Winter NZ 7 Day Photo Trip - Christchurch to Queenstown

Rach Stewart - (rachstewartnz)
Itinerary created by
Rach Stewart
What you’ll do

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

This adventure will take you to the secluded but amazing Canterbury Lakes, the magnificent Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, through the Mackenzie Country, then on to Wanaka and Queenstown, covering some of the most incredible photo locations New Zealand has to offer.

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

Start your journey by collecting your rental car and/or camper (if required) and heading to the supermarket to grab food supplies. There aren't a lot of shops where you are going for the first two days.

1

Britz Campervan Hire Christchurch Canterbury
Britz Campervan Hire Christchurch Canterbury
Adventure-filled road trips with Britz
Category
Car Rental
Est. Price
NZ$133

114 m (0.1 mi)

1 min

2

Omega Rental Cars - Christchurch Airport
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Explore Christchurch conveniently and affordably
Category
Car Rental
Est. Price
NZ$109

154.3 km (95.9 mi)

2 hr 57 min

The drive to Lake Heron takes around 3 hours. You will want to arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to capture golden hour. You can also stay for astrophotography as Lake Heron has the most beautiful dark skies.

3

Lake Heron - Hakatere Conservation Park
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Magical lake in Canterbury
Category
Photospot

40.3 km (25 mi)

1 hr 34 min

If you are in a camper you can stay at the Lake Camp Camping Ground for the night. If you're not in a camper you can drive to nearby Mount Somers Holiday Park to stay at a cabin (very basic but clean and tidy)

4

Choose the option that fits you the best

Mount Somers Holiday Park Canterbury
Mount Somers Holiday Park Canterbury
Refreshing countryside getaway!
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$

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