GETTING THERE
Now would be the best time to book your flights (if you haven’t already) while they are still cheap. Please note that prices gradually go up as it gets closer to Christmas season. For our family and friends in the North Island and overseas, if you decide to stay longer down South and make the trip worth your while, below are a list of things you can do or explore on your way to Lake Tekapo. Depending on which towns, attractions, and places you would like to see, feel free to use these lists as your guide:
fly to Christchurch
Best Stops:
Scenic Route
Rakaia Gorge
Mt Hutt
Geraldine
Gem Alpaca Stud
Best Stops:
Direct Route
Straight 8 Estate
Skydiving Kiwis
Waipuna Studio
drive to Lake Tekapo
2 hours, 45 minutes
or
fly to Timaru
Best Stops:
Scenic Route
Fairlie Heritage Museum
drive to Lake Tekapo
1 hour, 29 minutes
or
fly to Queenstown
Best Stops
Lake Hayes
Arrow Junction Lookout
Crown Range Summit
Cardona Hotel
Bradrona
Wanaka
Lindis Pass Lookout
Hot Tubs Omarama
Twizel
Lake Pukaki
Mount Cook Road Photo
Mount Cook National Park
drive to Lake Tekapo
3 hours, 4 minutes
The cheapest option would be to land in Timaru and then drive to Lake Tekapo as both Queenstown and Christchurch are – apart from tourist destinations; also bigger cities than Timaru.
ACCOMODATION INFORMATION
Similar to flights, best to book your accomodation now. Some may find that booking accommodation together with other family members or mutual friends work out to be more ‘budget-friendly’. Timaru would possibly offer cheaper accommodation if you don’t mind the drive. We would like for you to drive and arrive back to Timaru safely. That means that towards the end of the reception, there would be no late nights and drinking for you! By saying that, it is absolutely okay for us if you and your family have to leave earlier.
We suggest to look for accommodation through booking.com or to call the hotel/accommodation directly.
Go and have a browse on what looks the best i.e. price, distance and then call the reception and ask if you can book through them directly. This ensures you get the best deal. Booking near the centre would also be ideal, so that driving wouldn’t be a problem for you after the reception and also for the wedding ceremony. Hostels or holiday homes are also your best bet as they would be cheaper compared to hotels and resorts. But ultimately, it is all up to you and your budget.
EXPLORE
If you do plan to stay in Lake Tekapo, here are a few breathtaking places to go and explore within the area:
Dark Sky Project
An observatory that offers amazing views and also a place to chill and relax in the café
Tekapo Springs
Hot pools in Lake Tekapo
Salmon Farm in Twizel
A little bit more of a drive (around 42 minutes) but a great place to see and eat some salmon
Have you RSVP’d yet?
by Design Kuno