Christchurch to Queenstown tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

Cross the Southern Alps in one day, stopping at three of New Zealand's bluest lakes

This 14-hour guided tour travels from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and the Kawarau Gorge, with picnic lunch included and 2 hours of free time to walk, hike or book optional activities like scenic flights or the Tasman Glacier Walk. Small groups ride in air-conditioned minibuses with a live English-speaking guide. Pickup is included from Christchurch, and the route crosses three alpine passes and stops at working farms and local orchards along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Geraldine20m
2. Lake Tekapo10m
3. Lake Pukakipassing by
4. Kawarau Suspension Bridgepassing by

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook

• Start tour in Christchurch city
• Drive through Canterbury plains
• Stop in Geraldine for lunch and break
• Visit Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
• Drive through Aoraki National Park, view Lake Pukaki
• Enjoy 2 hours free time for walks or optional activities
• Visit High Country Salmon farm
• Drive through Lindis Pass with valley views
• Stop at Jacksons Orchard for fruit or ice cream
• Pass Kawarau Gorge and Suspension Bridge
• Arrive and end tour in Queenstown

The experience

The tour departs Christchurch and heads south through the Canterbury plains, passing farmland and countryside before stopping in Geraldine to collect your packed lunch and take a rest break. From there the route climbs toward Lake Tekapo, crossing alpine passes with views down the valleys, and stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd for photos of the lake's famous turquoise water.

Turning west into Aoraki National Park, Lake Pukaki emerges framed by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps: the backdrop for many Lord of the Rings scenes, which your guide will point out. You get 2 hours free time here to walk the Kea Point Track, explore the Blue Lakes, hike to the Tasman Glacier, take a scenic flight (with the option to land on the glacier itself), or visit the Mt Cook Visitor Centre. The driver picks you up and drops you off wherever you choose. On the return toward Queenstown, stops include High Country Salmon farm where you can feed the fish and taste fresh salmon, the Lindis Pass with views through the valleys, and in summer months, Jacksons Orchard for local fruit or real fruit ice cream. The final stretch passes through the Kawarau Gorge, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the Roaring Meg Lookout before arriving in Queenstown.

The minibus includes WiFi, water, and space for one large and one small piece of luggage per person. Children aged 7 and younger can use a safety or booster seat (bring your own or request one when booking). The vehicle operates in all weather, so dress for changing conditions. Some restroom stops are built into the route, though this varies by departure.

What’s included

• Picnic lunch.
• pickup from Christchurch.
• air-conditioned minibus with WiFi and water.
• live English-speaking guide.
• 2 hours free time in Mt Cook National Park for walks, hikes or optional activities like scenic flights.
• stops at Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, High Country Salmon farm, Lindis Pass, Kawarau Gorge and Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
• safety or booster seat for children aged 7 and younger (request when booking or bring your own).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Is this one for you?The live guide speaks English and shares stories and background knowledge throughout the day, so you follow the commentary comfortably and learn the history behind each stop. The 2 hours free time in Mt Cook National Park means you choose whether to walk, hike, book a scenic flight, or visit the visitor centre. The driver handles the logistics while you decide how to spend it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Church of the Good Shepherd and why do we stop there?

The Church of the Good Shepherd is an iconic stone chapel on the shore of Lake Tekapo, built in the 1930s and framed by the lake's turquoise water and the Southern Alps. The tour stops there for photos and a short break to take in the view.

Can I do a scenic flight over Mt Cook or walk to the Tasman Glacier during the free time?

Yes, both are optional activities you can book during the 2 hours free time in Aoraki National Park. Scenic flights land on the Tasman Glacier itself, and the Tasman Glacier Walk is a guided hike available on-site. The driver will pick you up and drop you off at whichever activity you choose, or you can do shorter walks like Kea Point Track or Blue Lakes instead.

What does the picnic lunch include?

The tour includes a picnic lunch collected in Geraldine. You'll need to advise any dietary requirements when you book so the operator can prepare accordingly.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

There's a moderate amount of walking at various stops: the Church of the Good Shepherd, viewpoints along the passes, and optional walks in Mt Cook National Park. The tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties or wheelchair users due to uneven surfaces, but it suits all fitness levels for those able to walk short distances.

Does the minibus have a restroom on board?

Some departures include an onboard restroom. This varies by which option you choose at checkout. Restroom stops are also built into the route at Geraldine and other towns along the way.

What should I pack for this 14-hour tour?

Bring layers and weatherproof clothing, as you'll be crossing alpine passes and the weather can change. Comfortable walking shoes are useful for stops and optional hikes. You can bring one large and one small piece of luggage. The minibus has space for these per person.