Fairlie Heritage Museum
The Fairlie Heritage Museum displays artifacts and historical objects from the region’s agricultural past. Displays include vintage machinery, household items, and set pieces like a preserved threshing mill and a rebuilt cottage from Fairlie’s earliest days. Of particular note is the Motor Heritage Building that showcases antique cars and tractors.
Lake Tekapo
A part of the Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo and its surrounding area are recognized for its pitch-perfect stargazing conditions. You can catch plenty of awesome scenery with the naked eye here, from shooting stars to satellites. And the night sky isn’t the only thing that makes Lake Tekapo a worthwhile day trip from Fairlie. The striking azure water of the lake is tranquil and calm, great for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
The scenic 1.5-hour drive to this sprawling park covering nearly 450 square miles skirts around Lake Tekapo and traces the western bank of Lake Pukaki. Dramatic scenery ranges from the highest peak on the continent to the 16-mile Tasman Glacier, and you can spot falcons overhead and the Mount Cook lily on the alpine pastures. The return hike to Kea Point takes around two hours. More high-octane activities include mountaineering, glacier skiing, and seaplane trips.