Mount Cook day tour from Christchurch: Lake Tekapo, lavender farm

Alpine lakes, a working lavender farm, and a glacier walk in one day from the city

A full-day guided tour from Christchurch to Mount Cook National Park, stopping at Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender (seasonal Nov–Mar). The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional driver, bottled water, and a choice of either a 60-minute walk to Tasman Glacier views or an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps. Groups stay small, under 11 passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Geraldine10m
2. Lake Tekapo25m
3. Church of the Good Shepherd10m
4. Lake Pukaki10m
5. Mount Cook35m
6. Tasman Glacier1h

Mount Cook Day Tour from Christchurch

• Meet guide at Christchurch accommodation
• Rest stop in Geraldine town
• Visit Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd
• Photograph Tekapo Lake and surroundings
• Stop at Lake Pukaki for photos
• Visit NZ Alpine Lavender farm (Nov-Mar)
• Arrive at Mount Cook National Park
• Have meal at Hermitage Hotel
• Explore Tasman Glacier View Track
• Return to Christchurch

The experience

The drive south from Christchurch takes you through the Canterbury countryside to Geraldine, a rural town where you can stretch and browse local artisan shops before heading toward the alpine lakes. Lake Tekapo appears first, famous for its turquoise water and ringed by mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on its banks, one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks, and you'll have time to explore and photograph both. Lake Pukaki comes next, even larger and even bluer, with Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps filling the horizon: another stop built for the camera.

From November through March, the tour includes a stop at NZ Alpine Lavender, the largest certified organic lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. You can taste artisan lavender ice cream, browse lavender oils and skincare products, and photograph the purple fields with snow-capped peaks behind them. Outside those months, this stop is replaced by other photo opportunities along the route. At Mount Cook National Park, you'll have a meal at the Hermitage Hotel and roughly 90 minutes to explore. Most travelers choose the Tasman Glacier View Track, a 60-minute round-trip walk that requires intermediate fitness and rewards you with views of New Zealand's largest glacier, its terminal lake, and icebergs. Scenic flights over Mount Cook and the Southern Alps are available for an extra cost if you'd rather see the peaks from the air.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and clean, with plush seating and panoramic windows. Your driver picks you up at your Christchurch hotel (including central properties like Novotel, Crowne Plaza, or Rydges Latimer Square), and returns you by early evening. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Christchurch hotels.
• air-conditioned vehicle with plush seating and panoramic windows.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• professional English-speaking driver.
• stops at Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender (Nov–Mar only).
• meal at the Hermitage Hotel.
• access to Mount Cook National Park and the Tasman Glacier View Track.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (4 to 70 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by My Holidays Diary

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to photograph Mount Cook and alpine lakes in a single day with a driver handling the route, or choose a self-drive option if you prefer flexibility to stop longer at the lavender farm during bloom season.

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Top questions

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 is the Church of the Good Shepherd and why is it worth photographing?

The Church of the Good Shepherd stands on the banks of Lake Tekapo as a tribute to the pioneers of Mackenzie Country. Built among the natural beauty of the turquoise lake and surrounding mountains, it's one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks, and you'll have time to explore and photograph it during the tour.

Can I do a scenic flight over Mount Cook instead of the glacier walk?

Yes, scenic flights over Mount Cook and the Southern Alps are available as an optional add-on at Mount Cook National Park. The standard option is the 60-minute Tasman Glacier View Track walk, but you can choose the flight if you prefer an aerial view of the peaks.

When can I see the lavender farm, and what's there to do?

NZ Alpine Lavender is included from November to March only. When it's open, you can taste artisan lavender ice cream, shop for lavender oils and skincare products, and photograph the purple fields framed by snow-capped mountains. Outside those months, the tour includes other scenic photo stops instead.

How long is the walk to Tasman Glacier, and what fitness level do I need?

The Tasman Glacier View Track is a 60-minute round trip that requires intermediate fitness. It offers spectacular views of New Zealand's largest glacier, its terminal lake, and icebergs, but it's not a casual stroll.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Christchurch, bottled water, the professional driver, and all stops are included. Meals and drinks beyond the water, additional activities, and scenic flights are not included and cost extra.

How many people travel on this tour?

Groups stay small, with a maximum of 11 passengers per vehicle, so you're not on a large coach.