Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

5.0 (18 reviews) 10–13 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

18 reviews

5.0

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 10–13 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: The Nature's Trail

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Youth (15–24 years) · Adults (25–54 years) · Seniors (55–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Meals

Itinerary

Fairlie Bakehouse

30 min Admission not included

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.
Lake Tekapo

45 min

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.
Lake Pukaki

20 min

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.
New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm

30 min Admission not included

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.
Tasman Glacier

one hour

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.
Mt. Cook Village

50 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Avonhead Garden Motel
Athena Motel
Academy Motor Lodge
Hagley Park Motel
2 On Whiteleigh & 239 On Lincoln Motel
Ashleigh Court Motel
Quest Cathedral Junction
The Mayfair Hotel Christchurch
Apollo Motel Christchurch
Merivale Manor
Ferry Motel
Earnslaw Motel

and 154 more pickup points

Please arrange the meeting point by contacting the customer and selecting a convenient nearby location. Kindly proceed to the designated area provided by the guide for the meetup.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.