Private Tour
Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 12-hour day trip from Queenstown to the turquoise wonder of Lake Tekapo. Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes, charming towns, and shimmering lakes — with the freedom to stop anywhere along the way.
- 12-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace
- Travel via Wanaka or Cromwell (Your Journey, Your Way!)
- Visit Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel, Lake Pukaki, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd
- Enjoy fresh salmon at Lake Pukaki and seasonal lupin blooms (late spring/early summer)
- Optional stop at the unique Clay Cliffs near Omarama
- Flexible itinerary — add photo stops, short walks, or local food breaks anytime
- Comfortable, modern vehicles with your own friendly local driver-guide
- Perfect for couples, families, small groups, or solo adventurers
Breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and total flexibility — this is the ultimate way to experience Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie region in a single day.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This trip is best suited for travellers with good mobility to fully enjoy the walking and outdoor stops.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Queenstown
Departure from Queenstown – Begin your journey in New Zealand’s adventure capital, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes.
Lake Hayes
A serene mirror-like lake just outside Queenstown, famous for its perfectly reflected mountain views in calm weather.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Wi-Fi is available onboard for all travellers; however, please note that connectivity is dependent on mobile network coverage and may be limited in remote areas.
Fuel is fully included for all journeys — unlimited, worry-free, and hassle-free, so you can relax and enjoy the trip without any additional costs.
Parking fees are fully covered throughout the journey — no extra charges, no hassle, just a smooth and stress-free experience.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Full freedom to explore with a custom itinerary — stop anywhere, anytime for photos, coffee, or more
Meals not included, but we’re happy to arrange your preferred restaurant or suggest a local favourite to fit your schedule.
Coffees are not included, but we’re happy to fit your preferred café into the schedule or suggest a local favourite along the way.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown
Pickup included
Visit Mount Cook!
Sight Seeing or Optional Walks: Visit the most popular mountain in NZ - the Aoraki, Mount Cook.
Duration: 2 hours: Additional 2 hours for you to enjoy self-guided walks or scenic stop or a quick snack with
Mount Cook Detour: Detour to Mount Cook before reaching Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo.
Pickup included
Via Wanaka On The Way!
Wanaka Tree, Town & Cardrona: Visit the world-famous "That Wanaka Tree" and see Wanaka town centre.
A few stops on the way to Wanaka included.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This will add 1 .5 hour extra to the trip.
Wanaka Detour: Visit Wanaka on the way to Lake Tekapo, instead of Cromwell.
Cardrona Hotel, The Bra Fence, Crown Range Lookouts inclusive
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day trip with Jay
john w,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our journey with Jay from Arrowtown to Lake Tekapo covered some of New Zealand's most scenic alpine routes, winding through landscapes dotted with vibrant lupins and native and invasive flora, with Jay providing informative and engaging commentary throughout. We stopped at a fruit farm for delicious kiwiberries and then at a salmon farm for incredibly fresh salmon, followed by an amazing visit to Lake Pukaki where we enjoyed melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi and were mesmerized by the distinctive milky-turquoise waters caused by glacial flour. Throughout the day, we were thrilled to spot karearea on multiple occasions, with Jay looking out for them. At Kea Point, we completed the rewarding walking track through alpine meadows and were treated to spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley from the lookout point. After visiting the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, and multiple viewpoints of Lake Tekapo, we finished this wonderful day with delicious pizza.
Like traveling with friends, very relaxing
susanwR9012HG,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day before this trip we took another trip for your company and we were very pleased with the service of the tour guide Jay, so we asked if we could add a day trip. Although the season has passed, Jay is still trying to help us find flowers (very careful). As the shark shipment was delayed due to an accident before we went to Lake Pukaki, Jay quickly adjusted the itinerary and told us we could enjoy it again on the way back. There is no stress all the way, and there will be a lot of restaurant options available for us to choose from the day before (our family is a guest, the main purpose of this trip is to eat good food). The main issue on this route is the toilet, but Jay will also remind us of the path and level of cleanliness of each toilet, very attentive to the girl. In addition, Jay is a good photographer, he will also take us to some private shooting attractions to avoid shooting crowds; he will also give us some tips for shooting red-style photos. Even at the end of the trip, he is willing to take us to the restaurant location we have booked, and is willing to provide some tourist information about Queen Town to provide some ideas for our future freelancers.
The Best Way to Experience Lake Tekapo
kanwalm2019,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Jay as our private tour guide! He was incredibly sweet, friendly, and accommodating, and genuinely happy to tailor the day around all of our suggestions. The entire trip felt relaxed and personal, never rushed, and he made sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves throughout the whole day. Jay went above and beyond by helping us switch out hotels in the morning, which made everything so much easier and stress-free. He constantly checked in to make sure we were okay and having a great time, which we really appreciated. Anyone looking for the flexibility to make stops along the way and truly curate their own day trip should absolutely reach out to Jay and his team. He had great suggestions throughout the tour and also recommended additional spots for us to check out for the remainder of our time in Queenstown, which was incredibly helpful. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the flexibility of the private tour made it even more special. We truly enjoyed every moment of the experience and will definitely be passing Jay’s recommendation along to all of our friends and family. Highly recommend!
Excellent day trip
K1264DXelainek,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was an excellent guide. Did not bombard me with information, but was able to answer my questions and when he noticed things that I was interested in, would give me more information of that type. Because I booked a private tour, he asked if there were specific things that I wanted to do. I arranged for him to bring my bike and camping gear and drop me off at Lake Tekapo. He even helped me set up my tent. Highly recommend.
Spectacular experience
MD MAHBUBUR R,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This review I am leaving specially for MrJay Jung is an excellent Personality and great photographer too.He makes the tour for us with the special memory and awesome experience.Really I recommended this private tour for every.Ofcourse he made private tour very easy for us.love you Jay.💖💖
Nice and relax
sili l,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is really a nice trip. The tour guide is very thoughtful and friendly which really made us feel relaxed. I would recommend to people who come with friends and families.
Amazing Private Tour with Jay J
19geraldiner,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I had the opportunity to see and explore the amazing Mt Cook and all other lakes closed by (lake Takapo and Lake Pukaki).. special thanks to our guide Jay for taking us in all these places and even explaining the history behind them. It was 4 of us and we had the private tour. Jay has been patient and accomodating to us. I highly recommend him if you ever get a chance to visit Queenstown, NZ, contact him... this trip is all worth it.
Cromwell, Mt cook, lake pukaki & lake tekapo
Seaside12789779635,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky to have Jay as our tour guide! He knows where are the best spots to go! A good driver and a photographer at the same time too 😊 Worth the 12 hr trip! Purely magical! All in all one of the best experience!
BEST THING TO DO IN NZ!
Coastal805609,,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly unbelievable, the trip was! Pure magical, filled with beautiful views that looks just straight out of a postcard picture. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, took us to beautiful stops along the route for one of the best picture of myself ever in my life. Salmon at Lake Pukaki is unforgettable, just as some stroll along Lake Tekapo. I'll be back in a few years with my cousins, 100% doing this again, I can't wait to share with my loved ones. All the best!
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