Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (1 way)
Description
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, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook Village,and the Lindis, before arriving in Tāhuna Queenstown. As this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, it is one of our most popular full day experiences. 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! *Please note that all CHRISTCHURCH TO QUEENSTOWN bookings from the 1st of November onwards no longer guarantee a stop at High Country Salmon. The Jacksons Orchard stop is also omitted, and will instead be replaced by brief stops at Wānaka and Cardrona.
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, our guide will provide you with some options - including the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track OR the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view, we can arrange a scenic flight (booked and sold separately). *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 continue through to Tāhuna Queenstown.
Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way to Queenstown, we stop in at High Country Salmon; a local salmon farm where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. In fact, it is one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana).
Nearing Queenstown, we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout.
As we enter New Zealand’s ‘adrenaline capital’, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, the Lindis, and the Kawarau Gorge. 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. Please also note that the Mt Cook to Queenstown leg of this trip is operated by our wonderful Queenstown partner Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
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. Pick up times are as follows 6:18 Sudima City 6:20 Crowne Plaza 6:23 Distinction Christchurch 6:24 Christchurch City Hotel 6:25 Bus Interchange Intercity Stop (Litchfield Street) 6:27 Breakfree 6:29 Rydges 6:31 Urbanz 6:33 Fino 6:35 The George 6:37 Hotel Give
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(67)
This trip gives you time to enjoy some of the tremendous beauties that span the southern island from Christchurch to Queenstown. Frequent stops made the trip much more manageable and the views are exceptional on the trip. Plus the ability to hike at some of these sites really make it enjoyable.
This was an absolutely epic drive across the heart of New Zealand's spectacular South Island! The first driver was knowledgeable and a safe driver, but didn't seem to want to be there somehow, as well as seeming to rush us a bit at each stop. It didn't help that it was grey and rainy until after Lake Tepako, which of course is not on the driver, but that stop especially felt a bit rushed. The second driver, a bright young woman, had much more of a positive aura and gave us more time to unwind at the various stops. The minivan/minibus was a little cramped in leg room for such a long trip, which the company might want to consider going forward. Otherwise, it was an absolutely wonderful tour and is highly recommended! Some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see!
Beautiful views, great lunch and stop for late breakfast. Also stopped at salmon farm in the afternoon and fruit ice cream later in the afternoon. Well done! Not much space on the van though.
The journey is in two parts. We travel to Mt. Cook with one driver, then onward with another, in a different bus, with other tourists. The transfer is seamless. The whole thing goes smoothly, even though it starts very early in the morning. Spectacular scenery along the way, including the beautiful and modest Church of the Good Shepherd.
Excellent trip. View and enjoy the beautiful nature. Have a good day with family and friends in this trip.
Nice trip, it was a sunny day.. we could see all the main points without any hassle.. driver was a bit in stress and hyper, in the end started shouting on the tourists otherwise everything was great...
Absolutely fantastic guide and amazing stops! The pie house is delicious! Lake stops are a must and try the salmon sashimi!
Went well, many stops seeing many different aspects of New Zealand. Supplied many snacks and stopped at various places to buy things also.
Transportation was not as per advertised. It was small bus with no wash room and not well maintained. Very bumpy ride. Drivers were amazing done their best to feel comfortable. Scenic views were beautiful
I booked one day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook and Tekapo. When I booked it, it doesn’t say the latter part can be a public bus. A few days later I booked, they asked to use intercity bus instead of the latter tour. They said it’s busy season and they didn’t know the other company’s tour’s availability until customers purchased. Then at least they should have mentioned it on the website. Since I booked other parts of my trip after I booked this tour, this was the only option I had at that point. If I knew this thing may happen in advance from the website description, I could have chosen the other tour (Cheeky Kiwi has the same one day tour which you do not need to change the buses). They said they would refund NZD 20 while I paid USD 233. I expect the refund amount should be half of the tour amount. I strongly recommend using Cheeky Kiwi travel instead so you do not need to have hassles and enjoy your vacation and the moment (not unnecessarily back and force communication with the company)! I merely leave negative reviews (see my past reviews) but this is the most upsetting tour experience!
