Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

4.87

332 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

297

Excellent trip
Ideline B,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki were absolutely breathtaking. Clear skies, turquoise waters, and perfect reflections. Each stop offered peaceful surroundings and incredible photo opportunities. The beauty of these lakes was unforgettable. Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier were a different experience. The weather was cloudy, giving the mountains a dramatic, moody atmosphere. Even so, the scenery was impressive, and the glacier views were truly memorable. Our guide was excellent: knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole journey even more enjoyable. He offered us so many snacks!! The drive itself was a highlight, with stunning landscapes unfolding at every turn. Overall, a fantastic experience combining perfect lakes, majestic mountains, and an outstanding guide!
Inspiring Day trip
abourke1,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fabulous day. Inspiring scenery. Very informative guide giving lots of details and happy to answer any questions. Great snacks. Well run and organised with clear instructions.
Highlight of my NZ travels!
Jess2817,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable! I was a solo traveller, I felt very safe, comfortable and had a great experience. This tour was the highlight of my New Zealand trip and would do the same one again if I get to come back one day :-)
One day trip to Mt Cook and Lake Te
Honoka T,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We saw stunning view mainly in Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo with knowledge explanation from assist guide.
Amazing views, wonderful tour guide, useless customer support
Valerie W,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The 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
- Review from Viator
5.00
Long day from Christchurch but well worth the time. The guide was excellent and the scenery was spectacular.
Constructive honest feedback
Trek759889,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
The driver was very pleasant and it was an enjoyable day. However the commentary that was advertised was limited. The bus was uncomfortable for such a long trip and for the price we paid. The glacier is now so far from the viewing site it's virtually impossible to see.
Wonderful and memorable tour!
mvzachar,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A 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
- Review from Viator
5.00
AJ 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
- Review from Viator
5.00
One 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.