Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious lunch at the Hermitage Hotel (POA) located in Mt. Cook National Park and enjoy a scenic walk to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the turquoise coloured lakes of glacial melt and snow capped mountains.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A small amount of walking is involved so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Approximately 2.5 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National Park for lunch, enjoy a scenic walk or your preferred activity.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Fully guided tour except the walks in the Mt Cook National Park.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Hermitage Hotel is situated in Mount Cook National Park and is the only place that serves lunch.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Transport by air-conditioned late model Minivan or Minibus.
WiFi on board
Bottle water and light snacks
Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
Fully guided tour except the walks.
Professional Guide and Commentary
Small Group
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Christchurch
Pickup from your accommodation will take place between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. The exact pickup time will be confirmed via email one day before your travel date.
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. Geraldine is the perfect place to stop for refreshments and break your journey.
Options
Mount Cook Tour
Duration: 13 hours
Water
Mini Van or Mini Bus
Lunch break Mt cook: 45min break in Mt Cook National park for lunch ( lunch not included/poa).
Pickup included
Reviews
328 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing views, wonderful tour guide, useless customer support
Valerie W,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00The tour guide is very knowledgeable and friendly - I have not met a tour guide as kind as the one we had. It seems like English may not have been his first language, but he goes above and beyond to ensure we understand the key icons around Mount Cook and the lakes. Additionally, after every pitstop, he surprised us with snacks and drinks. The bus was also extremely well maintained - as someone who is allergic to dust and triggered by loose dirt and hair - the seats were in immaculate condition and there was no leftover rubbish or similar in the vehicle. 11/10 service - would recommend. The only gripe I have with this booking that results in 4 stars is the snarky and incompetent customer service by Parul. If you scroll down to the itinerary section on this booking, you will notice that it says "Pick up from your accommodation at around 7am". The other option is Christchurch Bus Interchange at 6.30am. As most of us tourists may have packed schedules every other day, the extra sleep-in is helpful. Hence, I chose Heritage Hotel at 7am. However, the day before, I got a confirmation email stating that I would be picked up at the hotel at 6.30am. (The company is aware that I am actually located at an Airbnb and will be walking over to the hotel, which was our nearest 7am pick-up point aside from the interchange.). When I contacted customer support to clarify this, Parul said that it could be a system glitch (lol) and later said "We get multiple bookings through this platform and have never found timing an issue where people think that this tour starts at 7am. So we apologise if you found this confusing.". It is not good practice to turn it against the customer by saying "So we apologise if YOU found this confusing.". I would suggest rephrasing it to be "So we apologise for the inconsistent information provided through Viator and our conversation platform, and for the miscommunication this has caused". Something about these tour companies that often give them the idea that they can avoid apology and think international customers are uneducated and cannot read. Picture attached.
A great trek to Southern Alps
Doug R,
Oct 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Long day from Christchurch but well worth the time. The guide was excellent and the scenery was spectacular.
Wonderful and memorable tour!
mvzachar,
Oct 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00A very knowledgable and friendly tour guide! He bought us so many photo ops and provided for our break needs. We would highly recommend this tour and this guide!
Well worth getting up early for!!
Helen B,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00AJ was a fabulous tour guide! Very friendly & knowledgeable. The entire day was well planned & varied. An excellent day trip & highly recommend!
Simply outstanding
Biswadeep M,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00One of the best experiences ever. Stunning scenery. Lakes, glaciers, mountains, plains, it’s got everything. Our guide Anuj was very informative and took great care and attention. Would highly recommend this trip.
Related Experiences
Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel