Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Embark on a small group day tour from Christchurch to explore the breathtaking beauty of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Tasman Glacier. Marvel at the stunning alpine views, visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd, and enjoy a scenic walk in Mt. Cook National Park.

Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Christchurch - Pick up from your accommodation at around 7am.
  • Geraldine - 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 is the perfect place to stop for refreshments and break your journey.

  • Lake Tekapo - Visit captivatingly turquoise Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of Good Shepherd, and the well-recognized statue of Sheepdog.
  • Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) - Arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you can savor a scrumptious lunch at Hermitage Hotel and explore Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
  • Lake Pukaki - 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.

  • Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks - 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.

  • Christchurch - Drop off at your accommodation at around 8pm.
What's Included
  • Air-conditioned transport in a late model Minivan/Minibus.
  • Exclusive small group tour (Max 21 people).
  • Complimentary bottled water.
  • Pickup & drop-off from select Christchurch hotels.
  • Fully guided tour with a professional guide.
  • Enjoy insightful commentary throughout the tour.
  • Lunch available for purchase.
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Walks in the national park are not guided
Additional Information

Travel in a small group 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.

  • 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.
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Fully guided tour except the walks in the Mt Cook National Park.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • This is a small group day tour (up to 21 people)
  • Hermitage Hotel is situated in Mount Cook National Park and is the only place that serves lunch.
Location
Christchurch Bus Interchange
Colombo Street
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange at 7.00am.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(229 Ratings)
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Mandy_b
Aug 28, 2024
Nice for views and photos - If you can’t drive yourself or don’t want to, this is a nice way to see some sights. The bus is comfortable and the drive is beautiful. It is one of those tours where you’re basically getting out to take photos and jumping back on the bus, so just know what you’re getting into. I joined specifically because I wanted to do the glacier walk, but the roads were snowed in so we did an alternative 20 minute walk instead. Not the fault of the tour operator at all. The guide did an incredible job!
Review provided by Viator
I2185wxianl
Aug 27, 2024
Absolutely amazing - Mt cook was amazing Reese the tour guide was excellent highly professional related to everyone on board with comantary and knowledge of the places in between.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_d
Aug 20, 2024
Great Trip would recommend 🌟🌟🌟 - The trip was well planned. Well worth the investment. The scenery was spectacular. Excellent photos. The driver was very polite and considerate of all passengers needs also informative. He made a long trip pleasant. 😀
Review provided by Viator
Abigail_h
Aug 16, 2024
Spectacular scenery guaranteed - Our guide was fantastic and looked after me and my 5 year old throughout the trip. It's a long trip but broken up with well timed rest breaks. The sights on the tour were spectacular and breathtaking, a must when visiting New Zealand no matter what time of year. You have 90 mins in Mount Cook National Park which gives enough time to complete the Tasmin Glacier lookout and Tasmin river view trails. Me and my 5 year old managed to complete both with plenty of time for photos. The only thing I would recommend is to take a power bank as there was no charging facilities on the bus.
Review provided by Viator
Jamey_i
Aug 10, 2024
Incredible views and great guide! - Amazing trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook! The views at the glacier, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki were absolutely breathtaking. I really enjoyed the walk in Mount Cook National Park as well. Before the trip, I was worried that the roundtrip from Christchurch may be too long in a day, but our guide, Anuj, was great at timing stops and sharing insightful commentary along the way to keep us engaged. He even provided snacks! I highly recommend this tour to see Mount Cook, especially with Anuj as your guide. I am so glad I went!
Review provided by Viator
Rizka_s
Aug 5, 2024
Make my bucket list came true - We are satisfied especially my mom , she was happy to see beautiful snow . It was magical and awesome!!! Unfortunately i went with young children and unable to having some walk at hooker valley. Next time i will be back by myself or when my son has grown up. So we will be able to hike or walk in mt cook hooker valley or tasman glacier. The van is also big and convenient . Driver or tour guide is friendly as well. Thank you for making my dream come true to see mt. Cook. It was my bucket list since 2016 🙏🏻
Review provided by Viator
Robin
Jul 29, 2024
great day trip - such a great tour! the guide anuj worked tirelessly to make this an enjoyable time for everyone. the views were absolutely breathtaking and there are lots of opportunities for breaks & to also admire the view. lots of free snacks available too which was great. very long trip but i recommend to everyone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Divya_g
Jul 28, 2024
Our tour guide Anuj, was... - Our tour guide Anuj, was great. Time giving to stay and observe various view points was apt. He also gave us snacks.
Review provided by Viator
Hannah_m
Jul 15, 2024
Excellent tour to see the highlights of the Mt Cook region. Highly recommended! - An excellent and well organised tour to see the many highlights in the Mt Cook region. A good amount of time at each stop allowing you to visit the sites and take photos. Stunning views of Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Hooker Valley and Tasman Glacier against the winter backdrop. A long day but didn’t feel long as the scenery is so beautiful and engaging. A really lovely tour guide who is attentive to travellers’ needs. Overall highly recommended. Thank you very much!
Review provided by Viator
Hannah
Jul 14, 2024
Excellent tour to see the highlights of the Mt Cook region. Highly recommended! - An excellent and well-organised day tour to see the many highlights in the Mt Cook region. A good amount of time at each stop allowing you to visit the sites and take photos. Stunning views of Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Hooker Valley and Tasman Glacier against the winter backdrop. A long day trip but didn’t feel long as the scenery is so beautiful and engaging. A really lovely tour guide who is very attentive to travellers’ needs. Overall highly recommended. Thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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