Getting There and Away

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
This photo is of Mount Aoraki (Mt. Cook) & Mount Tasman reflecting over Lake Matheson (New Zealand). I took this photo, early morning, in November 2013 during a month-long trip to New Zealand. The reflection is a near-mirror image of the sky, mountains and trees.
Ryancoke2020, Wikimedia Commons

Christchurch International Airport (CHC) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) serve as the primary air travel hubs for reaching the Aoraki / Mount Cook & Mackenzie Region. Within the region, smaller airfields such as Lake Tekapo Airport (TKA), Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, Glentanner, and Lake Pukaki (near Twizel) cater to scenic and charter flights. For local movement, Lake Tekapo village offers pedestrian-friendly areas, bicycle rentals, and taxi services.

From Christchurch:

  • By Car:: The drive to Lake Tekapo typically takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (around 220-228 km). Continuing to Mount Cook Village extends the journey to about 3.5 to 4 hours (approximately 328-330 km). Car rental services are widely available from Christchurch Airport.
  • By Bus:: Direct bus services operate from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, with travel times ranging from 3 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes, costing approximately $28 - $60. Buses also travel directly to Mount Cook Village, taking about 5 hours 32 minutes with fares ranging from $40 - $60. InterCity and GreatSights are major providers for these routes.
  • By Flight:: Scheduled and charter flights are available from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Airport (TKA), with a flight duration of around 30 minutes. Flights connecting major hubs like Christchurch to Mount Cook Pukaki-Twizel Airport are also an option.

From Queenstown:

  • By Car:: Driving from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo generally takes about 2 hours 57 minutes to 3 hours (approximately 257-258 km). The journey to Mount Cook Village is roughly 3 to 4 hours (approximately 250-268 km). It is advisable to carry snow chains during winter months for routes traversing the Crown Range and Lindis Pass.
  • By Bus:: Direct bus services connect Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, typically taking 4 hours and costing $30 - $65. Buses to Mount Cook Village from Queenstown also take approximately 4 hours, with fares ranging from $30 - $50. InterCity and GreatSights are common bus operators for these routes.
  • By Flight:: Scenic flights from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport are available, providing aerial views of the Southern Alps and glaciers, often including a landing.

Between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook Village:

  • By Car:: This scenic drive takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (about 103-105 km).
  • By Bus:: A direct bus service runs daily, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 22 minutes and costing approximately $13 - $19. Tekapo Shuttle also provides transport, with fares around $90 per adult.

Car Rental:

Rental cars are readily available from major airports. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended. Fuel is more expensive and less accessible in Mount Cook Village; it is best to fill up in nearby towns like Twizel or Lake Tekapo.

Check out our other pages on Aoraki / Mount Cook & Mackenzie Region (Mount Cook Village/Lake Tekapo)

Things to Do icon Things to Do Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays