Aoraki Mount Cook Day Trip: Scenic Views and Glacial Lakes

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: 24 hours
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….
What's Included
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan or minibus
  • Bottled water provided
  • Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch hotels
  • Fully guided tour (except walks)
  • Professional guide and commentary
  • Lunch at own expense
  • Group tour with maximum 20 participants
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Walks in the national park are not guided
Additional Information

Join a group tour departing from Christchurch for a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Explore the charming Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and take in the breathtaking alpine scenery from the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Delight in a delicious lunch at the Hermitage Hotel (price on application)…

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
(268 Ratings)
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David_b
Jan 12, 2025
Well tailored tour with excellent guide - Well tailored with excellent guide (Ahmed) who was generous with his voluminous knowledge and attentive to the groups needs. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Frank
Jan 10, 2025
Stunning scenery - This was a long day but we were well taken care of by Anuj, our guide and driver. He was terrific. The mountains and lakes on this tour are magnificent. The walk to the glacier was beautiful. There were quite a few stairs, but we had plenty of time to complete it, taking it slow. Overall, a great way to experience the stunning countryside of New Zealand in a day trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
754claym
Jan 8, 2025
Just a beautiful trip. Driver was fantastic and provided Whittaker chocolate. Phenomenal views and scenery. - Even though Mt Scott was obscured by clouds, the trip was fantastic because of the Lakes and glaciers. The blue water was spectacular.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_t
Jan 5, 2025
The views from when you... - The views from when you first get on the tour bus are incredible! The tour guide was very educated about New Zealand and we got to learn a lot. The lakes were even more stunning in person, pictures don’t do it justice. Also, we were able to go inside the church on Lake Tekapo and wow the view they have is unreal. The lupins were still in season when we did this tour in mid December so we got some amazing pictures of those as well. The glacier was very cool to see, we have never seen icebergs that close.
Review provided by Viator
Aileen_m
Dec 30, 2024
Great experience! - The sceneries along the way were sight to behold. Rolling hills dotted with cows, herd of sheep and sometimes reindeers, too; turquoise lakes (Tekapo and Pukaki) and Blue lakes (but Green in colour, you’ll know why in the trip): and icebergs and glaciers. Not to miss Mt Cook and Mt Sefton. Overall, a trip you shouldn’t miss if you had a day in the South Island’s Canterbury Region! It rained during our trip but it did not dampen or lessen the experience. It somehow added a flavour of challenge and adventure. Anuj was a top notch guide and driver. He is very knowledgeable and there to make the trip as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Review provided by Viator
Shops593
Dec 29, 2024
Best tour guide! - We had an amazing time on this tour. They gave us lots of snacks and everything was organised to schedule. It rained for us during the tour but our tour guide was an absolute star! He was so attentive and very friendly. We recommend this tour a 100%!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lydia_h
Dec 29, 2024
This was such a lovely... - This was such a lovely experience! We visited Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and the Tasman Glacier all in one day. Our driver was knowledgeable and gave a great commentary on our way to each destination. He even provided a selection of snacks during our trip. I would 10/10 recommend doing this day trip if you are short on time while visiting the South Island.
Review provided by Viator
Manu_m
Dec 21, 2024
Fabulous - Anuj was a great driver and an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable and courteous and very helpful
Review provided by Viator
Monimoy_b
Dec 20, 2024
Take this tour, period. - It was an amazing day trip. Our tour guide Anuj is probably one of the best guides I’ve ever come across.
Review provided by Viator
63ramonac
Dec 19, 2024
The Driver was awesome! - The driver was amazing and he described everything perfectly. The vehicle was neat and clean. He made sure that there was water bottles and snacks available throughout our trip. A very considerate person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
January 2025
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