Queenstown to Arrowtown: 19.4km

This historic gold mining town is only a 22-minute drive from Queenstown but worth the early stop. You could spend a few hours here learning about the town's rich history in the gold rush era at the Lakes District Museum or be transported back in time to explore picturesque Buckingham Street. With quaint boutique shops and a stunning Arrow River, it's a great place to kick off your Mount Cook road trip adventure.

If you don't have time for a town centre exploration, then make sure you stop at the Arrow Junction lookout point for stunning scenery views.

Arrowtown to Crown Range Summit: 16.2km

Another 20-minutes drive and you will reach the breathtaking Crown Range summit and lookout point. Often hailed as the highest mountain road in New Zealand, the Crown Range road will reach an altitude of over 1,100 meters. The great news? The Crown Range summit is only a 10-minute walk from the gravel car park, making it the perfect road trip stop.

The stunning views of the rolling hills and snow-capped mountains will make the steep walk worth it, we promise.

Crown Range Summit to Cardrona Hotel: 14.3km

Trust us, this is the perfect lunch stop for your scenic South Island road trip. The Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. The rustic charming facade hides the spectacular award-winning restaurant inside, complete with a roaring fire and an awesome beer garden. The cute hotel is actually New Zealand's most photographed building so definitely worth the pit stop.

If we haven't sold you on this stop already then let us tell you that they even serve a huge selection of local craft beer. Yes, please!

If you want to explore the Otago region, stay in one of their quaint rooms and extend your multi-day road trip.

Cardrona Hotel to Bradrona: 2.4km

As you approach the end of the Crown Range road, you will get to the most unique attraction on the South Island, Bradrona. In this beautiful landscape, you can find a wall full of over 1,000 bras left by tourists. It. is unknown why this quicky place exists but the first bra appeared in 1998 and has grown every year since.

At only a 10-minute walk from Cardrona Hotel, you should definitely check out this obscure place. Leave a momento if you are brave enough.

Bardrona to Wanaka: 22.5km

Another 20-minute drive and you will find yourself in another magnificent place, Wanaka. If you are a thrill-seeking ski or snowboarding adventurer then this alpine resort town is the perfect stop for you. With the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts to explore, you should make this your first overnight stay to make the most of it.

Even if you are not into snow sports, Lake Wanaka and the surrounding rolling hills provide many activities to enjoy. You must check out the famous Wanaka tree growing out of the tranquil Lake Wanaka. Join a 1 hour Lake Wanaka cruise or take on many of the surrounding hiking trails, including the stunning Roy's Peak.

With Mount Aspiring National Park located close by, Wanaka is a hiker's paradise. Mount Aspiring is the backdrop of the iconic Lord of The Rings movie scenes and an ultimate New Zealand site.

Places to Stay in Wanaka

• Club Wyndham Wanaka: For a luxury road trip overnight stop, book into the Club Wyndham. At only a 700-metre walk from Lake Wanaka, you could unwind in the heated pool before exploring the area.
• Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort: With panoramic mountain views, this alpine resort is a calming place to stay on your Mount Cook road trip. It features a hot spa, swimming pool, and games room to make your overnight stay relaxing.

Wanaka to Lindis Pass: 80km

1 hour from Wanaka you will find Lindis Pass, an incredible photo opportunity you do not want to miss! On clear days, see for miles down the valley from 971 meters above sea level. Lindis Pass lookout point is right near the summit and you can see the breathtaking landscape of the Southern Alps. You can also take short walks to other lookout points which immerse you in the rolling hills covered in snow.

Lindis Pass to Omarama Hot Tubs: 33.1km

Drive another 23 minutes for the most relaxing road trip stop, Omarama Hot Tubs. This private land offers serene indoor and outdoor baths with picturesque mountain views. The mineral water is so fresh and comes directly from the mountains. You can also enjoy spa and massage treatments for the ultimate driving break.

Omarama Hot Tubs to Clay Cliffs: 15.5km

Taking a 10km detour on a dirt road West of Omarama will be the best route decision you make. The Omarama clay cliffs are awe-inspiring natural rock formations that make you feel like you are on a movie set. You can even climb the inside of the pinnacles and spot the stunning valleys below. We recommend taking 20 minutes here at least to take in the beautiful scenery and appreciate the South Island.

Omarama Clay Cliffs to Twizel: 37.4km

Another 34-minute drive and you will land in the quaint town of Twizel where we recommend you stay overnight. The small town is the perfect base to explore the picturesque surrounding Otago region.

Make sure you check out Lake Ruataniwha surrounded by beautiful forests and hills. If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear autumn day then you could see the rustic leaves reflected in the clear water.

There are also many hiking trails to check out, including around the Ben Ohau Station mountain range. If you are a Lord of The Rings fan then this is a must-see as it was the dramatic backdrop to the Battle of Pelennor Fields scene. Although Ben Ohau Station is actually privately owned, you can visit on a LOTR tour.

For an amazing New Zealand experience, visit the High Country Salmon farm where you can taste the freshest glacier salmon on the South Island! The flow of glacier water makes the salmon incredibly unique in flavour.

Cool Places to Stay in Twizel

For an impressive sunset view, book into a hotel and watch the sky turn orange and reflect in Lake Ruataniwha.

• Mountain Chalets Motel: A 5-minute drive from the lake is a cute motel right in the middle of the mountain ranges. With BBQ facilities and comfortable chalets, it is a great place to rest your head in Twizel.
• Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel: For a more upscale stay, we recommend a night at this country hotel surrounded by the Aoraki Mount Cook and Mackenzie Country ranges. You can even hire bikes and enjoy a peaceful cycle ride during your stay.

Twizel to Alpine Lavender Fields: 17.4km

If you are travelling between December and March then start your day with a 13-minute drive to the spectacular Alpine lavender fields. As one of the largest organic lavender fields in the Southern Hemisphere, you can capture impressive purple rolling fields. Make sure you stop in the shop to buy their products or try the ice cream.

Alpine Lavender Fields to Peters Lookout: 6km

Drive another 5 minutes and you will see the turnoff for Peters Lookout parking and it is worth it for another majestic stop. The view here is iconic on a clear day when Lake Pukaki is bright blue and the Aoraki Mount Cook is snow-capped. If you are a photography fan then make sure you hit up this lookout!

Peters Lookout to Lake Pukaki: 4km

Head further up the road for 5 minutes and you will find the Lake Pukaki lookout car park. Explore the lake on one of the walking trails or just to a moment to be closer to the stunning blue lake. The water really is as blue as the pictures, it's unbelievable!

Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Road: 10.4km

Just before you get to Mount Cook airport, make sure you stop for the best picture view of Aoraki Mount Cook. The road winding into the Mount Cook range is an iconic Instagrammable shot.

Safety Notice: Make sure you park safely at the side of the road and put your hazards on if necessary. Do not wander in the middle of the road for a photograph and always make sure you are safe.

Mount Cook Road Stop to Mount Cook Village: 29.2km

You have made it to the Aoraki Mount Cook ranges and it is worth spending at least 1 night here! You could spend your whole time taking in the highest mountain in New Zealand, it truly is majestic standing at 3,724 meters! However, there are also some amazing things to do in Mount Cook Village and National Park.

• Hooker Valley track: After a few hours drive, the perfect thing to do is to stretch your legs on an easy and flat 3-hour hike. The Hooker Valley track provides awesome views of Mount Cook and Mueller glaciers.
• Scenic flight: Make the most of the highest mountain by taking a cool scenic flight over the Mount Cook range. See the top of the mountains you just can't access by foot.
• Kayak the Tasman Glacier: A glacier kayak tour is one of the most unique ways to explore Mount Cook National Park. You can check out icebergs and even stop in a secluded glacier bay for lunch.
• Stargazing: Did you know that Mount Cook has the largest dark sky reserve in the World? You cannot visit Mount Cook and not admire the clearest night sky on Earth. Book a tour to get the best vantage points and cool facts.

Amazing Places to Stay in Mount Cook

• Hermitage Hotel: There is no better place to stay than the luxury, historic 1800s Hermitage Hotel. This alpine hotel provides incredible views, quality bedrooms, and world-class restaurants.
• White Horse Hill Campsite: One of the most popular places to stay in Mount Cook is this campground. It's close to the Mount Cook village and National Park trails and has amazing views. Just remember, it is basic with a few toilets, water, and unpowered sites.
• Aoraki Court Motel: For more of a budget-friendly stay without camping, try the Aoraki Court Motel. The rooms are comfortable and it's only a 3-minute walk to Mount Cook village.