800s, whalers and traders from Europe arrived, establishing relationships with Māori. These interactions brought new goods and ideas, but also challenges, as increasing European settlement began to impact Māori communities and their whenua (land).To seek peace and establish agreements, Māori Rangatira (chiefs) and representatives of the British Crown signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) in 1840 at Waitangi. This agreement was meant to protect Māori tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) while allowing the Crown to govern. The Treaty remains a living document — a foundation for partnership, recognition, and ongoing dialogue between Māori and the Crown.Today, Aotearoa is a place where both Māori and Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent) continue to work together to honour the past, live in harmony with the land, and build a shared future.
Canterbury
As we travel through Canterbury, or Waitaha, we’re passing through a region rich in history, shaped by both Māori and European settlement.The first people to settle Te Waipounamu (the South Island) were the Waitaha, arriving from Rapanui around 395 AD on the waka Uruao. The original name for Aoraki / Mount Cook was also Uruao, in honour of that journey.Later came the Hāwea and Hōtūmamoe from the North Island around 1200 AD, followed by Ngāi Tahu around 1600, who renamed the sacred mountain Aoraki, their ancestral figure and spiritual landmark.European settlers arrived in 1850, establishing farms across the Canterbury Plains. The flat, fertile land and dry climate made this region ideal for sheep farming, which quickly became Canterbury’s main export industry — especially wool and meat.The Canterbury Plains receive only about 650–700mm of rain each year, so irrigation is essential. While some traditional dyke systems are still used, most farms now rely on modern pivot irrigation visible across the landscape.Today, Canterbury’s economy remains rooted in agriculture, but it’s much more diverse. You’ll find dairy, deer farming, horticulture, and expanding forestry — especially Radiata pine, a major export. There’s also growth in construction, especially after the earthquakes, and in tourism and professional services.From the arrival of the first waka to the modern farming and industries you see today, Waitaha / Canterbury continues to be a region of innovation, resilience, and deep connection to the land.
Canterbury Plains
As we travel across the Canterbury Plains, we are journeying over one of the largest flat land areas in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Canterbury Plains are about 193km in length and about 64km at their widest point. The Canterbury Plains have been formed by material that was brought down from the Southern Alps and it’s bordering foothills by water and wind erosion. The grade of descent from the high country is at first steep but becomes more gradual until it eventually levels out near the coast. The gradient plays a significant part in how this landscape has been shaped. Water resulting from rain or snowmelt high in the Southern Alps is forced through narrow ravines and gorges, scouring and eroding material from the ravine walls. The speed and flow of the water transport the eroded rock and soil particles out of the Alps and onto the plains. As the gradient becomes more gradual, the water is not as contained as it was in the high country; it now begins to spread out over wider rivers and onto the plains. This has the effect of reducing the waters speed or flow; as the flow decreases, heavier particles that can no longer be suspended or transported in the river flow are now deposited into the bed of the river. The slower the flow of the water, the finer the particles that can be carried until all that are left are the smallest of the fertile soil and rock particles which are deposited here on the plains. Periodically, floodwaters will break the banks of the river depositing soil and rock particles over the flooded area. It is this action that give the plains their fertility. Over time, layer upon layer of material has been deposited forming the largest area of flat land in NZ.The flatness of the plains leaves Christchurch at the mercy of the prevailing weather. In winter, cold winds blow off the Southern Alps and with nothing to stand in their way, the icy blasts reach Christchurch. In summer, the same winds heat up as they cross the plains causing temperatures in Christchurch to soar to 25-30 degrees Celsius. With a wind change it is common for the temperature to rise or fall by 10 degrees Celsius within an hour.
Rakaia River
The Rakaia River is one of the many rivers that flow from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains and into the Pacific Ocean. Over millions of years, rivers like the Rakaia have helped build these fertile plains with their rich deposits of gravel, sand, and soil.The Rakaia is about 145 kilometres long and here it stretches to about 1.6 kilometres wide. It’s famous for its salmon, especially the Quinnat or Chinook Salmon, a species originally from North America. New Zealand is one of the few places where these salmon have thrived outside their native habitat. You’ll also find Chinook salmon in nearby rivers like the Ashburton, Rangitata, and Waitaki.These salmon typically grow to around 800 millimetres long and weigh about 7 kilograms, though some have been caught much larger.Spanning the river is the Rakaia Bridge, the longest road bridge in Aotearoa, measuring 1.7 kilometres in length. It was completed in 1939 and remains an important link for travel across the plains.On a clear day, you’ll have stunning views of the Mt Hutt Range and the Torlesse Range. Mt Hutt is also home to the popular Mt Hutt Ski field, one of the South Island’s largest and most visited ski areas.
Māori
The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, descended from the great Polynesian voyagers who crossed Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa – the vast Pacific Ocean – over 700 years ago. Guided by the stars, ocean currents, and birds, they arrived in great waka (canoes) – settling across Aotearoa and forming many iwi, or tribes.We are travelling today through land once occupied by Waitaha iwi. Each iwi has its own stories, traditions, and mana whenua – authority over the land. These are not just stories of survival, but of deep spiritual and physical connection to the environment.The Māori worldview is grounded in whakapapa – genealogy. Everything has a whakapapa: people, mountains, rivers, and forests. You might hear names like Aoraki (Mount Cook), Tahuna (Queenstown), or Tekapō – these names aren’t just labels, but ancestors, guardians, and living identities.Māori stories, or pūrākau, tell of how this landscape came to be. For example, Māui, the trickster demigod, fished up the North Island – Te Ika-a-Māui – the fish of Māui. The South Island? That’s his canoe – Te Waka a Māui. His brothers' canoe paddle became Rakiura – Stewart Island.Marae – the heart of Māori communities. The wharenui – or meeting house – is carved with ancestors who ‘watch over’ their people. Protocols on a marae follow tikanga – Māori customs and values – such as manaakitanga (hospitality), aroha (compassion), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land).Speaking of language – you may have noticed more te reo Māori being spoken across the country. It’s a taonga – a treasure – and now an official language of Aotearoa. Try a couple of phrases: Kia ora – HelloKa pai – Good job If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to experience a haka – not just the war dance seen in rugby, but a powerful form of expression – of grief, pride, strength, and unity.As we continue, remember: every river we pass, every mountain on the horizon, every name you hear – it’s part of a much older story. A Māori proverb says: ‘Toitū te whenua, whatungarongaro te tangata’ –‘The land remains, while people come and go.’
Ashburton
Ashburton, the commercial and agricultural heart of Mid-Canterbury. Nestled amid vast, fertile plains, Ashburton has long been a vital centre for farming and industry in the region. Its economy is closely linked to the surrounding sheep and grain farms, supporting local industries such as woollen textiles and knitwear manufacturing, as well as cereal food production and flour milling.Back in 1883, more than 100,000 hectares of wheat were grown on small farms in this area, earning Ashburton a proud reputation as ‘New Zealand’s granary.’ This abundance of grain helped shape the district’s identity and economy for generations.The town’s European history begins with William Turton, a settler from Staffordshire, England, and his wife Francis, from Yorkshire. After marrying in Christchurch, they moved to the Mid-Canterbury plains, inspired by their friend John Hall, who had settled here in 1853. Turton leased 300 acres near the Ashburton River and built a house and stables surrounded by tussock and flax.Turton’s home became a hub of early settler life. He ran a ferry service across the river, which was difficult to cross on foot due to its soft riverbed. His house also served as a post office, store, and social centre for travellers and locals alike. Originally, the area was known as Turton’s, reflecting his important role in the community.In 1864, the town site was officially surveyed and renamed Ashburton, in honour of the 2nd Baron of Ashburton, one of the founding members of the Canterbury Association, which helped promote English settlement in this part of New Zealand.Today, Ashburton’s most recognisable landmark is its clock tower, located near the main highway and town centre. It stands as a proud symbol of Ashburton’s rich history, its agricultural roots, and its ongoing significance as a vibrant commercial and farming centre in Mid-Canterbury.
John Grigg
New Zealand due to its isolation, has forged an attitude that has become an ingrained part of our culture known as “do it yourself” or “have a go”.One of the characters of this region with the “have a go” attitude was the larger-than-life character of John Grigg.John Grigg came to New Zealand from Cornwall in 1855 at the age of 27. After spending the first few years of his life in the Auckland District of the North Island, he purchased two large runs of land that totalled about 32,000 acres, here south of Ashburton.It was John Grigg’s manner of dealing with obstacles that made him and his farm famous throughout the world.The Lands Office described the land that Grigg had purchased as “impenetrable bog”, but by laying miles of drains, he converted the “bog” into some of the finest farming land in New Zealand. Grigg erected his own brick works, to make the drainpipes required for his large undertaking, producing nearly 1 million pipes to use in over 150 miles of drains.During 1896 Grigg’s farm harvested 3000 acres of wheat, almost 1800 acres of oats, 700 acres of barley and 274 acres of peas; all from an impenetrable bog. Some indication of the size of John Grigg’s farm can be gauged by the fact that he employed 160 people on a permanent basis.John Grigg went on to become the founder of the successful Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, which pioneered the shipping of frozen meat, purely because Grigg wanted to explore the possibility of sending frozen meat to Britain. Grigg also went on to become a member of Parliament.
Irrigation
The Canterbury Plains receive only about 650 to 700mm of rain annually, making irrigation essential for farming in this dry environment.The most common method used here is called “flood” or “dyke” irrigation, which you can easily spot in many nearby paddocks. These paddocks have raised ridges running through them, connected to small dykes or dams. Water is released into the dykes and allowed to flood the paddocks, flowing between the ridges to evenly irrigate the land.Any excess water collects in another dyke at the paddock’s lower end. This collected water is then intentionally released into a series of channels, flowing into the next lower paddocks to repeat the irrigation cycle.
Rangitata River
The Rangitata River, stretching 121 kilometres, is fed by three major tributaries: the Havelock, Clyde, and Lawrence Rivers. It meanders southeast through the dramatic Rangitata Gorge and across the Canterbury Plains before emptying into the South Pacific Ocean at the South Canterbury Bight.At the gorge’s mouth, a diversion channel directs water away for irrigation and hydroelectric power. This water travels through pipelines to a power station at Highbank, located in the Rakaia Riverbed near Methven.During summer, the diverted water supports irrigation, while in winter, it helps generate electricity. Like many South Island rivers, the Rangitata is renowned for its excellent trout and salmon fishing.In the early days, before modern bridges and roads, the Rangitata was a daunting barrier for travellers crossing the Canterbury Plains. Many lives were tragically lost trying to ford the river when horse and carriage were the main modes of transport.
Geraldine
Like many small Canterbury towns, Geraldine is the market and service centre for the surrounding farming district. Prior to European settlement, Geraldine was known as Raukapuka Bush by the Maoris who came to the area to fell the local timbers for building their waka or canoes. The first European to visit the area was a pioneer surveyor Charles Torlesse in 1849 who was on an extensive survey of South Canterbury. In 1853 two settlers, Muter and Francis took up a 16,000-hectare farming run known as the Raukapuka Run which also included the site of the present township. The first permanent resident on the site is reputed to be a surveyor named Samuel Hewlings who built a bark hut here on what is now Talbot Street in late 1854. In that same year, the Canterbury Chief surveyor recommended that a town site be reserved here and named Talbot Forest. But when the area was set aside in 1857 it was named Fitzgerald in honour of the then Superintendent of the Canterbury Province. Further discussion followed and finally the name Geraldine was chosen. Geraldine was the Irish Clan name and centre in County Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, from where the clan Fitzgerald came. Geraldine is more recently known for Barkers Wines, situated 8km out of Geraldine on State Highway 79 towards Mt Cook. Barkers Wines is the only commercial enterprise in NZ that makes elderberry juice. The elderberry is a wild fruit from Western Europe and was introduced to Canterbury by early settlers both as a protective hedge plant and for winemaking. Elderberry thrived and is now regarded as a weed. Pre-dating the grape as a source for wine, the elderberry has been used for over 2000 years in Europe for medicinal purposes such as the treatment of colds, influenza and certain nervous complaints.
Moko
As we travel through the Arowhenua Rūnanga, we’re passing through the tribal lands of Ngāi Tahu, one of the principal iwi of Te Waipounamu—the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.One of the most fascinating and deeply spiritual traditions of Māori culture is tā moko—the art of tattooing. While tattooing is common across the Pacific, Māori developed a unique technique. Unlike other Polynesian cultures that used combs to puncture the skin, Māori used chisels to carve deep grooves, creating raised, sculptural patterns. These designs were not just decorative—they were deeply personal, telling stories of ancestry, status, and life achievements. The process of tā moko was highly skilled and sacred. The tattooing expert, known as a tohunga tā moko, held great mana (prestige). If a hapū (sub-tribe) didn’t have a tohunga among its members, they would send out invitations and offer taonga—treasures like cloaks, weapons, and greenstone—as payment. These artists were respected like master painters in Europe, and their individual styles became well known.Because tā moko involved blood, it was considered extremely tapu—sacred. Both the tohunga and the recipient were said to be in te ahi tā moko, or “the fire of tattooing.” Temporary structures were often built to house the process and sometimes burned afterward to spiritually cleanse the area.Before beginning, the tohunga would strike their chisel into the recipient’s left shoulder to signal the tapu nature of the ritual. Special carved funnels were used to feed the recipient, whose mouth would be swollen from the tattooing.Moko represented a person’s mana, and this was so significant that some chiefs used their moko as signatures when signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. However, not everyone received moko. Some individuals were considered too tapu to be tattooed—like Mihi Kōtukutuku, a woman of high rank whose whakapapa (genealogy) was so sacred that tohunga refused to operate on her.Even some tohunga themselves didn’t wear moko, due to their close spiritual connection with the atua—the gods. Their role as intermediaries meant they were too sacred to undergo the process.In the early colonial period, a dark chapter unfolded. European collectors created a market for preserved tattooed heads, known as mokomōkai. Tragically, this led to Māori being killed for their moko, and even slaves were posthumously tattooed for trade. In more recent times, tā moko has seen a powerful resurgence. Women have reclaimed moko kauae—chin tattoos—as a proud expression of identity. Some women tattooed in the 1920s and 30s lived into the 1980s, sharing their stories and preserving the tradition.Despite this revival, moko still faces misunderstanding. In 2007, a man was asked to leave a Christchurch bar because of his full-face moko. And even respected academics like Professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku have experienced prejudice. But these reactions are changing, as more Māori proudly wear moko to assert their identity as tangata whenua—the people of the land.
Kakahu
At the foot of Kakahu Hill, on the southern edge of Kakahu Forest, lies a fascinating piece of history—the Kakahu lime kiln. This striking Norman-style tower, built in the 1870s by two Cornish stonemasons, was used to burn lime for construction in the region. It’s a reminder of the industrious spirit of early settlers.Now, let’s talk about the name “Kakahu.” In Māori, kākahu means “cloak.” But it’s much more than just a word—it represents a rich tradition of weaving and artistry. Māori cloaks were not only practical garments but also sacred objects, woven with deep cultural and spiritual significance.According to legend, the art of weaving was gifted to Māori by a fairy woman named Niwareka, who created the first cloak, Rangi-haupapa. Weaving was taught in the Whare Pora, or house of learning, and guided by the goddess Hine Te Iwaiwa. Women who wove were considered tapu—sacred—during the process.There were many types of kākahu: cloaks adorned with feathers, ceremonial cloaks made from dogskin, finely woven cloaks for special occasions, and rougher cloaks for warmth and protection. Warriors even wore tightly woven cloaks in battle to deflect spears.Most cloaks were made from flax, which was soaked, pounded, and bleached to prepare the fibres for weaving. Today, this beautiful art form is preserved in museums and still practiced by Māori weavers, with cloaks proudly worn at important gatherings and ceremonies.
Taua
As we travel through Aotearoa’s stunning landscapes, it’s fascinating to imagine how these forests and rivers once echoed with the footsteps of Māori warriors. During times of tribal conflict, Māori formed small, agile war parties known as taua. These groups were experts in guerrilla tactics—swift, silent, and deeply connected to the land.Most taua were made up of men, but women also played important roles, sometimes even joining the fight or helping to forge peace. Warriors trained to move quietly through dense bush, launching surprise attacks—often at dawn—before vanishing back into the forest.The goal of a taua wasn’t just victory—it was about utu, a powerful concept of balance and reciprocity. If peace was to be made, it was often sealed through intertribal marriages between high-ranking families.Preparing for battle was a sacred process. Warriors dedicated themselves to Tūmatauenga, the Māori god of war. They followed strict rituals, avoided certain foods, and were placed under tapu—a spiritual protection. After returning home, they underwent cleansing ceremonies to lift this sacred state and reconnect with everyday life.Warriors often traveled in waka taua—beautifully carved war canoes that could carry up to 140 paddlers. These vessels were treated with great respect, and even boarding them had its own set of sacred rules.
Fairlie
We’re about to enter the charming town of Fairlie, often called the gateway to the Mackenzie Country—a vast, wild stretch of tussock-covered hills that roll westward toward the majestic Southern Alps.Fairlie has long been a hub for farming and rural life. Its roots go deep into New Zealand’s pioneering past, and the Fairlie Heritage Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in early agricultural life. Inside, you’ll find fascinating displays of horse-drawn and steam-powered machinery once used to tame this rugged land.The town’s name has a Scottish connection. Fairlie was originally called Fairlie Creek by its first settlers, David Hamilton and his wife, who thought the landscape resembled Fairlie in Strathclyde, Scotland. Later, when Hamilton’s brother-in-law James Lister opened an accommodation house in 1865, the area was briefly referred to as Hamilton. But in 1882, the name Fairlie was officially adopted.Back in the day, Fairlie was a three-to-four-day journey by bullock wagon from Timaru. That changed in 1884 with the arrival of the railway from Albury, which helped connect Fairlie to the wider region. Although the railway closed in the 1960s, Fairlie remains a vital link in the transport of wool, sheep, deer, and cattle to Timaru’s port.Today, pastoral farming still dominates the landscape. Many of the surrounding stations—what we call large farms—cover hundreds of acres. The wide-open spaces and low population give the Mackenzie Country its peaceful, laid-back charm.Fairlie is also a town of innovation. In 1906, Rodolph Wigley drove a single-cylinder car from Timaru to Mt Cook over rough roads and riverbeds. That adventure inspired him to start a motor coach service, and later, an air transport company—what became the Mt Cook Company. He also ran a traction engine business, hauling wool to the railhead in Fairlie. One engine could replace sixteen bullocks—and do the job twice as fast!His son, Harry Wigley, carried on the family’s pioneering spirit. He designed a clever retractable landing gear for his aircraft, allowing him to land on the Tasman Glacier—a breakthrough that opened up glacier landings for tourists, which thousands still enjoy today.Modern Fairlie still embraces its rural roots but has grown to welcome visitors. It’s the closest town to Mt Dobson and Fox Peak ski areas, and during winter, it buzzes with skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes. The town’s ski shop, cozy accommodation, and restaurants make it a great base for alpine adventures.Just outside town is Lake Opuha, a man-made lake built for irrigation and hydro power. It’s also a local favourite for fishing, boating, and picnicking, with stunning views of the Two Thumb Range in the background.
Mackenzie Basin
As we travel through the stunning Mackenzie Valley, you’ll notice three breathtaking lakes—Ōhau, Takapō (Lake Tekapo), and Pūkaki. These alpine lakes were carved by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago and now play a vital role in New Zealand’s hydroelectric power system. They feed into the Waitaki River, and during spring and early summer, melting alpine snow swells their waters, powering a chain of hydro stations downstream.Despite the dramatic scenery, the climate here is harsh. Rainfall is scarce—only about 500mm a year—so much of the land remains dry and barren, with little greenery outside the irrigated areas. The golden tussock plains you see are a signature of this rugged region.But this land holds deep ancestral significance. Long before European settlers arrived, Māori knew this region as Te Manahuna, a seasonal food-gathering area rich in weka, tuna (eel), and other resources. Coastal iwi would migrate inland during the hot summer months, camping in sheltered spots and using mōkihi—raft-like vessels made from raupō—to transport food down the Waitaki River.The lakes themselves are steeped in legend. According to tradition, they were named by the explorer Rākaihautū, who arrived in the South Island aboard the canoe Uruao. With his magical digging stick Tūwhakaroria, he carved out the great lakes of the interior. He named: Takapō – meaning to move about at night, linked to a tale of two chiefs caught by the rising sun while trying to escape under cover of darkness. Pūkaki – meaning the source, referring to its role in feeding the Waitaki River. Ōhau – named after Hau, a member of Rākaihautū’s party.These names reflect not only geography but also the spiritual and ancestral connections Māori have with the land.Centuries ago, the valleys of Te Manahuna were covered in tōtara forest, sacred to Māori and believed to be created by Tāne Mahuta, the god of the forest. Tōtara trees were revered and used to build waka taua (war canoes), homes, and tools. Their red bark symbolized nobility and spiritual strength.Māori also hunted the moa, a giant flightless bird that once roamed these valleys. Moa were so plentiful that Māori built rafts to float them down the Waitaki River to their camps. To flush out the birds, they set fire to large areas of forest, dramatically altering the landscape. Today, charred logs found high above the timberline, along with moa bones, offer clues to this ecological transformation.European settlers didn’t discover the Mackenzie Basin until four years after South Canterbury had been settled. In the 1850s, they began grazing sheep and cattle here, introducing plants like broom—a yellow-flowering shrub that unfortunately spread rapidly and is now considered a pest.The basin is named after James Mackenzie, a legendary figure in New Zealand folklore. Believed to be from Inverness-shire, Scotland, Mackenzie may have arrived in New Zealand via Australia as a stowaway. He gained a reputation—though never proven—as a sheep rustler. With the help of his clever border collie, Friday, he allegedly stole sheep from stations east of the Mackenzie Pass and moved them south under cover of night.In 1855, around 1,000 sheep went missing from a station near Timaru. The station manager and two Māori shepherds tracked the flock westward and found Mackenzie with the sheep. Though they captured him, he escaped and fled to Lyttleton, where he was later arrested hiding in a warehouse loft.Mackenzie was sentenced to five years in prison but maintained his innocence throughout. Even the Canterbury Superintendent believed him, and after three escapes and nine months in jail, Mackenzie was pardoned.Legend has it that part of the pardon required him to leave New Zealand immediately. Many believe he didn’t have time to retrieve his hidden “savings”—and that somewhere in the Mackenzie Basin, his treasure remains buried and undiscovered to this day.
Mackenzie Basin
As we travel through the stunning Mackenzie Valley, you’ll notice three breathtaking lakes—Ōhau, Takapō (Lake Tekapo), and Pūkaki. These alpine lakes were carved by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago and now play a vital role in New Zealand’s hydroelectric power system. They feed into the Waitaki River, and during spring and early summer, melting alpine snow swells their waters, powering a chain of hydro stations downstream.Despite the dramatic scenery, the climate here is harsh. Rainfall is scarce—only about 500mm a year—so much of the land remains dry and barren, with little greenery outside the irrigated areas. The golden tussock plains you see are a signature of this rugged region.But this land holds deep ancestral significance. Long before European settlers arrived, Māori knew this region as Te Manahuna, a seasonal food-gathering area rich in weka, tuna (eel), and other resources. Coastal iwi would migrate inland during the hot summer months, camping in sheltered spots and using mōkihi—raft-like vessels made from raupō—to transport food down the Waitaki River.The lakes themselves are steeped in legend. According to tradition, they were named by the explorer Rākaihautū, who arrived in the South Island aboard the canoe Uruao. With his magical digging stick Tūwhakaroria, he carved out the great lakes of the interior. He named: Takapō – meaning to move about at night, linked to a tale of two chiefs caught by the rising sun while trying to escape under cover of darkness. Pūkaki – meaning the source, referring to its role in feeding the Waitaki River. Ōhau – named after Hau, a member of Rākaihautū’s party.These names reflect not only geography but also the spiritual and ancestral connections Māori have with the land.Centuries ago, the valleys of Te Manahuna were covered in tōtara forest, sacred to Māori and believed to be created by Tāne Mahuta, the god of the forest. Tōtara trees were revered and used to build waka taua (war canoes), homes, and tools. Their red bark symbolized nobility and spiritual strength.Māori also hunted the moa, a giant flightless bird that once roamed these valleys. Moa were so plentiful that Māori built rafts to float them down the Waitaki River to their camps. To flush out the birds, they set fire to large areas of forest, dramatically altering the landscape. Today, charred logs found high above the timberline, along with moa bones, offer clues to this ecological transformation.European settlers didn’t discover the Mackenzie Basin until four years after South Canterbury had been settled. In the 1850s, they began grazing sheep and cattle here, introducing plants like broom—a yellow-flowering shrub that unfortunately spread rapidly and is now considered a pest.The basin is named after James Mackenzie, a legendary figure in New Zealand folklore. Believed to be from Inverness-shire, Scotland, Mackenzie may have arrived in New Zealand via Australia as a stowaway. He gained a reputation—though never proven—as a sheep rustler. With the help of his clever border collie, Friday, he allegedly stole sheep from stations east of the Mackenzie Pass and moved them south under cover of night.In 1855, around 1,000 sheep went missing from a station near Timaru. The station manager and two Māori shepherds tracked the flock westward and found Mackenzie with the sheep. Though they captured him, he escaped and fled to Lyttleton, where he was later arrested hiding in a warehouse loft.Mackenzie was sentenced to five years in prison but maintained his innocence throughout. Even the Canterbury Superintendent believed him, and after three escapes and nine months in jail, Mackenzie was pardoned.Legend has it that part of the pardon required him to leave New Zealand immediately. Many believe he didn’t have time to retrieve his hidden “savings”—and that somewhere in the Mackenzie Basin, his treasure remains buried and undiscovered to this day.
Burke's Pass
Burke’s Pass, often described as a portal into the vast and awe-inspiring Mackenzie Country. Even though this region has been settled since the mid-19th century, it still captivates visitors with its wide-open tussock plains, scattered boulders and bluffs, snow-fed rivers, and lakes. The roads here seem to vanish into the mountains, as farms thin out and the wilderness takes over—giving the impression of roads to nowhere.Early European settlers found the climate unforgiving. While English colonists struggled, it was the Scottish settlers who persevered, restocking abandoned sheep stations and enduring the harsh winters and heavy snows of the 1800s. The Burke’s Pass cemetery, just beyond the wooden gates, tells a sobering story. Headstones speak of lives lost to avalanches, frostbite, drowning, and falls from horseback. Yet, despite these hardships, people continued to farm and settle here.This cemetery marks one of the earliest burial grounds in the Mackenzie Country. It was chosen because the soil here was deep enough for traditional burials—unlike the shallow, rocky ground further inland.Interestingly, Burke’s Pass wasn’t the original intended settlement. Plans were made for a township at Bullocky Creek, but the construction of a hotel here shifted the focus. Soon, Burke’s Pass became a regular stop for bullock teams grinding their way up the Ōpihi Riverbed. At times, up to 20 wagons could be seen here. Despite hopes, a railway line was never built.At the summit of the 670-metre pass stands a stone monument commemorating Michael John Burke, the Irish settler credited with discovering the route in the 1850s. He later established the Raincliff Station, about 20km southwest of Fairlie.However, Burke wasn’t the first to know of this route. Māori had long used the pass, calling it Te Kopi Ōpihi, meaning “The gorge of the Ōpihi”, named for the river that flows through it. The name Ōpihi itself means “place to spring up or begin to grow”, likely referring to the growth of native plants in the area.
Takapō / Tekapo
Lake Tekapo, one of three stunning glacier-fed lakes in the Mackenzie Basin. One of the most common questions visitors ask is: Why is the lake such a brilliant turquoise colour?Most of the water flowing into the headwaters of Lake Tekapo comes from large river systems that extend right back into the valleys of the Southern Alps. Within these high-country valleys are glaciers. Glaciers are slow moving rivers of ice. Glaciers start as fallen snow high on the mountain plateaus of the Alps. As more snow falls, the weight of the new snow compresses the older layers until it becomes a thick, heavy layer of ice. Gravity draws the ice from where it formed and down the slope of the mountains.Just like water, the ice collects in valleys and pushes its way down the valley, ripping loose rock from the valley walls and trapping it in the moving ice.Any rock trapped at the bottom of the ice flow is ground, with huge force, along the solid rock of the valley floor. Such is the force, the grinding action of rock against rock results in a powder as fine as flour. It is often referred to as glacial flour.The fine flour is carried with the ice down the valley until the warmth of the lower altitude reduces the ice to water. In the case of Lake Tekapo, the glacial flour continues its journey in the river waters of the Godley, Cass and Macaulay rivers until it flows into the lake where the majority remains suspended within the water. This results in the turquoise colour.The potential for hydroelectric power in this region was first recognised in 1904. Construction began in 1938 with a 1.6km tunnel beneath the southern end of the lake. Water flowed through this tunnel to a surge chamber, then down a penstock to a 25-kilowatt generator.World War II delayed progress, and the station wasn’t completed until the early 1950s. A control dam was built at the lake’s outlet, raising the water level and allowing for seasonal storage of snowmelt. The old bridge across the Tekapo River was nearly submerged, so the highway was rerouted over the dam’s crest.By the 1980s, the hydro scheme had expanded to include five power stations and a network of canals that now crisscross the Mackenzie Basin like turquoise highways. Today, this system supplies around one-third of New Zealand’s electricity.Lake Tekapo supports the local economy through hydropower, farming, and tourism. It’s a popular spot for trout fishing, tramping, and climbing, and in winter, visitors enjoy ice skating, skiing, and tobogganing. The lake’s average temperature is just 8°C—refreshing for some, but a challenge for most swimmers!On the lake’s edge sits the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, built from local stone in 1935. It offers a stunning view of the Southern Alps through its altar window and is one of the most photographed churches in New Zealand.Nearby, you’ll find a bronze statue of a sheepdog. Some say it honours Friday, the loyal companion of the legendary sheep rustler James Mackenzie, while others believe it’s a tribute to all the hardworking dogs that have supported local farmers over the years.The name Tekapo is believed to be a variation of the Māori word Takapō, meaning “sleeping mat.” According to Māori tradition, an exploring party camped by the lake was startled in the night and, fearing an attack, quickly rolled up their sleeping mats and fled.
Mt John Observatory
Perched 1,029 metres above sea level, Mount John Observatory overlooks Lake Tekapo and offers one of the clearest night skies in the world. This remarkable location is known as Astronomers’ Plateau, and its home to New Zealand’s leading astronomical research facility.The observatory was established in 1965 as a joint project between the University of Canterbury and the University of Pennsylvania. The site was chosen after an extensive nationwide survey led by New Zealand astronomer Frank Bateson, who sought a location with minimal light pollution, frequent clear nights, and proximity to infrastructure. Mount John stood out, offering ideal conditions for observing the southern sky.In 1969, the U.S. Air Force built a satellite tracking station here, funding the sealed road and water supply. The Observatory's early instruments were astronomical cameras, provided by Pennsylvania, and telescopes lent by Bateson. In 1970 the 60 cm or 24-inch Optical Craftsman telescope was installed. Five years later a second 60 cm telescope made by Boller and Chivens was erected. During these years some of the original University of Pennsylvania staff moved to the University of Florida so it too became part of the consortium. During the 1980s the contribution and interest of the U.S. partners waned as their senior staff retired. Mount John has also hosted other technologies. In 2025, the observatory houses five major telescopes, including the 1.8-metre MOA telescope—New Zealand’s largest optical telescope. It’s used to detect distant planets and black holes through microlensing, a technique that observes how gravity bends light from stars. The McLellan 1-metre telescope, installed in 1986, is used for high-resolution spectroscopy, helping scientists study the composition and movement of stars.Mount John has played a key role in the discovery of exoplanets, including a Jupiter-sized planet found in 2003 and another in 2005. In 2008, it announced the discovery of one of the smallest known exoplanets at the time. The observatory has also detected exploding stars over 11 billion light years away, their light only now reaching Earth.In 2012, the area surrounding the observatory was declared the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve—the first in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest in the world at the time. This designation protects the region from light pollution and promotes both scientific research and stargazing tourism.Visitors can book and enjoy day and night tours operated by the Dark Sky Project in Teka, offering a chance to explore the cosmos through powerful telescopes. The summit also features a café and facilities for visiting researchers.
Irishman's Creek
We’re now about halfway between Lake Pūkaki and Lake Takapō (Tekapo), in an area known as Irishman’s Creek. This rugged landscape is named after a hardy, prickly mountain shrub called the wild Irishman, or matagouri or tumatakuru in Māori. Māori once used its dried, spiny shoots to craft tools for tā moko—traditional tattooing.But Irishman’s Creek is known for more than just its vegetation. It’s also the birthplace of a revolutionary invention—the jet boat—and the home of its inventor, Sir Charles William Fielden Hamilton, better known as Bill Hamilton.A mechanical genius with a passion for motor racing, Bill built his own racing cars right here at Irishman’s Creek and won major events both in New Zealand and overseas. He also designed practical tools to ease farming life, including a mechanical scoop, a shingle loader, and even an air conditioner—decades ahead of his time.During World War II, Bill shifted from farming to manufacturing, producing earth-moving machinery and munitions. His workshop employed 17 former farmhands and became a hub of innovation in the Mackenzie wilderness.After the war, Bill turned his attention to the rivers of the Mackenzie Country. He saw the potential for navigating shallow, braided rivers to muster sheep more efficiently. This led to his greatest invention—the jet boat.Unlike traditional boats with exposed propellers, Bill’s jet boat used an internal system that sucked water from beneath the hull and expelled it at high pressure through a nozzle at the stern. This created thrust and allowed for extraordinary manoeuvrability, even in shallow water. Steering was achieved by redirecting the water jet, making the boat agile and fast.By 1957, Bill had perfected the design using axially mounted impellers—a concept still used in jet boats today. What began as a solution for farming in the Mackenzie Basin evolved into a global innovation. Jet propulsion is now used in high-speed vessels around the world, some hundreds of metres long.The braided rivers of the Mackenzie Country, formed by glacial debris, are a jet boater’s paradise. But they’re not without challenges. Jet boaters often tell tales of water vanishing beneath the porous riverbed, leaving boats stranded on rocks. That’s why many small jet boats have handles on the stern—to help push them back to water!Today, jet boating is not just a practical tool—it’s a thrilling adventure sport and a cornerstone of New Zealand tourism. And it all started here, with a farmer and inventor named Bill Hamilton, right here at Irishman’s Creek.
Mackenzie Geology
The Mackenzie Country, it’s fascinating to remember that this dramatic landscape has a very ancient story. Geologically speaking, New Zealand is a relatively young country, but the land beneath us has been shaped over hundreds of millions of years.Around 250 to 300 million years ago, the Mackenzie Basin was believed to be part of a vast seabed trough, stretching hundreds of kilometres long and over 160 kilometres wide. Over time, silts, clays, sands, and gravels washed into the trough, causing it to slowly sink. Then, powerful forces deep within the Earth began to fold and buckle the crust, lifting the sediments above sea level and forming a range of mountains.Erosion gradually wore these mountains down, creating the broad, open landscape we see today. But the most dramatic transformation came during the Ice Age.Between 200,000 and 17,000 years ago, glaciers advanced and retreated across the region multiple times. These massive rivers of ice carved valleys and left behind glacial moraines—ridges of rock and debris that mark the edges of their movement. Four major glacial advances have been identified, each leaving behind moraines that stretch to or beyond the southern shores of Lakes Takapō, Pūkaki, and Ōhau.These moraines acted like natural dams, trapping meltwater and forming the lakes we see today. Without these glacial deposits, the lakes might never have existed in their current form.The gravel, silt, clay, and rock left behind by the glaciers also played a key role in the region’s development. These natural materials made it much easier—and more affordable—to build the canals and dams that power the Mackenzie hydroelectric scheme. Without them, engineers would have had to rely on expensive modern materials like concrete.
Lake Pūkaki
Lake Pūkaki covers 80 square kilometres and lies at the lower end of a glaciated valley running along the east side of the Ben Ōhau range of mountains. The lake is fed at its northern end by the Tasman river which carries the snow melt waters from the Tasman, Murchison and Hooker Glacier valleys, draining a vast catchment area of about 1350 sq kms in the central Southern Alps.Pūkaki is the second of a group of three lakes linked by canals, that direct water to a series of hydro power stations as part of the Upper Waitaki Power Development Scheme. The other two lakes are Tekapo, and Ōhau. Towards the southern end of the shoreline is the 160-megawatt Tekapo B power station. This power station is also fed by water from the 25km long Tekapo Canal, that carries water from Lake Tekapo through the Tekapo B power station before it is discharged into Lake Pūkaki. From its southern end, Lake Pūkaki is drained by two outlets. One, the Pūkaki River, which flows into Lake Benmore, and then on into the Waitaki River, and two, the 13-kilometre long Pūkaki Canal, which carries water across the Mackenzie Plateau to the canal that feeds the Ōhau A power station, the single greatest generator of power in the Upper Waitaki series of power stations. Incidentally, the Pūkaki canal took six years to build.Lake Pūkaki’s outflow is controlled by a 65.5-metre-high earth dam, that was built in 1950, in the natural moraine of the glacier that previously flowed down this valley between 16 and 18,000 years ago. The construction of this dam raised the lake level by 37 metres and trebled its storage area.You can’t help but notice the intense aqua-blue colour of the lakes in the Mackenzie region. The jewel like turquoise colour of the lakes and canals is caused by rock silt being ground as fine as flour by the large glaciers that grind through the mountains at the head of the lake, and held in suspension in the water.The name Pūkaki means “head of the stream” and refers to the source of the Pūkaki River. There is however an equally possible alternative translation that means “bunched up neck”, a name said to have been bestowed in Maori mythology by the legendary Rākaihautū, who was the first ancestor of the Waitaha people who scooped out many of the South Island lakes with his garden hoe, and so named Pūkaki because of its bulging outlet.
Mt Cook Turnoff
Coming up shortly is the State Highway 80 turnoff to Mt Cook, and the Mt Cook National Park. Often bypassed by the traveller, this road leads to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery.The drive-up State Highway 80 will take us along the shoreline of Lake Pūkaki, past the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers situated on the opposite side off the Tasman River, to the Mount Cook Village and Hermitage Hotel encased between rugged snow-covered peaks.At the village there is a visitor centre and the headquarters for the Mt Cook National Park.There are many gentle walks to be enjoyed in the area, and an abundance of alpine flora and wildlife to be seen, including the Kea, our native mountain parrot. There are also options for flights by either helicopter or fixed wing aircraft around the Alps or even landing on the Tasman Glacier. Your driver can assist you in booking a scenic flight if you wish. There is time during our lunch break stop at Mount Cook village. Mount Cook National Park covers 70,011 hectares. It was set aside as a recreation reserve in 1885, gazetted as a national park in 1953, and is now a World Heritage Park. This unique mountain area, preserved in its natural state, contains New Zealand's highest peak Mt Cook - Aoraki, and the Tasman Glacier, at 27 kilometres, the longest in the country.The rock of the Southern Alps thrust up from the earth's crust is easily shattered by intense cold, cascading vast amounts of gravel to the valleys below. In December 1991, Mt Cook - Aoraki lost 12 metres in height when a gravel slide occurred. Wildflowers grow in profusion in the summer, and more than 300 species of plants are found here along with 40 species of birds. Short valley walks allow everyone to discover for themselves the beauty of the area, while the more adventurous and experienced can venture to the nearby summits. Sir Edmund Hillary, one of New Zealand's most famous sons, trained here for the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.Across the head of Lake Pūkaki is Mount Cook Station, home of the Burnett family who were early pioneers. This is the only Mackenzie country station still in the hands of the original settler family.
Mt Cook Turnoff
Coming up shortly is the State Highway 80 turnoff to Mt Cook, and the Mt Cook National Park. Often bypassed by the traveller, this road leads to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery.The drive-up State Highway 80 will take us along the shoreline of Lake Pūkaki, past the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers situated on the opposite side off the Tasman River, to the Mount Cook Village and Hermitage Hotel encased between rugged snow-covered peaks.At the village there is a visitor centre and the headquarters for the Mt Cook National Park.There are many gentle walks to be enjoyed in the area, and an abundance of alpine flora and wildlife to be seen, including the Kea, our native mountain parrot. There are also options for flights by either helicopter or fixed wing aircraft around the Alps or even landing on the Tasman Glacier. Your driver can assist you in booking a scenic flight if you wish. There is time during our lunch break stop at Mount Cook village. Mount Cook National Park covers 70,011 hectares. It was set aside as a recreation reserve in 1885, gazetted as a national park in 1953, and is now a World Heritage Park. This unique mountain area, preserved in its natural state, contains New Zealand's highest peak Mt Cook - Aoraki, and the Tasman Glacier, at 27 kilometres, the longest in the country.The rock of the Southern Alps thrust up from the earth's crust is easily shattered by intense cold, cascading vast amounts of gravel to the valleys below. In December 1991, Mt Cook - Aoraki lost 12 metres in height when a gravel slide occurred. Wildflowers grow in profusion in the summer, and more than 300 species of plants are found here along with 40 species of birds. Short valley walks allow everyone to discover for themselves the beauty of the area, while the more adventurous and experienced can venture to the nearby summits. Sir Edmund Hillary, one of New Zealand's most famous sons, trained here for the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.Across the head of Lake Pūkaki is Mount Cook Station, home of the Burnett family who were early pioneers. This is the only Mackenzie country station still in the hands of the original settler family.
Aoraki / Mt Cook
The Mount Cook area became a national park in 1953, and in 1986 attained classification as a World heritage site. Mt Cook is part of the Southern Alps, a mountain range larger than the Swiss, Austrian and French Alps combined. New Zealand has a total of 27 peaks that are over 3000m in height, all but 5 of these peaks in are within the Mount Cook National ParkAoraki (Mount Cook) was first climbed on Christmas Day in 1894 by three early hermitage guides: Jack Clarke, George Graham and Thomas Fyfe. Fifty-four years later it was climbed by Sir Edmond Hillary, who went onto become the first man to climb Mt Everest in the Himalayas.On 14th December 1991, 10.5m was lost off the top of Aoraki due to failure of the underlying bedrock of the mountain, causing a rockslide with an accompanying avalanche of ice and snow. This reduced the height of Mt Cook to 3,753 metres.The Maori name for Mt Cook is Aoraki, meaning “cloud piercer”. According to Māori legends, Aoraki is the eldest son of Rangi (the Sky Father). Aoraki and his brothers brought the canoe (Te Waka o Aoraki) down from the heavens to visit Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) – their stepmother.When Aoraki and his brothers saw that they would not be able to separate their father from his newfound love, they decided to return to the heavens to be with their, own, mother Pokoharua-te-pō.However, when Aoraki was reciting the karakia for the journey back he made a mistake in his words. The waka stranded on a rock, and he and his brothers were marooned. As time passed, they turned to stone, their hair turned white, and they became the highest peaks of Te Tiritiri-o-te-Moana – the Southern Alps.Aoraki, who stood the tallest of the brothers is now seen as the majestic Mt Cook, while Aoraki’s brothers and the other members of their canoe crew are the Southern Alps.The Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier flowing through the national park and can be viewed from fixed wing aircraft and helicopters that fly over the area, with some including snow landings on the glaciers. The Tasman Glacier is 27 kilometres long, up to 3 kilometres in width, and estimated to be up to 610 metres deep. It is one of the longest glaciers in the world outside of the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions.Mount Cook National Park consists of 70,000 hectares of ice, snow, rock, scrub, tussock and riverbeds. More than one third of the parks area is permanent snow and glacier ice and there are 140 mountain peaks over 2000 metres high in the region.
Mountaineering
This area has always been highly regarded for the challenges that it offers experienced mountaineers. Because of the very nature of the New Zealand topography, mountaineering has attracted a large and expert following since it first became regarded as a sport here in the 1880’s when an English climber W.S.Green got within 60m of the summit of Mt Cook by approaching from the Tasman Glacier. This aroused widespread interest, and the New Zealand Alpine Club was formed in 1891. Mt Cook was first climbed three years later by three New Zealander’s, Fyfe, Clarke and Graham, approaching from the Hooker Glacier, a route not used again for a successful ascent for 60 years.In the early years of the 20th Century, two professional guides, Peter and Alex Graham, made a number of outstanding climbs in the Southern Alps, and Peter made the first traverse of Mt Cook in 1906. He became the chief guide at the Hermitage from that year until the 1920’s. There was a steady increase in interest in climbing in the Southern Alps during the 1930’s and 40’s, and this led to the development a group of expert climbers who began to look overseas for challenges.One of New Zealand’s most famous climbers, Sir Edmund Hillary, climbed in this area before going on to conquer the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest. Hillary and his Nepalese companion, Sherpa Tensing, reached the summit of Everest on the eve of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. From 1956 to 1958, Hillary was involved in the British Trans-Antarctic Expedition and made the first overland trip to the South Pole using motorised vehicles.Hillary has continued to support the people of the Himalayan region where Everest is situated and has returned many times to build schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. Hillary is one of the best-known New Zealanders in the world; his qualities of quiet modesty and integrity has made Sir Edmund an icon that all New Zealanders hold in the highest regard.
The Hermitage
Welcome to the Mt Cook Village and the Hermitage.The Hermitage is the most famous hotel in New Zealand – principally for its location and the stunning vistas out to Mt Cook. This is not the original Hermitage however, nor is this its original location. The first Hermitage was originally constructed in 1884 about 1km from this current site, and was destroyed in a flash flood in 1913. The Hermitage was rebuilt on the site of the current hotel where it survived until 1957 when it was totally burnt out in a fire. The current Hermitage is the third and hopefully the last. As the demand for visitors to the area increases, the hotel is gradually being extended.About 300m from the Hermitage is the the Visitor Information Centre. Here you will find information on what guided tours are available and the tramping routes or scenic walks in the region.The visitor information centre building is an attraction in itself, featuring a large picture window looking out to the mountain Aoraki. You can easily spend half a day exploring the artwork collection, interpretation exhibits and watching DVDs about the area.We are stopping now for lunch. There are restaurants and a café at the Hermitage Hotel. Please take note of the coach departure time that the driver advises.
The Glaciers
There are more than 360 glaciers in the Southern Alps.A glacier is essentially a living river of ice. Alpine glaciers are formed by the accumulation of snow that falls on the walls and floor of valleys, high in the mountains. As snow continues to fall, the earlier snow falls are compressed and changed into a compact body of ice that creeps slowly or “flows” down the valleys. The steeper the slope, the faster the rate of flow. This flow continues as long as there is an abundance of snow falling in the valleys at the top of the glacier. As the glacier flows down the valley to a lower altitude where it is not replenished, it melts or wastes away. Glaciers are always advancing; they never really retreat. However when the ice melts faster than the glacier advances, the face of the glacier appears move back up towards the mountains. During this last century, most glaciers in the world have been retreating.During the last great ice age between 15 and 20,000 years ago, many of the West Coast glaciers reached the sea. Then came a period of warmer weather; the warmer weather melted the face of the glaciers at a faster rate than they could advance. During the 14th century it is believed that the world experienced a mini ice age; this view is supported by the advance of the glaciers during this period. Over the last 250 years however, the glaciers have again succumbed to warmer weather and continue to retreat.If we cut a cross section through a glacier, it becomes evident that the structure of all glaciers are similar. At the very bottom of a glacier is a layer of clear ice which is subject to great pressure and flows like a viscous fluid. Above the ice is a thick layer of accumulated snow which under pressure, has consolidated into larger crystals of ice. This upper ice layer suffers tension and strains from moving over underlying obstructions or from differential movement; which is where the centre of the glacier moves at a faster rate than the edges. These strains produce crevasses that may be metres across and several metres deep. Often these crevasses are masked from view by newly fallen snow presenting a hidden danger to the unwary explorer.Glaciers are usually bordered at their sides by rock debris which has fallen from the sides of the valley walls. The rock falls are a result of the movement of the glacier and frost wedging action. Frost wedging action is where water enters the cracks in the rock, freezes and expands and then splits the rock dislodging it from the valley walls. This rock debris is known as lateral moraine or just moraine. The other debris more commonly seen is at the front face of the glacier and is the rock that the glacier has ploughed up in it’s progress over the valley floor, this is known as terminal moraine as it appears at the terminal face of the glacier.
Keas
While you were at Mt Cook, you might have seen our native mountain parrot, the Kea. The Kea has the distinction of being the only parrot, apart from some Andean species, to be found in the snow. As you will have seen, the Kea’s antics are a continuing source of entertainment.Its pranks are not always appreciated however, its playful and inquisitive nature combined with human presence has resulted in the Kea’s quest to explore, or more rightly destroy, any rubber parts on vehicles including, windscreen wipers, windscreen seals, ski racks and whatever else it can get its beak into. Some biologists believe that a sense of playfulness is a sign of superior intelligence, the Kea must therefore rate as one of the most intelligent birds in the world. While the “nuclear family” of parents and chicks is the basic Kea group, the Kea is also a highly sociable bird. Young males enjoy congregating in “gangs” to raid ski fields, carparks and tramping huts for food.Fat is a vital part of the Kea’s diet, in the past there were plenty of natural foods available full of fats, but high country tussock lands have been extensively grazed and burned, reducing the Kea’s natural food sources. Essential sources of fat are now more easily obtained from the food thrown by tourists or from food scraps found in rubbish bins.Keas have not always been a favoured bird in New Zealand. When sheep farming commenced in the South Island the mid 19th century, Keas were accused by farmers of driving mobs of sheep over cliffs and then feasting on the dead carcasses. A bounty system was set up in 1890 with a reward for each Kea beak handed in- official numbers of Keas from the beaks totalled more than 150,000. Some people were able to earn a reasonable living from the bounty. During the 1930’s depression, a Kea beak was worth 10 shillings, a small fortune during those times. The bounty on the Kea was finally lifted in 1971, and Keas have been a fully protected species since 1986.Like most parrots, Kea’s are relatively long lived, with the oldest recorded living in the wild for more than 20 years.
Twizel
Twizel, a town with a unique origin story. Unlike many New Zealand towns that grew organically over time, Twizel was purpose-built in 1968 to support the Upper Waitaki hydroelectric development scheme—the largest hydro project ever undertaken in the country.Twizel was designed as a “New Town”, with a modern layout inspired by Scandinavian planning principles. Its design followed earlier hydro towns like Mangakino and Ōtemātātā, but with improvements. Streets were laid out in a radial pattern around a central ring road—Mackenzie Drive—with shops, schools, and sporting facilities placed at the heart of the town. Green belts and pedestrian walkways connected neighbourhoods, making it safe and easy to walk to the town centre.At its peak, Twizel housed over 6,000 people, mostly workers and families involved in the hydro scheme. The town was designed for a population of 5,800, with over 1,300 sections occupied by 1977. But when the hydro project was completed in the mid-1980s, the government planned to demolish the town.Twizel’s residents, however, had other ideas. They fought hard to save their community, and in 1983, the government handed over most of the town’s facilities to the Mackenzie County Council. Thanks to their determination, Twizel survived—and thrived.Today, Twizel is a service and tourist town, with a small permanent population that triples during the summer holidays. It’s a gateway to outdoor adventure, with easy access to lakes, rivers, and mountains.The town also played a key role in reforesting the Mackenzie Basin. During the hydro era, over 250,000 trees were planted in and around Twizel, transforming the once treeless landscape. Shelterbelts and windbreaks now soften the harsh winds and add greenery to the town and surrounding countryside.Interestingly, many of Twizel’s original homes were prefabricated in Ōtemātātā and trucked here. The town’s infrastructure—24 kilometres of streets, green reserves, and central amenities—was built to last, and much of it remains in use today.The town is now focussed on tourism, with nearby lakes now popular spots for boating, camping, fishing and in the winter, skiing at Lake Ōhau. Some people have retired to Twizel, others have holiday homes in the area.The climate here is extreme, with temperatures frequently soaring into the mid 30’s Celsius in summer and plunging to minus 10 degrees Celsius in winter. The record low was in 1991 when the temperature reached minus 26 degrees Celsius!Twizel is also the home to the world’s rarest wading bird, the Black Stilt.
Lake Ruataniwha
We’re now travelling alongside Lake Ruataniwha, a man-made lake that has become a recreational hub for the nearby town of Twizel. This lake was created in 1982 when a 640-metre dam was built across the Ōhau River as part of the Upper Waitaki hydroelectric scheme.Stretching 4.5 kilometres long and up to 1.5 kilometres wide, Lake Ruataniwha is more than just a scenic stop—it’s a centre for sport, leisure, and engineering. Its northern shoreline was purpose-built to house an international-standard rowing course, complete with eight lanes, full buoying, and permanent start facilities tucked into a sheltered bay near the dam. The lake hosts national and regional rowing championships every year.Lake Ruataniwha has also made its mark in the world of speed boating. It was the site of two successful world speed record attempts, including the Grand Prix Hydroplane record of 178 miles per hour, and the World Women’s Speed Record in 1990.On the lake’s northern shore, you’ll find the Ruataniwha Holiday Park, a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers cabins, caravan sites, and hundreds of tent spaces, with safe swimming areas that extend right into the campground. Thanks to its proximity to lakes and alpine ski fields, the park attracts visitors year-round.Beyond recreation, Lake Ruataniwha plays a key role in New Zealand’s energy infrastructure. Water from the lake travels through five kilometres of canals to feed two hydroelectric power stations—Ōhau B and Ōhau C—helping generate clean, renewable energy for the country.
Ōmārama
Ōmārama, a small town with a big reputation. Nestled near the Southern Alps, Ōmārama is world-renowned as a gliding centre. The surrounding basin heats up in summer, while cooler air from nearby lakes and mountains creates powerful thermals—rising air currents that can lift gliders to altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 metres. These thermals are essential for long-distance gliding, and the area has seen multiple world records set right here.In 2002, American adventurer Steve Fossett attempted a gliding world record from Ōmārama. Although weather conditions didn’t cooperate, his visit helped cement the town’s reputation among elite glider pilots.But Ōmārama offers more than just flight. It’s a haven for trout fishing, with excellent streams and rivers throughout the district. The fishing season typically runs from October to April, though some rivers offer year-round opportunities.The name Ōmārama comes from te reo Māori, meaning “place of light”—a fitting name for a region known for its crystal-clear skies and stunning moonlit landscapes. On a clear night, the surrounding mountains glow with a soft luminescence, making it a magical spot for stargazing.Ōmārama is also the gateway to the Ahuriri Conservation Park, where you can enjoy tramping, kayaking, horse riding, hunting, and more. Whether you’re soaring above the mountains or exploring the rugged terrain below, Ōmārama offers a truly unforgettable experience.
The Clay Cliffs
The Clay Cliffs you can see to our right are a spectacular natural example of "badland" erosion.A combination of high, steep, sharp, bare pinnacles and ridges separated by deep, narrow ravines and canyons, this kind of landform develops on certain types of rocks in arid or semi-arid regions subjected to occasional heavy rainstorms. For badland topography to form, the rocks must be compact enough to stand in deep faces, yet soft enough to be readily eroded by running water. The name Clay Cliffs is a misnomer, for the rocks here consist of layers of gravel and silt. In geological terms the rocks are quite young. The sediments were deposited by rivers flowing out from the glaciers that existed one or two million years ago. By contrast, the rocks of the nearby mountains from which the sediments were derived, are about 250 million years old. Since their deposition, the strata at Clay Cliffs have been tilted and the individual layers of gravel and silt now form prominent sloping bands running through the outcrops. Badland topography is not uncommon in other parts of the world, the most famous examples being in South Dakota, USA. The term was originally used to describe part of that region which was difficult to cross. It is now widely used to describe any landscape characterised by deep dissection, ravines, gullies and sharp ridges created by fluvial erosion on relatively soft rocks in a semi-arid environment. The Maori name for the area is Paritea, meaning white or light-coloured cliff. It is said to be the name given by the Araiteuru whose canoe is famous in Maori legend for bringing the kumara from Hawaiki, the canoe being wrecked on its return journey by a violent storm at Shag Point, south of Oamaru. The first people at Clay Cliffs were probably moa hunters who had villages in the Waitaki Valley, now covered by Lake Aviemore, and who came to hunt on the Omarama and Mackenzie Country plains. Plentiful birdlife - moa, Paradise Duck, Weka, quail - and eels and fish would have attracted many to venture inland. The cliffs would have provided a natural shelter for a hunter or village in peacetime, with exits devised up the rock faces in emergencies. On the river terrace opposite the cliffs, several ovens indicate that the area was one of the camp sites frequently used by Maori travelling to and from the West Coast in search of the coveted pounamu or greenstone. The area is known as a battleground for a number of conflicts involving the Ngati Mamoe, early residents of the region, and the Ngāi Tahu from the North Island.The Clay Cliffs were originally part of some 128,000 hectares of land taken up in 1857 to form Benmore Station, between the Ahuriri and Ōhau Rivers and extending to Lake Ōhau in the west. The station came to employ 100 men at shearing time with 20 regulars all year, and 100,000 sheep were put up for sale when the property was eventually subdivided by the government in 1916. An 8,484-hectare block incorporating the cliffs was turned into 15 Returned Soldier Settlements, some as small as 180 hectares. The scheme was disastrous both for the land and the new owners, most of whom were forced to walk off within a few years. The Clay Cliffs block was sold in 1919 to Mr W E Aubrey, grandfather of the present owner. Successive generations of the Aubrey family have appreciated the historical, scenic and geological values of the Clay Cliffs. To ensure that the remarkable landscape feature is preserved for future generations to enjoy, the Aubreys initiated a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust open space covenant to protect the Clay Cliffs in perpetuity.
Lindis General
We are approaching the Lindis Pass. Around here you will see that the hills are covered in tussock.Tussocks are grasses, but in some ways the metre high plants resemble forests, protecting the small plants and animals that reside beneath their fringes. Within New Zealand, there are 16 indigenous species of tussock. Believe it or not, some of these individual plants can be up to 300 years old.When Europeans arrived in New Zealand, they found tussock in both the North and South Islands, however the most extensive tussock land occurred east of the Southern Alps from Marlborough to Southland.What the early settlers did not know was that the immense area of tussock lands they saw were a relatively recent phenomenon. About half the original forest along the eastern part of the South Island, was burnt by the Maori. It is believed that this burning of forest was to flush out and make it easier to pursue the now extinct flightless Moa. It is likely that the fires got out of control fanned by nor wester winds. After the fires, most of the land reverted to tussock land.Tussocks are well adapted to the rigours of the sub-alpine environment, able to withstand extremes of climate and temperatures that range from sub-zero up to 40 degrees C. Their ecological importance has been recognised; they act as heat conductors, melting and breaking up winter snow, and they capture moisture from fog, which is then slowly released to the lowlands below.
Lindis Pass
We’re now approaching Lindis Pass, sitting at 970 metres above sea level. This scenic alpine route connects the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago and offers sweeping views of tussock-covered hills and rugged terrain.The pass was named in 1857 by Otago surveyor John Turnbull Thomson, who drew inspiration from Lindisfarne, an island off the coast of England. But long before European explorers arrived, Ngāi Tahu Māori knew this route well. It was a vital travel corridor through the mountains.In 1863, Lindis Pass became the site of the last recorded tribal conflict in the South Island, when Ngāti Tama warriors used the pass to launch a surprise attack on Ngāi Tahu. Archaeological finds, including greenstone weapons, have been discovered along the track, offering a glimpse into this dramatic chapter of history.At the summit, you’ll see a stone monument commemorating the introduction of red deer to Otago in 1871. Seven deer were gifted by the Earl of Dalhousie, a Scottish landowner, and released into the wild. Over time, they spread across Central Otago and Westland.Initially celebrated, deer quickly became a problem. By the 1890s, concerns were raised about their impact on native vegetation. By the 1920s, even exotic plantations were suffering. In 1930, the government lifted protection and began paying hunters to control the population. By the 1950s, over 100 professional hunters were employed, shooting up to 65,000 deer annually.Helicopter hunting and deer farming put a new slant on deer control from the 1970’s. Live deer were now extremely valuable, and farmers started to build up their herds by capturing wild stock. Now the deer has become an important part of New Zealand’s farming industry and providing an export industry based around venison and antler velvet.
Tarras
Tarras is a small sheep farming community with a unique way of mowing the fairways on its golf course. The golf course greens are fenced off, and sheep are used to keep the fairways mown by eating the grass. This gives the green keeper the flexibility to change the shape of the fairways at will, by regulating the areas that the sheep have access too.Golf has progressed enormously in New Zealand since World War 2 and now boasts the highest number of participants of any sport in the country. The first golf course in was established in 1870 in Dunedin, deemed to be the Scottish capital of New Zealand.In the first years of the 20th century there were 15 men’s and 11 women’s golf clubs in New Zealand. Sixty years later in 1962, this number had swelled to 321 clubs with over 30,000 players. There are now more than 380 clubs, not including municipal and nine-hole courses, formally registered with the NZ Golf Association, with over 70,000 members. It is estimated that there are many more thousands of enthusiastic players who do not belong to clubs. In 2004, Tarras gained notoriety for a sheep named Shrek. Shrek, a merino sheep born on Bendigo Station in Central Otago, was found hiding in a cave on the remote hill country of the station where he eluded musterers for six years. When he was found in autumn 2004, he was carrying an enormous fleece weighing 25 kilograms, and the shearing by blade shearer, Peter Casserly, yielded 22 kilograms of fine merino wool which was donated to the charity, Cure Kids for auction. Shrek was given a warm woollen coat to compensate for the loss of his fleece. The discovery of Shrek and his plight gained media coverage from around the world.
Bendigo
Coming up shortly is the loop road to Bendigo, once a thriving gold mining settlement and now a fascinating heritage site maintained by the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust.Bendigo was one of the few places in Central Otago where quartz reef mining proved successful, operating for over 50 years. Today, among the scrub and tussock, you’ll find dozens of crumbling stone cottages and miners’ huts, silent reminders of a once-booming community.Like many goldfields in the region, Bendigo drew hopeful miners deep into the interior, chasing dreams of striking it rich. But the reality was harsh. The Central Otago landscape offered little in the way of fuel or food, and the climate was unforgiving. Summers brought scorching heat that could drive men to madness, while winters were so bitter that some miners succumbed to frostbite—or even despair.Despite the brutal conditions, Bendigo became a symbol of resilience and ambition. The miners who worked here faced not only the challenges of the land but also the uncertainty of fortune. Some found gold; many did not. But all left their mark on the region’s history.As you look out across the hills, imagine the clatter of picks, the glow of lanterns in the stone huts, and the determination of those who carved out a life in one of New Zealand’s most remote and rugged goldfields.
Cromwell
We’re now arriving in Cromwell; a vibrant town nestled at the junction of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers. Once known as The Junction, Cromwell has transformed from a gold rush settlement into a thriving hub for horticulture, viticulture, tourism, and heritage.Cromwell is famously known as the “Fruit Bowl of the South”, and for good reason. The region’s hot summers and cool winters create ideal conditions for growing stone fruit—including cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums. Roadside stalls brim with fresh produce during the summer months, and local orchards like Webb’s and Jackson’s have been producing world-class fruit for generations But Cromwell isn’t just about fruit. It’s also at the forefront of organic winegrowing. Nearly a quarter of Central Otago’s vineyard land is now farmed organically or biodynamically, with Cromwell playing a leading role in this movement. The region is especially known for its Pinot Noir, and many local wineries offer tastings and cellar door experiences Cromwell’s story began in 1862, when gold prospectors Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reilly discovered gold at Brewery Creek. Their find sparked a rush that brought thousands of miners to the area. In 1863, the settlement was renamed Cromwell, after Oliver Cromwell.The town flourished during the gold dredging era but declined in the early 1900s. A new chapter began in the 1920s with the development of irrigation schemes, transforming the land into fertile ground for orchards and farms.In the 1980s, Cromwell became the administrative centre for the Upper Clutha Hydro Development Scheme. The construction of the Clyde Dam led to the creation of Lake Dunstan, which submerged much of the original town centre. In response, a new town centre—The Mall—was built, and historic buildings were relocated or reconstructed to form the Cromwell Heritage Precinct Today, the Heritage Precinct is a must-visit destination. Located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, it features restored gold rush-era buildings now housing artisan shops, galleries, and cafés. It’s a place where history comes alive, and visitors can stroll through the past while enjoying lakeside views.Whether you’re here for the fruit, the wine, the history, or the scenery, Cromwell offers a warm welcome and a taste of the very best of Central Otago.
Kawarau Gorge
We’re now entering the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, the only known outlet for Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake, where Queenstown is located. The name Kawarau comes from the Māori word Kawerau, meaning “many rapids”—a fitting name for this fast-flowing river.Today, the Kawarau River is famous for its adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, including jet boating, white-water rafting, and even river surfing. But long before thrill-seekers arrived, this gorge was the site of one of Otago’s most significant gold rushes.In the 1860s, thousands of miners flooded into the gorge, including many from China, who played a vital role in the region’s gold mining history. Chinese miners were known for their patience and precision, often reworking abandoned claims and recovering gold that others had missed. You can still see the stone huts they built along the riverbanks—silent reminders of their resilience and contribution.On the south bank of the gorge at Gees Flat, you’ll find the Goldfields Mining Centre. Accessible via a footbridge from the highway, this heritage site features a working gold claim, historic mining machinery, and the chance to pan for gold yourself—just as the early prospectors did.As we travel through the gorge, take note of the steep rock walls that make crossing from one side to the other nearly impossible. In pre-European times, Māori used a natural rock bridge here to cross the river. It was a narrow overhang that didn’t quite reach the opposite bank, requiring a daring leap across a gap—especially risky when the river was high. That rock formation has since collapsed, but its story lives on in local legend.The road we’re following today traces the same route used by horse-drawn coaches and packhorses during the gold rush. Back then, without sealed roads or safety barriers, the journey through the gorge was treacherous and slow—especially in bad weather.Today, the Kawarau Gorge is not only a scenic drive but a place where natural beauty and rich history come together. Whether you're here for the views, the stories, or the adventure, this stretch of road is one of the most memorable in Central Otago.
Roaring Meg Power Station
Here on the North bank of the Kawarau Gorge is an automated power station known as Roaring Meg, which local legend says was named after a particularly raucous red headed bar maid from the nearby gold field. When the Kawarau River is running high after heavy rain, the water jets spouting from the power station look quite spectacular. Critics in the North Island believed this area was too far south to grow grapes for wine, however, it is on the same latitude as that of the famous wine region of Bordeaux in France. At the end of the gorge are three well established vineyards, Peregrine Wines, Gibbston Valley Wines and Chard Farm, which have grown grapes on the sloping hills and are producing very good wines. More vineyards are now appearing in the region as the wines from Central Otago gain in popularity.
Bungy Bridge
Coming up shortly is the 43m “Kawarau Suspension Bridge”, and the original commercial site of Bungy jumping in New Zealand. AJ Hackett, a New Zealander, started this international craze and gained publicity for the sport by illegally jumping off the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1986. Hackett then teamed up with New Zealand’s champion speed skier, Henry Van Asch, and in November 1988, commercial bungy jumping became a reality. Adrenaline junkies lined up and paid to throw themselves off the bridge in return for a T-shirt that proudly displayed their admission to virtual suicide. The next site to be developed was on the upper reaches of the Shotover River, where a custom bridge was built. The craze soon spread, and people not content with simply jumping off the bridge added dimensions such as backwards, somersaults, on bikes, in kayaks, in wheelchairs, and for those wanting to jump for free, the chance to go naked.
Lake Hayes
Lake Hayes, designated a wildlife refuge, is fed by streams flowing from the Coronet Peak ridge, and is drained by a small stream into the Kawarau River. The wildlife service of the Department of Internal affairs maintains a research unit for recording data on the brown and rainbow trout in the lake.The lake was originally named “Hays Lake” after a stockman Donald Hay discovered it while searching for suitable sheep country around Lake Wakatipu in 1859.Often, the name of the lake has been attributed to a more notable character, conman and South Pacific pirate Bully Hayes, who made a name for himself by his activities on the Arrowtown gold fields in 1863.
Tāhuna / Queenstown
Nestled among glacier-carved peaks and perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most iconic resort towns. Surrounded by rugged mountains like The Remarkables, this region was shaped during the last Ice Age, around 15,000 years ago, when a massive glacier carved out the lake’s deep canyon. Today, Lake Wakatipu stretches 80 km in length, covers 290 square kilometres, and plunges to a depth of 420 metres, making it New Zealand’s longest and third-largest lake. Queenstown is known as Tāhuna, meaning “to grow,” a testament to its natural abundance.The first European to glimpse the lake was Nathaniel Chalmers in 1853, guided by Māori chief Reko—paid with a three-legged pot for his efforts. Chalmers fell ill and was returned via a mokihi (flax raft), never to see the lake again. Queenstown’s gold rush began in 1862, when Jack Tewa, a Māori shepherd, discovered gold in the Arrow River. His find was kept secret at first, but within months, thousands of prospectors flooded the region. More gold was soon found at Arthur’s Point and Skippers Canyon, turning Queenstown into a bustling mining town. Among the colourful characters of the gold rush era was Bully Hayes, a notorious rogue who ran a hotel in Arrowtown and was rumoured to hide a missing ear beneath his long hair. His dramatic life ended in a mysterious boating accident, adding to the lore of the region.Today, remnants of this gold rush history can be explored in Arrowtown, including the restored Chinese Settlement. Built in the 1860s, this riverside village offers a glimpse into the lives of Chinese miners who were invited to Otago after European miners left for the West Coast. The site features Ah Lum’s Store, a restored historic building and interpretation panels in English and Chinese .Queenstown has evolved from its gold-mining roots into a year-round tourism hotspot, consistently ranked among the world’s top resort destinations. It’s home to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, two major ski fields offering excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.Known as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown offers more activities per square metre than anywhere else in New Zealand. From jet boating, bungy jumping, and skydiving, to ziplining, white-water rafting, the Shotover Jetboat and quad biking, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Queenstown also boasts lake cruises, scenic flights, and vineyard tours. The town’s dining scene is equally diverse, offering everything from Japanese sushi and Indian curries to Italian pasta, Thai stir-fries, and Tex-Mex. The best way to explore is to wander the streets and follow your nose.Queenstown’s growth continues, with major developments underway to support sustainable tourism and infrastructure.
Close: Christchurch to Queenstown
Ngā mihi / Thank you for choosing to travel with us today. If you’ve had a great day, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave feedback via email or via your booking agent.If you are looking for a day trip to Milford Sonds or are travelling to the North Island, we have a range of tours featuring destinations such as Hobbiton, Waitomo, and Auckland. Please see the driver. Thank you once again for choosing to travel with us. We hope you had an enjoyable time, and that all your experiences of New Zealand are happy, memorable ones.
Close: Queenstown to Christchurch
Ngā mihi / Thank you for choosing to travel with us today. If you’ve had a great day, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave feedback via email or via your booking agent. If you are travelling to the North Island, we also have a range of tours featuring destinations such as Hobbiton, Waitomo, and Auckland. Thank you once again for choosing to travel with us. We hope you had an enjoyable time, and that all your experiences of New Zealand are happy, memorable ones.
