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
368 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not bad, but could be improved
Melanie B,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The scenery was gorgeous, the tour guide was knowledgeable and everything ran on time, however... the flow of things could have been thought out a bit better by the company. We went from having lunch in a place that was so full there was no plates left and there was a distinct lack of options for any of us with food restrictions.... then to another stop where for anyone with limited mobility (I'm talking chronic pain issues, not wheelchair bound) was basically limited to the bus area. A longer time frame at the heritage hotel, would have still allowed others to hike and also allowed the driver a better rest time. While we had a 13.5hr day I'm assuming our driver would have been closer to 15hrs.
Amazing day. Tour guide...
Laura H,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day. Tour guide was great. Lots of information. So many snacks! And very friendly. Views were spectacular.
Beautiful glacier walks
Sportyrod,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A quick stop at the lake makes a nice stop before Mount Cook. Lots of excellent glacier walks near the mountain. Brilliant blue colours on the edge. The glacier was covered in gravel as seen at the viewing points.
Good Driver & Great Day
Zach M,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Driver was so nice and friendly... the pickups all worked great and it was a fantastic day exploring great views.
Great day trip!
417kathies,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the trip and the various stops on the way to Mt Cook. Our driver was friendly and informative and did a great job driving! He clearly communicated our options at each stop and how much time we had. It's a really long day, but definitely worth it. The snacks and water provided were appreciated.
Disappointed
Jim D,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The bus was VERY crowded and very uncomfortable for the length of time we were on it! Seats were simply awful for such a long ride. Mountain Cook views were beautiful. The glacier was a major disappointment. We hiked to see it and it was barely visible. No icebergs at all. Just not worth the time. Our guide tried to make the best of things. He was knowledgeable, but not much he could do to rescue this tour!
An amazing day, a trip...
Ellie S,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing day, a trip that I won’t ever forget. The crystal waters of the lakes and the beautiful views of Mount Cook. The hike was very rewarding with amazing views of the Tasman Glacier. Well worth spending a full day, it’s long but was able to see a lot.
Great tour to see a very big snap shot. We loved being driven plenty of nice stops and awesome scenery. Fabulous walks
Andrea H,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a must do if you’re wanting to see a lot in a limited time span. It’s a big day but when you’re being driven by an experienced driver and just sit back and relax. Good commentary great snacks and plenty of rest stops in scenic areas!
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.
From NZ$260.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel