Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour From Christchurch with Lunch
Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on an air-conditioned minibus with included hotel pickup and lunch. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.
Highlights
- ✓Learn about the Southern Alps via entertaining guided commentary
- ✓Take photos of the Church of the Good Shepherd beside Lake Tekapo
- ✓Avoid the distraction of self-driving through the mountains
- ✓Ideal for anyone short on time as you start and end in Christchurch
What you'll see & do
- ✓Your tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
- ✓Departing Christchurch we then make our way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way!
- ✓A charming South Canterbury town known for its boutique shops and local produce. This is where we’ll pause to collect your lunch, take a short rest break, grab a coffee if you’d like, and use the facilities before we continue our journey.
- ✓We head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo but to get there first we must go through some impressive alpine passes with amazing views. As we come over the hill to Tekapo you will be stunned by amazing view of the lake. Stop for a photo at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd
- ✓Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
- ✓While in the national park you have 2 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Tasman Glacier Walk, Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier) or Mt Cook Visitor Centre & Hermitage Hotel. Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
- ✓We stop briefly in Lake Tekapo for one last time to take those last minute late evening photos of the Church and the Lake.
- ✓Unfortunately after an amazing day of sightseeing it is time to return to Christchurch. Additional stops are taken into considerations for toilet breaks.
What's included
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Booster seat
- ✓Transport to hikes or activities
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Fully guided small group tour
- ✓Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
What's not included
- ✓Optional flights/activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
- ✓Restroom on board
Good to know
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
A moderate amount of walking is involved.. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Kindly advise any dietary requirements per person at time of booking
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (Intercity Stop, Bus Interchange). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour From Christchurch with Lunch
Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on an air-conditioned minibus with included hotel pickup and lunch. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.
Highlights
- ✓Learn about the Southern Alps via entertaining guided commentary
- ✓Take photos of the Church of the Good Shepherd beside Lake Tekapo
- ✓Avoid the distraction of self-driving through the mountains
- ✓Ideal for anyone short on time as you start and end in Christchurch
What you'll see & do
- ✓Your tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
- ✓Departing Christchurch we then make our way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way!
- ✓A charming South Canterbury town known for its boutique shops and local produce. This is where we’ll pause to collect your lunch, take a short rest break, grab a coffee if you’d like, and use the facilities before we continue our journey.
- ✓We head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo but to get there first we must go through some impressive alpine passes with amazing views. As we come over the hill to Tekapo you will be stunned by amazing view of the lake. Stop for a photo at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd
- ✓Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
- ✓While in the national park you have 2 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Tasman Glacier Walk, Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier) or Mt Cook Visitor Centre & Hermitage Hotel. Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
- ✓We stop briefly in Lake Tekapo for one last time to take those last minute late evening photos of the Church and the Lake.
- ✓Unfortunately after an amazing day of sightseeing it is time to return to Christchurch. Additional stops are taken into considerations for toilet breaks.
What's included
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Booster seat
- ✓Transport to hikes or activities
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Fully guided small group tour
- ✓Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
What's not included
- ✓Optional flights/activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
- ✓Restroom on board
Good to know
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
A moderate amount of walking is involved.. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Kindly advise any dietary requirements per person at time of booking
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (Intercity Stop, Bus Interchange). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.