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Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch
Product code 5558455P3
From
From NZD 335
Dates
Available from Mar 10, 2025
Travelers
Infant ages 0-3, Child ages 4-14, Youth ages 15-24, Adult ages 25-54, Senior ages 55-70
Options
Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
10 hours to 13 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant Then Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Pacific/Auckland
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From NZD 335
Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch
View all photos
Duration
10 hours to 13 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant Then Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Pacific/Auckland
Why Travelers Love This
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. Travel through the Canterbury Plains with a stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for a quick breakfast or coffee. Visit the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, with an optional seasonal stop at the New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm. Continue along the stunning Lake Pukaki with incredible views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. At Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, enjoy a short walk to Kea Point / Mueller Glacier Lake Lookout. Explore the renowned Hooker Valley Track/ Tasman Valley to view the impressive Tasman Glacier before returning to Christchurch.
Overview
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. Travel through the Canterbury Plains with a stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for a quick breakfast or coffee. Visit the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, with an optional seasonal stop at the New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm. Continue along the stunning Lake Pukaki with incredible views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. At Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, enjoy a short walk to Kea Point / Mueller Glacier Lake Lookout. Explore the renowned Hooker Valley Track/ Tasman Valley to view the impressive Tasman Glacier before returning to Christchurch.
What's Included
Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Meals
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Itinerary
Stop 1
30 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 1
Take a relaxed 30-minute break at Fairlie Bakehouse. It’s the perfect spot to grab a fresh pie and coffee, stretch your legs, and enjoy a quick treat before you continue your journey.
Stop 2
45 minutes
Stop 2
Lake Tekapo, located in New Zealand's South Island, is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, a result of glacial silt suspended in the lake. Situated at an elevation of 710 meters, it spans approximately 83 square kilometers. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Notable landmarks include the Church of the Good Shepherd, a historic stone chapel on the lake's shores, and the vibrant lupin blooms that adorn the landscape from mid-November to December. The surrounding region also boasts hot springs and various hiking trails, making Lake Tekapo a favored destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Stop 3
20 minutes
Stop 3
Lake Pukaki is the largest of three parallel alpine lakes in New Zealand's South Island, covering an area of approximately 178.7 square kilometers. Its distinctive blue color comes from glacial flour—fine rock particles suspended in the water. The lake is fed by the Tasman River, originating from the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers near Aoraki/Mount Cook. Elevations range between 518.2 and 532 meters above sea level. Lake Pukaki is integral to the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme, with dams and canals connecting it to nearby lakes for power generation.
Stop 4
30 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 4
NZ Alpine Lavender near Aoraki/Mt Cook: largest certified organic farm in the Southern Hemisphere (600m). Visit Dec-Mar for blooming lavender amidst stunning alpine scenery: clear skies, snowy peaks, turquoise rivers. Unique climate yields potent, pure oil. Discover NZ-made products: organic oil, soaps, aromatherapy. Experience alpine purity.
Stop 5
1 hour
Stop 5
Tasman Glacier (South Island, NZ): NZ's longest (~23.5km), thickest (~600m), and largest by ice volume. Retreating rapidly, forming Tasman Lake with icebergs. Lower section covered in rock debris. Popular for boat tours and scenic flights. Named after Abel Tasman. Accessible from Mt Cook Village. A powerful display of glacial change.
Stop 6
50 minutes
Stop 6
Stop at Mount Cook and then continue to the Lake Mueller Lookout. Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views of the glaciers and the rugged alpine landscape. It’s a short walk with a rewarding backdrop that feels straight out of a postcard.
Additional Info
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infant Seats Available
Specialized infant seats are available
No Back Problems
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No Heart Problems
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not met.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
5.0
17 reviews
Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor