Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)
Description
At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) which have since become home to one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful National Parks. So why not join us as we travel south to experience the best of what the South Island has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook Village. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 and your group (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 prior to drop off in Mt Cook Village.
It is here that we drop you off and wish you safe travels for your next onward adventure. However, 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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception. 06:00 Sudima Airport Hotel 06:18 Sudima City 06:20 Crowne Plaza 06:21 Novotel City 06:23 Distinctinction Christchurch 06:24 Christchurch City Hotel 06:25 Bus Interchange Intercity Stop (Litchfield Street) 06:27 Breakfree 06:29 Rydges 06:31 Urbanz 06:33 Fino 06:35 The George 06:37 Hotel Give
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is included in the total duration of the tour.
Reviews(8)
We had Tom as our guide and this played a huge factor to our time on the tour. He was very knowledgeable on the history and traditional world of the Māori people and their land. We learnt a lot! Thank you Tom!!!
Unfortunately, given the small group premium pricing, I found many aspects of the tour fell short. The van was too crammed. Once the snack and lunch bags were handed out, it was so squeezy and uncomfortable. The seat belts were so hard to pull out for many passengers, so i don't know how old the van is. We also never had a stop to eat the lunch collected at Fairlie, so I just went on water and snacks till 2.30pm when I was dropped off at Mt Cook. The guide should advise us on these things so that we know whether to eat while on the van or not. And even that would have been so uncomfortable because there was no space to really handle food in the squeezy seats. The food got so soggy that the paper bag tore as I took the cold sandwich out to eat after I reached my accommodation. The tour staff put me in as vegetarian because I said I can't have beef and pork, so I had a sad sandwich with vegetables, avocado and cheese. I did like that they provided an apple, chips, bottled water, and nut bar, but I could not enjoy these because I had got food poisoning within 20min of eating the sandwich and nut bar. My afternoon was spoiled. Regarding rest stops, only after the 1hr40min non-stop drive in the morning, there were enough stops. An additional stop might be better. For the level of discomfort faced, I would not recommend this tour. However, it is the only small group tour I found that offers stops at Mt Cook trails before drop-off at the village. The stops, walks, and views were nice. I hope my review helps other know what to expect.
I really appreciate Ella and Paul for everything they did to get me on the tour when I mistaken the meet up timing. Thank you very much! And for Paul, he is an amazing guide. Super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I can see he is very passionate in his job! Taking a great care to all travellers. Fantastic experience, picturesque scenery. 2 thumbs up!
Kia ora, Thank you so much for your positive feedback of Ella and Paul - it is greatly appreciated! Your kind words have been passed onto them directly :) Wishing you safe travels around the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand :)
The views were absolutely breathtaking. Every stop looked like a postcard! Lake Tekapo was stunning and Mt Cook left us speechless. We took so many photos. The van was really comfy, with plenty of leg space (I'm 1.80 m for reference), and our guide was friendly, funny, and full of great info. We had plenty of stops and time to take photos, and the small group made the experience feel more personal and relaxed. The walk at the Tasman Glacier Trail was very accessible and easy for most people. The meat pies at Fairlie Bakehouse were seriously delicious. Make sure to buy more than one!
Kia ora, Thank you so much for your review! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your recent tour with us to Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. We are thrilled to hear that our guide, the related small group experience, and Fairlie's famous meat pies (our favourite is Steak and Cheese!), were key to making this trip especially memorable for you. Wishing you safe travels around the rest of Aotearoa :)
Great service that provides an efficient way to commute great distances from one area to another. Drivers were excellent but van space was very cramped. WiFi provided and most appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Mt Cook One Way Tour from Christchurch via Lake Tekapo! We're thrilled to hear that you found our service efficient and appreciated the excellent drivers. We understand that van space can feel a bit cramped at times, and we’re always looking for ways to improve comfort for our passengers. We're glad you enjoyed the Wi-Fi during your journey! If you have any further feedback or suggestions, please feel free to reach out.
Amazing scenes at the lake Tekapo and had a good time at the Tasman Glacier Track. The driver is very friendly and considerate, having us hamburger and pie for lunch. He also drove me to the Haka House when getting the destination. Look forward to visiting next year.
Thank you for your review, we appreciate you taking the time. Glad you had a great day with us and hope to see you onboard again soon :)
This was an awesome was to transfer from Christchurch to Mt Cook. A lot of scenic stops on the way, good recommendations on local hiking routes, and drop off at your accommodation. Our driver/guide was very easy going and friendly, and gave a lot of insight to the surrounding area. Lunch was provided on top of snacks and drinks which catered well for dietary requirements. I'd recommend!
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We are glad to hear you had a great time! All the best for the rest of your travels.
Although the weather didn't fully cooperate, the one-way tour to Mount Cook from Christchurch was still an incredible experience. The journey itself was scenic and enjoyable, and our guide Diane did their best to keep our spirits high despite the clouds. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be on a clear day. I'll definitely be back for another attempt keeping an eye on the forecast.
Thank you for your lovely review, we loved having you on board. It is difficulty with Mt Cook being so unpredictable when it comes to weather. But I am glad that you had a great time despite this. I will pass this lovely feedback onto the driver. Please get in touch when you book again! we would love to help. All the best.
