Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (1 way)

We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head south, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.

Travelling across the Rakaia bridge and inland towards mid-Canterbury, you will notice both the region’s unique braided river ecosystem and patchwork fields. Farms on the plains are home to a variety of activities, including crop cultivation, viticulture, dairy farming, and livestock production.

Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!

Next up we stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.

Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Once you arrive, you have the option to embark on the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track or explore Mt Cook Village, taking in sights such as the Visitor Centre and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view, we can arrange a scenic flight (booked and sold separately).

Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track - Leading through old terminal moraines of the Haupapa, this track offers incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river and Tasman Lake.

*Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to continue through to Tāhuna Queenstown.

Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way to Queenstown, we stop in at High Country Salmon; a local salmon farm where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.

Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. In fact, it is one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana).

Nearing Queenstown, we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout.

As we enter New Zealand’s ‘adrenaline capital’, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, the Lindis, and the Kawarau Gorge. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks. Please also note that the Mt Cook to Queenstown leg of this trip is operated by our wonderful Queenstown partner Cheeky Kiwi Travel.