Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch
by Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$598Overview
This full-day tour from Christchurch lasts about 13 hours and covers major sights around Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, and Tasman Glacier. Travel in a small group by modern minibus with a fully guided commentary. The trip begins in Christchurch, where the guide introduces the day and points out top local highlights while leaving the city. You then cross the Canterbury plains, enjoying farmland and countryside views. The first stop is Geraldine, a South Canterbury town known for boutique shops and local produce. Here there is a short break to pick up lunch, use facilities, and grab a coffee if you wish. Next, the tour heads to Lake Tekapo through alpine passes. Upon arrival, there is a photo stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. Continuing west, the journey enters Aoraki National Park with Lake Pukaki appearing alongside views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The guide points out nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations. At Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, you have about two hours of free time. Options include walking near the Tasman Glacier, visiting the Mt Cook Visitor Centre and Hermitage Hotel, or booking optional scenic flights that land on the glacier. The guide provides transport to and from these activities. On the return, the group stops once more at Lake Tekapo for final photos of the lake and church. The tour then heads back to Christchurch with additional stops for restroom breaks as needed. Lunch and transport to hikes or activities are included. Optional extras, gratuities, bottled water, and on-board restrooms are not included. Child seats can be hired or provided by guests.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Christchurch
The tour starts in Christchurch with the guide giving an overview of the day and highlighting key sights while leaving the city.
15 min
Drive through Canterbury plains
Travel across the Canterbury plains, passing extensive farmland and rural scenery typical of New Zealand's South Island.
Geraldine
Stop in Geraldine, a town known for boutique shops and local produce. This break allows time to collect lunch, use restroom facilities, and get coffee if desired.
10 min
Lake Tekapo
Arrive at Lake Tekapo after crossing alpine passes. Stop briefly to photograph the lake and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
5 min
Lake Pukaki
Continue west into Aoraki National Park where Lake Pukaki appears with deep blue water framed by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The guide points out Lord of the Rings filming locations nearby.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Spend about two hours here with free time to take walks near Tasman Glacier, visit the Mt Cook Visitor Centre and Hermitage Hotel, or join optional scenic flights landing on the glacier. Transport to and from activities is arranged.
120 min
Lake Tekapo
A brief return stop at Lake Tekapo for last photos of the lake and Church of the Good Shepherd.
5 min
Christchurch
Return to Christchurch with additional stops for restroom breaks as needed after a full day of sightseeing.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch
by Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Choose from 2 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$598Overview
This full-day tour from Christchurch lasts about 13 hours and covers major sights around Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, and Tasman Glacier. Travel in a small group by modern minibus with a fully guided commentary. The trip begins in Christchurch, where the guide introduces the day and points out top local highlights while leaving the city. You then cross the Canterbury plains, enjoying farmland and countryside views. The first stop is Geraldine, a South Canterbury town known for boutique shops and local produce. Here there is a short break to pick up lunch, use facilities, and grab a coffee if you wish. Next, the tour heads to Lake Tekapo through alpine passes. Upon arrival, there is a photo stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. Continuing west, the journey enters Aoraki National Park with Lake Pukaki appearing alongside views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The guide points out nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations. At Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, you have about two hours of free time. Options include walking near the Tasman Glacier, visiting the Mt Cook Visitor Centre and Hermitage Hotel, or booking optional scenic flights that land on the glacier. The guide provides transport to and from these activities. On the return, the group stops once more at Lake Tekapo for final photos of the lake and church. The tour then heads back to Christchurch with additional stops for restroom breaks as needed. Lunch and transport to hikes or activities are included. Optional extras, gratuities, bottled water, and on-board restrooms are not included. Child seats can be hired or provided by guests.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Christchurch
The tour starts in Christchurch with the guide giving an overview of the day and highlighting key sights while leaving the city.
15 min
Drive through Canterbury plains
Travel across the Canterbury plains, passing extensive farmland and rural scenery typical of New Zealand's South Island.
Geraldine
Stop in Geraldine, a town known for boutique shops and local produce. This break allows time to collect lunch, use restroom facilities, and get coffee if desired.
10 min
Lake Tekapo
Arrive at Lake Tekapo after crossing alpine passes. Stop briefly to photograph the lake and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
5 min
Lake Pukaki
Continue west into Aoraki National Park where Lake Pukaki appears with deep blue water framed by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The guide points out Lord of the Rings filming locations nearby.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Spend about two hours here with free time to take walks near Tasman Glacier, visit the Mt Cook Visitor Centre and Hermitage Hotel, or join optional scenic flights landing on the glacier. Transport to and from activities is arranged.
120 min
Lake Tekapo
A brief return stop at Lake Tekapo for last photos of the lake and Church of the Good Shepherd.
5 min
Christchurch
Return to Christchurch with additional stops for restroom breaks as needed after a full day of sightseeing.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.