Overview Itinerary

Queenstown to Christchurch Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

US$238

per adult

Historic red tram travelling through the Christchurch city centre with people dining and walking nearby

Experiences

Transfers and Shuttles

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Finish: Christchurch

Location: Queenstown

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 13 hours

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo

This guided day trip takes you from Queenstown through the heart of the Southern Alps, showcasing some of New Zealand’s most unforgettable landscapes. Travelling in a small group ensures a relaxed and personal experience, with guides who share local insights along the way. From rugged gorges to alpine passes, every stop reveals a new highlight of the South Island.

A major drawcard is Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, where you’ll have three hours to explore at your own pace. Options range from walking the famous Hooker Valley track to taking a scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier. With Lake Pukaki’s turquoise waters as your backdrop, this stop is an absolute highlight of the journey.

Wide view of Lindis Pass with rolling tussock hills under a blue sky in the South Island

White alpine daisies blooming in Mount Cook National Park

Omarama township sign and sheep statue with mountains in the background

Statue of Sir Edmund Hillary in Mount Cook Village with snow-covered mountains behind

Guests dining outdoors at the Hermitage Hotel with stunning views of Mount Cook

Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking Lake Tekapo, surrounded by purple lupins and mountain scenery

Stone Church of the Good Shepherd with views over Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps in the background

Visitors punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, passing under a bridge near the Botanic Gardens

Historic stone buildings of Christ’s College in Christchurch, showcasing Gothic Revival architecture

Cardboard Cathedral with colourful stained glass panels in Christchurch city centre, New Zealand

Exploring Lake Tekapo and Beyond

After Mt Cook, the route continues to Lake Tekapo, where the Church of the Good Shepherd provides a picture-perfect stop. The surrounding landscapes shift from alpine peaks to rolling Mackenzie Basin scenery, making the drive just as memorable as the destinations. Your guides help make the journey engaging by pointing out hidden gems along the way.

The final leg leads you into Christchurch, passing through wide open Canterbury plains. On arrival, you’ll be introduced to the city’s key landmarks, rounding off a day full of natural beauty and local stories. It’s the perfect balance of comfort, discovery, and adventure.

Inclusions

Small Group
Fully Guided Tour
Water available & snacks provided

Age Information

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Queenstown – Your tour begins in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will introduce the day's adventure, pointing out and sharing stories about the region’s top highlights as we leave the city behind.
Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Heading north through the scenic Kawarau Gorge, we pass beautiful views, including the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. If time and light allow, we’ll stop for the first photo opportunity of the tour.
Cromwell – Exiting the gorge, we enter the fruit and wine-growing region of Cromwell. We’ll pass large fields of vines and follow the picturesque Lake Dunstan as we journey towards Lindis Pass.
Lindis Pass – Climbing through the stunning Lindis Pass, we’ll stop at a lookout 971m above sea level for breathtaking views of the valley below, providing a perfect spot for some photos.
Omarama – Driving across the expansive plains of the Mackenzie District, we may spot some of the famous Merino sheep before arriving in Omarama. Here, we’ll take a break, and you can try what we think is New Zealand’s best creamy chicken pie.
Lake Pukaki – As we approach Aoraki National Park, Lake Pukaki’s vibrant blue waters come into view, framed by the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook. We’ll pause here to capture some stunning photos and admire the view, including filming locations from Lord of the Rings.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, you’ll have time to marvel at the views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak. With 2.5 to 3 hours of free time, you can enjoy one of the recommended activities like the Hooker Valley hike, or take a scenic flight with a glacier landing. Our team will make sure you’re well looked after, and from here, our Christchurch partners, Cheeky Kea, will guide the rest of your journey to Christchurch.
Tekapo (10 minutes) – After leaving Mt Cook, we head to Lake Tekapo, known worldwide for its stunning turquoise waters. You’ll have just enough time for photos, a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, and a look at the Mackenzie Dog statue before continuing on.
Christchurch – As we approach Christchurch, your guide will highlight notable sights before dropping you off at your chosen location, bringing your incredible journey to a close.

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Queenstown to Christchurch Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

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Experiences

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Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo

Exploring Lake Tekapo and Beyond

Inclusions

Age Information

Cancellations & Refunds

Itinerary

Day 1 Queenstown To Christchurch Via Mt Cook Itinerary

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