Overnight in Mt. Cook or Lake Tekapo on Way to CHC
 

Driving from Queenstown to Christchurch-last day of trip. We want to make an overnght stop in either Mt. Cook village or Lake Tekapo. Mt. Cook is an extra couple hours of driving-is that worht it? We would stay up there-or should we skip it and just stay in Lake Tekapo? can't decide!!!! ugh

Mount Cook is only 55 km off SH8, the road you'll be taking from QT to Tekapo. You'll literally drive right past the turn off to Mount Cook, so it'd be a shame not to see it, being so close. It's definitely worth the detour, and will easily fit into the trip from QT with an overnight.

Of the two, I'd probably opt for a night at Mt Cook. It's a tiny village, but there are several hikes, etc and you'll have no trouble filling your time there. The drawback is that food/accommodation is limited and expensive in Mount Cook.

You'll drive right through Tekapo on the leg from Mt Cook to Christchurch. You'll have plenty of time to stop and see the sights there. It doesn't take much time to see Tekapo. It's a small town and unless you're there to hike or visit the observatory, etc, you can pretty much "see" it in an hour or so.

If cost is an issue, Tekapo would definitely offer cheaper accommodation. Some visitors also choose to stay in Twizel.

thanks-I like the look of the Hermatige anayway!