By Air

Air New Zealand operates daily non-stop flights to Christchurch and Queenstown from Auckland and other main centres, with easy connections across the domestic network. From either airport, it’s a scenic 3½-hour drive through some of Aotearoa’s most striking alpine country.

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By Road

From Christchurch, follow State Highway 1 south through Geraldine, then take State Highway 79 to Fairlie and State Highway 8 toward Lake Tekapo and Twizel. From Queenstown, follow State Highway 6 to Cromwell, then State Highway 8 through Omarama toward Twizel and Tekapo.

Guide Hill Station sits between Lake Tekapo (20 minutes) and Twizel (30 minutes), with Aoraki / Mount Cook Village just 60–70 minutes away by car.

Important Note: Guide Hill Station is located on a gravel (unsealed) road. Please ensure your vehicle is suitable and, if you are in a rental car, check that your insurance policy covers driving on unsealed roads.

Driving Safety Tips:

1)Gravel Roads: Braemar Road can be narrow, corrugated, and dusty. Reduce your speed (recommended 40–50 km/h on gravel) and stay left.
2)Dust: If a vehicle approaches, slow down further to minimize stone chips and dust clouds.
3)Livestock: This is working farm country; watch out for sheep or cattle on the road, especially unfenced sections.
4)Winter: If traveling in winter (June–August), the road can be icy or snowy. Carry snow chains.

Option 1: From Lake Tekapo (The Direct Route)
Head West: Drive out of Lake Tekapo township on State Highway 8 (SH8) towards Twizel/Lake Pukaki.
Turn Right: After driving for approximately 10–12 minutes (about 12km), look for the sign for Braemar Road. Turn RIGHT onto Braemar Road.Landmark: If you reach the military camp or Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre, you have gone too far.
Follow the Road: Continue on Braemar Road. It will transition from sealed to gravel.
Arrive: Follow the road for approximately 18 km. Look for the "Guide Hill Station" sign.

Option 2: From Twizel / Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre (The Scenic Route)
Head East: Drive on SH8 towards Lake Tekapo.
Turn Left: Look for Hayman Road (often signposted for "Lake Pukaki East Side"). Turn LEFT onto Hayman Road.
Follow the Lake: Drive north along Hayman Road with the lake on your left.
Turn Right onto Braemar Road: Drive for 10 minutes.
Arrive: Continue until you reach the "Guide Hill Station" sign.

Coordinates

📍 Latitude: –44.1596 Longitude: 170.2438
(Enter “Guide Hill Station, Mackenzie District” into Google Maps for accurate directions). ‍

By Helicopter ‍

Private transfers can also be arranged directly to our on-site helipad — an unforgettable way to arrive in the high country.