Christchurch to Tekapo via Mt Cook - Small Group Tour (One Way)

Christchurch to Tekapo via Mt Cook - Small Group Tour (One Way)
From NZD $299.00
  • Duration: 10 Hours (approx.)
  • Location: Christchurch
  • Product code: CHTKVMC1W

This one-way, small-group, fully guided day trip links Christchurch with Lake Tekapo while showcasing the best of the Mackenzie region — Aoraki/Mt Cook, the Southern Alps, and the Tasman Glacier. Travel with our famously passionate guides in modern, comfortable minibuses loaded with extra touches for safety and comfort.


**Please note: the Hooker Valley Track is currently only open up to the first swing bridge while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Autumn 2026.**


Highlights:

  • Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepard 
  • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park 
  • Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki

Itinerary:

  1. Christchurch - 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.

  2. Canterbury Plains – 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.

  3. Lake Tekapo (5 mins) – 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. 

  4. Church of the Good Shepherd (10 mins) – Once in the township of Tekapo you will have time to explore the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, see the Mackenzie Sheep dog and get those Instagram worth shots of Lake Tekapo before we continue to Mt Cook. 

  5. Lake Pukaki (10 mins)– 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. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you. 

  6. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – 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
    - Kea Point Track
    - Tasman Glacier Lookout Track
    - Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier)
    - 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. 

  7. Finish - Lake Tekapo. Sadly you're day with Cheeky Kiwi has come to an end. We will drop you to your central accomodation. 

Inclusions:

  • Small Group
  • Fully Guided Tour 
  • Picnic Lunch

Optional Extras:

  • Scenic flights with Glacier landings 
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 


Have more questions? Please visit our FAQs page