3 days for trip from Christchurch
 

I'll be in Christchurch in mid-October this year and will have only 3 days to see that part of New Zealand. I'd like to do some hiking and see as much of the country as possible while still enjoying time outdoors. Not sitting in the car the entire time. Any recommendations on where to go and where to hike?
Would like to camp or cheap hostel, and do day hikes from there. Is the Mt Cook region too far for a 3 day trip? Maybe the Arthurs Pass region is a better choice?
Thank you!

With so little time, I'd suggest you just plant yourself in Christchurch and explore the vicinity. There's a great walk at Rakaia Gorge, about an hours drive from Christchurch - I highly recommend it:

http://www.newzealand.com/us/article...gorge-walkway/

Although further away you might also consider spending a day driving to Arthur's Pass and taking a few walks there, it'll be a long day though:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...ass-day-walks/

You might also consider driving as far as Hanmer Springs, some nice walks there.

http://visithurunui.co.nz/hiking/hanmer-forest-walks

IMO Mt Cook is too far for so little time, as you'd spend the better part of a day driving there and the better part of a day driving back, which only leaves a day at the park.

Do be aware the weather could be iffy that time of year, so best to be flexible.

Thank you for the info, very helpful. I will have 2 chances to get away from Christchurch. I'm deploying to Antarctica from Christchurch, so have a few days at either end of my 2 month stay there, mid-October and mid-December.
Google maps has the drive to Mt Cook from Christchurch at 4 hrs, to the east side of the park near Lake Pukaki. Is that an optimistic time?
Basically I'm hoping to take in as much of New Zealand's dramatic landscape as I can in the short time I have, as well as get in some hikes.

Yes, four hours (without stops) is about right. You can easily stop in Lake Tekapo en route, but be sure to get an early start.

If you're up for all that driving, you might consider Christchurch-Mt Cook (explore Lake Tekapo enroute), spending two nights in Mt Cook (which gives you one full day for hiking) then return to Christchurch via the 'back roads', meaning inland route 72 via Geraldine, Mount Somers, Mt Hutt and Oxford. This route will take you right by Rakaia Gorge which I mentioned above.

This would make for a nice drive loop and showcase some of the SI's beautiful scenery.

I don't have access to my NZ atlas, but this will give you an idea of the inland route. You can drive it in reverse too of course.

http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zea...-scenic-route/

Thanks, very helpful. I like the RT 72 option for one of the directions, or as a loop if I don't have time for Mt Cook.