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Activity Christchurch, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook the Ultimate Day tour from Christchurch

5.0 (5 reviews) 7–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook the Ultimate Day tour from Christchurch

About this activity

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Tekapo on a full-day tour that showcases New Zealand's natural beauty. Start with hotel pickup in Christchurch, then visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and indulge in a delicious pie at Fairlie Bakehouse. Experience a scenic drive to Lake Pukaki, where the stunning turquoise waters await. Relax at the Tekapo Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak amidst picturesque views before returning to your hotel. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway.

  • Full-day tour lasting 7-8 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy scenic drives
  • Optional relaxation at Tekapo Hot Springs (tickets not included)
  • Professional English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport provided
Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Airport & Hotel Transfers Ports of Call Tours

At a glance

Duration
7–8 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
English
Guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
Ultimate New Zealand Tours Limited

Ages: Adults (0–120 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Private transportation
  • Included: 1 Pie Per Person (Fairlie Bakehouse)
  • Included: Bottled water
  • Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Itinerary

  1. Fairlie Bakehouse

    30 min

    Travelers will stop at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse, renowned for its gourmet pies. Each guest will enjoy one complimentary pie while experiencing the charm of this small town bakery, loved by both locals and travelers.

    (1 Pie Free Per Person)

  2. The Church of the Good Shepherd

    30 min

    Explore one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks. The Church of the Good Shepherd offers panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy peaceful moments and take stunning photos of this lakeside stone chapel.

  3. Tekapo Springs

    40 min Admission not included

    Travelers can soak in the thermal hot pools of Tekapo Springs, surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery. The pools vary in temperature and offer incredible views of Lake Tekapo and the mountains. Optional activities include spa treatments or snow tubing in winter.

  4. Lake Pukaki

    20 min

    Enjoy a scenic drive to the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, with the Southern Alps—especially Aoraki / Mount Cook—creating a breathtaking backdrop. This is a perfect spot for memorable photographs and quiet reflection.

  5. Tasman Glacier

    one hour

    Best spot for scenic photography of Tasman Glacier point view. Enjoy the 1 hour easy-going walk - don't forget your camera! (Glacier is in distance behind a lake). This is the major attraction to spend your quality time while at Mt Cook.

  6. Hooker Valley Track

    30 min

    The track at dawn gives you a view of the first rays of the sun creeping over the Southern Alps, including over New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

  7. Mt. Cook Village

    one hour

    At you final destination, enjoy your lunch at a lovely Hotel with stunning location and views. Hotel is ideally positioned to enjoy excellent view of Mount Cook Glaciers. Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest. Muller Hut Route is temporarily closed for day walkers. If you have booked to stay at Mueller Hut, you may still use the track and hut. Mount Cook village is the key entry point to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park — several short walks and overnight hikes start from the village. It's also well worth visiting for the pristine night sky, and other activities such as boat tours and heli hikes to the Tasman Glacier and Hike the Hooker Valley track.

  8. Lake Tekapo

    20 min

    Get a coffee after lunch keeps you energetic to the way back! We stop briefly to use the toilets and you can hopefully catch a gorgeous sunset photo of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shephard.

  9. Geraldine

    10 min

    We stop briefly to use the toilets and buy coffee/water

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • The driver/guide will be waiting at the pickup point holding a signboard with the lead traveler's name clearly displayed. This will make it easy for travelers to recognize their driver.

End point

  • The driver/guide will be waiting at the pickup point holding a signboard with the lead traveler's name clearly displayed. This will make it easy for travelers to recognize their driver.

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 151 more pickup points

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%

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 5 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook the Ultimate Day tour from Christchurch

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