Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
Description
Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious lunch at the Hermitage Hotel (POA) located in Mt. Cook National Park and enjoy a scenic walk to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the turquoise coloured lakes of glacial melt and snow capped mountains.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pickup from your accommodation will take place between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. The exact pickup time will be confirmed via email one day before your travel date.
Set at the heart of the Canterbury region at the foot of the Southern Alps, Geraldine is the gateway to the lakes in the central Mackenzie Basin and the beginning of the Starlight Highway to Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Geraldine a scheduled rest stop with full facilities and a chance to move around.
Visit captivatingly turquoise Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of Good Shepherd, and the well-recognized statue of Sheepdog.
Lake Pukaki is a shimmering blue jewel set into a grand alpine playground - an iconic New Zealand landscape of high mountain peaks, glacier fed alpine lakes and golden tussocks stretched beneath an endless sky. Sir Peter Jackson chose this part of the Southern Alps - the main divide stretching north-south the length of New Zealand's South Island - as the setting for ‘Lake-town’ in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you can savor a scrumptious lunch at Hermitage Hotel and explore Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
At around 27 km long, the Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand. This hike require moderate fitness and is approximately a 60 min return hike. There are good views of the Tasman Glacier and terminal lake, icebergs and the mountains at the head of the valley.
Drop off at your accommodation at around 8pm.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup timing will be confirmed a day prior to travel date. Pickup/ drop-off is offered from selected Central Christchurch Hotels listed below: 1. Christchurch Bus Interchange 2. Heritage Hotel/ Distinction Hotel 3. Crowne Plaza Hotel 4. The Mayfair, 155 Victoria Street 5. Chateau on the Park 6. Fino Hotel & Suites, 87 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 7. Quest on Kilmore, 93 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8. Hotel Montreal, 363 Montreal Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 9. Wyndham Garden Christchurch City, 64 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A small amount of walking is involved so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Approximately 2.5 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National Park for lunch, enjoy a scenic walk or your preferred activity.
- Fully guided tour except the walks in the Mt Cook National Park.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- We have designed our itinerary with a dedicated break at [Mount Cook Village], giving you the freedom to explore the local cafes and choose a meal that suits your appetite.
Reviews(375)
We got to do a lot in one day. It was totally worth the cost. The guide was nice and helpful. There were lots of snacks onboard.
Thanks for a great day! We had perfect weather and a knowledgeable and helpful guide who provided everything we needed for a great day. It was helpful to have a few options at each stop outlined for us - a great balance of flexibility, choice and guidance of how to make the most of each location along the way. I recommend this very highly as a convenient way to see these beautiful places with minimum hassle.
Kia Ora anthead978, Thank you for the high recommendation. We are delighted that you enjoyed your day and found our guide's knowledge and flexible itinerary helpful. Providing a convenient, stress-free experience is always our top priority. We look forward to seeing you again!
It was amazing!!!! The weather was perfect, the food was great , and the schedule was so good. I’d like to book tours again!
Kia Ora, Wow, thank you so much for the amazing review. We are absolutely thrilled that everything hit the mark for you—from the perfect weather and great food to the schedule. We can't wait to welcome you back for another tour soon!
Great tour, our guide and driver Anuj was great the hikes were great and frequent stops along the way
Kia Ora Ateeq_U , Thanks for sharing your experience! We're so glad you loved the hikes and the frequent stops. I'll be sure to pass your compliments along to guide—he truly loves showcasing the area. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again!
This was the perfect excursion to see many of the famous sights in the south island! The group was rather small which made the experience more intimate and personal. Our guide was very knowledged and clear with instructions and speech. Amazing views for the whole car ride. Definitely would recommend anyone to join this trip!
It is a 13 hour bus trip but definitely worth it. The bus driver was very informative and shared his knowledge. He made sure we had adequate rest breaks and allowed enough time for walking treks. Would definitely recommend 👌
Fantastic day out, Anuj was a wonderful and friendly, patient guide. Wonderful experience. Thanks so much!
Urooj was a fantastic driver—very friendly and accommodative and very knowledgeable. The scenery is spectacular on a clear day. The short hikes are very doable, though one is a bit steep.
The scenery was gorgeous, the tour guide was knowledgeable and everything ran on time, however... the flow of things could have been thought out a bit better by the company. We went from having lunch in a place that was so full there was no plates left and there was a distinct lack of options for any of us with food restrictions.... then to another stop where for anyone with limited mobility (I'm talking chronic pain issues, not wheelchair bound) was basically limited to the bus area. A longer time frame at the heritage hotel, would have still allowed others to hike and also allowed the driver a better rest time. While we had a 13.5hr day I'm assuming our driver would have been closer to 15hrs.
Kia Ora, Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the scenery and our guide's knowledge. The heritage hotel in Mount Cook National Park is in a remote alpine village, which unfortunately means catering options can be limited, especially for dietary requirements. We are working with them to improve this. The walk to Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier is the main highlight of the day. However, we understand it is not suitable for everyone. If guests let us know about mobility or pain limits, our guides can always recommend alternative options nearby. We are sorry if this wasn't made clear to you. Lastly, please rest assured our driver did not work 15 hours. Our yard is very close to the first pickup, meaning the entire day concluded within the 13.5 hours stated in the tour description, fully complying with safety rest rules.Thank you for helping us improve, and we wish you all the best.
Amazing day. Tour guide was great. Lots of information. So many snacks! And very friendly. Views were spectacular.
