Canterbury stargazing and lakes itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Waimate

Depart Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains' patchwork quilt. Take some time to see Ashburton, a thriving farming town. Trots Garden, designated as a Garden of National Significance by The Royal Institute of Horticulture, is a must-see for garden lovers. Timaru is a fantastic place to eat lunch. Visit the quiet Botanical Gardens and the Trevor Griffiths Rose Gardens to see the blossoms. A trip to the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre is also recommended. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through natural woodland in Waimate, where you'll be accompanied by bellbird and tui singing. Keep a watch out for the Waimate Wallaby at dusk.

Day 2: Waimate to Aoraki Mount Cook

This morning, take the inland road to Twizel. Anglers may want to stop here for a spot of salmon fishing. Between September and February, you can learn about the world's most endangered wading bird at the Kaki/Black Stilt Visitor Hide. Continue beyond Lake Pukaki's aquamarine shoreline to Mount Cook Village. Whether you prefer the thrill of an Argo tour, a short stroll, a lengthy tramp, or a horse ride, there are many ways to see Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The Glacier Explorers, which take you to the terminal lake of Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest glacier, are a must-see. The stargazing experience and the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre are extremely popular.

Day 3: Aoraki Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo

Whether it's a frigid winter evening or a beautiful summer day, Lake Tekapo has a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Relax with a dip in the hot tub or one of the therapeutic spa treatments. In the winter, there's an ice skating rink and snow tubing, while in the summer, there's the world's largest inflatable slide. Take a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, glaciers, and the Main Divide for something truly unique. Some pilots even touch down on a glacier. A stargazing tour is a must-do on any trip to the Mackenzie region. This is the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal location for viewing the night sky.

Day 4: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Return to Christchurch by way of Geraldine and Methven. The famed Barkers of Geraldine, a store serving excellent jams, chutneys, and syrups, is located in Geraldine; taste a sample or purchase a gift box to take home. The town of Methven is a hub of activity in the winter (June-October) because of Mount Hutt's proximity, but it also offers wonderful riding and hiking opportunities in the summer. Christchurch is bursting at the seams with ingenuity and inventiveness. Along with its distinctive activities, the city offers a varied range of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs. Visit the lovely botanic gardens, take a leisurely punt on the Avon River, and take a ride on the vintage tram.