Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch

Christchurch, NZ
83% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (220 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Guaranteed small group (max 15 for a more personal experience)
  • inclusion
    Bottled water throughout the day
  • inclusion
    Free WiFi and USB charging ports on board
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    Pre-ordered picnic lunch
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    Expert local Kiwi guide with live commentary (English)
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    Transportation in modern Mercedes Sprinter with air conditioning
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    Carbon-neutral tour
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    Tasty kiwi snacks enroute
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    Hotel pickup and drop-off from 13 central Christchurch locations

Meeting Point

Please wait ready for collection at the bus stop on Lichfield Street outside the bus exchange. If you put Christchurch Bus Interchange intercity stop into google maps this will give you the correct location. Pick up time is at 06:25am

Meeting point

Christchurch Bus Exchange Lichfield Street - Regional Platform, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011 , New Zealand

End point

End Point

Please wait ready for collection at the bus stop on Lichfield Street outside the bus exchange. If you put Christchurch Bus Interchange intercity stop into google maps this will give you the correct location. Pick up time is at 06:25am

Meeting point

Christchurch Bus Exchange Lichfield Street - Regional Platform, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011 , New Zealand

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
BreakFree On Cashel Christchurch
Christchurch City Hotel
Crowne Plaza Christchurch, an IHG hotel
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Fino Hotel & Suites
Hotel Give
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Sudima Christchurch City
The George Christchurch
Urbanz
How to ensure a smooth start to your adventure: To help your day begin smoothly, please be ready and waiting at your hotel lobby or selected pickup location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time. Our driver follows a carefully planned route to collect all guests efficiently. If your pickup is running a few minutes behind schedule due to earlier stops, don't worry—please wait up to 10 minutes before contacting our office, as we're likely on our way to you. Important to know: Please confirm your pickup location with us when booking so we know where to collect you For hotel pickups, wait in or near the main reception area where our driver can easily see you. Our drivers work to a tight schedule to ensure we maximize your time at Mount Cook, so unfortunately we cannot wait for late arrivals. No-shows or late customers cannot be refunded as this impacts the entire group's experience. Pickup times: 6:18 AM - Sudima City 6:20 AM - Crowne Plaza 6:23 AM - Distinction Christchurch 6:24 AM - Christchurch City Hotel 6:25 AM - Bus Interchange Intercity Stop (Litchfield Street) 6:27 AM - BreakFree 6:29 AM - Rydges 6:31 AM - Urbanz 6:33 AM - Fino 6:35 AM - The George 6:37 AM - Hotel Give We look forward to starting this amazing journey with you!

What to expect

1

Christchurch

We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head south, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.

2

Canterbury Region

Travelling across the Rakaia bridge and inland towards mid-Canterbury, you will notice both the region’s unique braided river ecosystem and patchwork fields. Farms on the plains are home to a variety of activities, including crop cultivation, viticulture, dairy farming, and livestock production.

3

Fairlie

Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!

Duration 10 minutes
4

Lake Tekapo

Next up we stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Duration 15 minutes
5

Lake Pukaki

Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.

Duration 10 minutes
6
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Once you arrive, you have the option to embark on the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track or explore Mt Cook Village, taking in sights such as the Visitor Centre and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view, we can arrange a scenic flight for you (booked and sold separately). Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track - Leading through old terminal moraines of the Haupapa, this track offers incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river and Tasman Lake. *Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to start the return journey to Ōtautahi.

Duration 180 minutes
7

Christchurch

As we make our way back to the Garden City, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about! Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Cheeky Kea Tours

What our experts say

More About this Experience

Introduction

Escape the Garden City for a day trip that will blow your socks off! Join the Mt Cook Full Day Tour via Tekapo From Christchurch and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Mackenzie Country. This small group tour ensures a personalized experience as you explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and the Ben Ohau Range. Get ready to be amazed by the same sights featured in the Lord of the Rings films.

What to expect?

On this tour, you can expect to witness the natural wonders of the South Island in all their glory. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mt Cook, Tekapo, and the Tasman Glacier. Marvel at the crystal-clear turquoise waters, majestic snow-capped mountains, and vast open landscapes. Capture postcard-perfect photos and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's South Island. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour welcomes all who appreciate the wonders of nature.

Why book this?

Embarking on the Mt Cook Full Day Tour via Tekapo From Christchurch means you can leave all the logistics to the experts. Travel in a comfortable, carbon-neutral vehicle equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, USB chargers, and WiFi. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the historic Hermitage Hotel, complemented by jaw-dropping views. This tour offers the best of both worlds - adventure and relaxation - allowing you to see more, do more, and spend less.

Good to know

It's important to note that this tour is 13.5 hours long and not flexible, so be prepared for a full day of adventure. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off, a DOC concession, WiFi on board, lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a snack. However, activities such as helicopter and boat trips are not included. Make sure to be ready for collection at the bus stop on Lichfield Street outside the bus exchange in Christchurch.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Mt Cook Full Day Tour via Tekapo From Christchurch rave about the stunning landscapes and incredible sights they encountered. They praise the knowledgeable guides who shared interesting insights about the region and ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience. Overall, customers express their satisfaction with this 100% Kiwi As experience and highly recommend it to fellow travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand.

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