Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small-Group Tour
FromNZ$299
13 hours
Christchurch, New Zealand
About this activity
Join a small-group tour from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo, featuring guided exploration and a delicious lunch.
Highlights
- Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tekapo
- Discover the Mackenzie Basin's unique landscapes
- Experience a small-group tour with personalized attention
Full description
Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's South Island on this small-group tour from Christchurch. Journey through the picturesque Mackenzie Basin to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to the country's highest peak. Enjoy a guided tour highlighting the park's stunning alpine scenery, including the Church of the Good Shepherd and the iconic Lake Tekapo. Savor a delicious lunch at a local café, and benefit from personalized attention in a small-group setting, ensuring a memorable and intimate experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and local cuisine, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an authentic New Zealand adventure.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Christchurch
- Guided tour of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Lunch at a local café
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
1
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: Departing Christchurch we then make our way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way!
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
A charming South Canterbury town known for its boutique shops and local produce. This is where we’ll pause to collect your lunch, take a short rest break, grab a coffee if you’d like, and use the facilities before we continue our journey.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
We head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo but to get there first we must go through some impressive alpine passes with amazing views. As we come over the hill to Tekapo you will be stunned by amazing view of the lake. Stop for a photo at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
While in the national park you have 2 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Tasman Glacier Walk, Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier) or Mt Cook Visitor Centre & Hermitage Hotel. Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
We stop briefly in Lake Tekapo for one last time to take those last minute late evening photos of the Church and the Lake.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Pass by: Unfortunately after an amazing day of sightseeing it is time to return to Christchurch. Additional stops are taken into considerations for toilet breaks.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Traveler reviews
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Great Tour
Really great tour! I would recommend everyone to experience this at least once when they visit Christchurch. Our tour guide Rosie was kind and sweet and very informative! I learned so much about Christchurch, both Lakes (Tekapo and Pukaki) and Aoraki / Mount Cook. We were given ample time for breakfast and the lunch was big and hearty as well. You can choose which walk you want to do once you arrive at the National Park, and there’s 2 hours allocated for that. Rosie was quick to comply with all our requests and made the journey very enjoyable! Hope to do it again soon :)
Zareen_HMay 23, 2026VIATOR
Very good
This is a very good tour. They give me a very good experience. Thank you so much I'm very enjoy and the guide she is very kind and have many knowledge so she can explain every where we went.
Kotchaporn_IMay 23, 2026VIATOR
Great Day
Great day, walks were excellent. Driver was very informative. The lunch was good. Plenty of opportunities to take pictures
PamelaD741May 12, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Crazy Beautiful!
Great vistas!! A beautiful view around each corner. Great history lessons from the tour guide/driver..
ReelRMay 10, 2026VIATOR
Great tour but the weather didn’t cooperate
Jay was an excellent tour guide. He made the best of a rainy windy day. The hermitage museum was very interesting
mary_eMay 7, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
This tour is guided by our Christchurch partners, Cheeky Kea.