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 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.
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
Pickup points
Fino Hotel & Suites
87 Kilmore Street Christchurch New Zealand
Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton
189 Dean Avenue, Riccarton Christchurch New Zealand
Adina Heritage Christchurch
28 - 30 Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand
Crowne Plaza Christchurch By IHG
764 Colombo Street, Armagh St. Christchurch New Zealand
Hotel Montreal
363 Montreal Street Christchurch New Zealand
The Mayfair
155 Victoria Street Christchurch New Zealand
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
14 Cathedral Square Christchurch New Zealand
Quest on Kilmore
93 Kilmore Street Christchurch New Zealand
Wyndham Garden Christchurch City
64 Kilmore Street Christchurch New Zealand
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
361 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stunning views
Atish C,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family very much enjoyed this tour. The views of the lakes and mountains were stunning. It was a long drive but the driver provided snacks and water throughout the day and made plenty of stops. Travelers should be aware that this tour does not actually take you to Mount Cook or the Tasman Glacier themselves but rather viewpoints for each in Mount Cook National Park. We had great weather so enjoyed wonderful views of Mount Cook, but Tasman Glacier is pretty far from the viewpoint and appears as just a sliver of white between mountains. The views of the Blue Lakes were much more spectacular. The hike requiring "moderate fitness" is a 12 minute walk up a well-maintained path with stairs to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint, and there is a separate trail to the Tasman River, which is more flat and easy. It was easy to do both within the allotted 80 minutes. We were warned that it is cold at the Tasman Glacier viewpoint and to bring a jacket, but on a warm day in the summer, the hike up was enough of a workout that we had to take off our outer layers. The bus had working WiFi, which was helpful given the remote destinations. We would very much recommend this tour for travelers who don't mind a long bus ride to get to the beautiful mountain scenery.
Too much driving
Natalie K,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Beware all: the trip involves 8 hours of driving. Very limited time at each stop and really not worth it for that much driving -- in general, but especially not if it's raining. Definitely don't recommend.
Beautiful Lake Tekapo and a lucky glimpse of Mt. Cook peak
gusmU4067BT,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Although it was a very long day, we did enjoy the views of Lake Tekapo and we were lucky to be able to see the peak of Mt. Cook. The glacier was a bit disappointing but it sounds like this is the result of a lack of snow for an extended period of time. Our guide (Ahmed sp?) was very knowledgeable and made sure we had frequent stops/bathroom breaks to break up the long day.
Blue waters gleaming in amongst ice cspped and rugged moubtains
sjwags8,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day. So much to do and absolutely amaxing mountainous views, including the iced capped peaks and sparkling blue waters. Great tour guide, catering to a variety of personsilaties, keeping us fed with knick knacks and water. Thanks for a super full day
Recommended
735desislavab,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A truly outstanding day tour with breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes. The entire trip was professionally organized, with perfect timing and well-planned stops at Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook National Park. Our driver was exceptionally friendly, approachable, and incredibly knowledgeable about the region’s history, culture, and natural environment. His informative and engaging commentary made the journey even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience these highlights comfortably and without the hassle of driving.
It was a long tour. I...
Cleo C,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a long tour. I went into it with trepidation, but my family wanted to take it. The drive was 4 hours there. It was broken up nicely though. The driver and guide was very good with the commentary along the way. We stopped at Topake and Pukaki, opportunity to have lunch at Hermitage Hotel, which I skipped, then 80 min to hike to Tasmin Glacier view and Tasmin River. Overall a good experience given the distance.
I enjoy the whole...
Gina Y,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I enjoy the whole duration of tour. The driver/guide is very friendly, respectful, patient and accommodating. If I will book for another tour in South Island again in the future, I wish it would be the same driver of the minibus again. Also the places we visited today are magnificent beyond compare. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and family who plan to visit New Zealand in the future.
The Mount Cook, Lake...
Angela R,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Tasman Glacier tour was absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. Every stop felt more beautiful than the last, with scenery that hardly seems real. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the landscapes, glaciers, and history that really enhanced the experience. The day was perfectly paced and allowed plenty of time to soak it all in. This tour is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer.
Amazing tour guide
P8006CRsamh,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide was really insightful and gave us snacks. Lake tekapo was really beautiful and say mt Cooke from mt Cooke village where you can get lunch and go on a small walk
Would 100000% recommend!
Ella N,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide is an absolute legend and was so caring towards our group! He ensured that we were all satisfied with our experience. Would totally recommend!!
From NZ$250.00
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Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel