Being 2.5 hrs from either direction, Lake Tekapo is well positioned midway between Christchurch and Queenstown making it easy to get there and a great way to break up your journey. Lake Tekapo is also easily accessible from both Dunedin or Timaru.
It is only 60 mins to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and less than half and hour to the nearest ski slopes at Round Hill Ski Field.
From Christchurch
Drive south on State Highway 1 to Rangitata and turn right to Geraldine - 1.5 to 2 hours. Continue for 30 minutes to the pretty country town of Fairlie where you'll turn right onto State Highway 8 and through the beautiful Mackenzie Country, to the picturesque Lakes of Tekapo - 30 to 40 minutes.
For a safe and enjoyable journey with a break along the way allow 3 hours.
From Queenstown
Drive north on State Highway 6 past Cromwell - about 45 minutes.
Turn onto State Highway 8 and continue north through Tarras and over the Lindis Pass. Continue on through Omarama and Twizel, past the tranquil shores of Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo - 2 hours
Allow 3 hours for a comfortable journey with a break.