Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
Overview
Available languages
At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is home to New Zealand’s highest peak and Haupapa/Tasman Glacier; the country's longest glacier.
Description
Highlights and inclusions:
- Small group size
- Carbon neutral tour of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
- Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views
- Fairlie Bakehouse
- Lake Tekapo - including the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Lookout over Lake Pukaki
- Aoraki Mt Cook Village and National Park - including optional walks
- Lunch (pre-ordered from Fairlie Bakehouse), bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
- WiFi and USB charging
- Commentary
- 100% Kiwi as experience
Itinerary:
- Christchurch – We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head south, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.
- Canterbury Plains - Travelling across the Rakaia bridge and inland towards mid-Canterbury, you will notice both the region’s unique braided river ecosystem and patchwork fields. Farms on the plains are home to a variety of activities, including crop cultivation, viticulture, dairy farming, and livestock production.
- Fairlie Bakehouse (10 minutes) - Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!
- Lake Tekapo and The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 minutes) - Next up we stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Lake Pukaki (10 minutes) - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.
- Aoraki Mt Cook National Park (2 - 2.5 hours*) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. Once you arrive, you have the option to embark on the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track or explore Mt Cook Village, taking in sights such as the Visitor Centre and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic flight for you and your group (booked and sold separately).
- Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track - Leading through old terminal moraines of the Haupapa, this track offers incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river and Tasman Lake.
*Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to start the return journey to Ōtautahi.
- Christchurch - As we make our way back to the Garden City, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!
Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
Cancellation Policy
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Reviews
216 reviews
Fantastic beautiful sunny warm day for few treks to see spectacular views.
Marnie C,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jacob our tour guide was fantastic kept us informed as to what was coming up and the lay out of the day. The snack tasted great and lunch was fresh and hit the spot with a full day. It is a must do and this tour company and Jacob were fantastic. Don't miss out on this one. Thanks Jacob from Canada.
It was worth the drive!
VancouverNomad,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mark was a good driver and made stops along the way for us to go to the washroom every 2 hrs and made stops for us to view the lakes. It took 5 hr to get there and 5 hrs back due to the distance. We had 40 min at Tasman Valley Trail (20 min to walk up to see the view of the lake and 15 min down with only 5 min to take puctures) and 40 min (20 min each way) at Hooker Valley. We couldn't stay any longer because it would exceed the number of hours the driver would have driven. It was still worth it as the views were spectacular. Fortunately, we had great weather. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it so much if it rained. Matk gave commentaries about the area and made a 5 min extra stop on the return trip to make sure we got the pictures we wanted. Although it was a long day, it went by fast. Mark introduced us and told everyone where we came from to break the ice. We all got along very well throughout the trip as a result.
A must do tour when visiting the southern island
Rod M,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mount Cook is an amazing work of nature to witness. Climbing to see the glacier only adds to the experience.
Long day driving but titally worth it to see so much of the countryside, lakes, mountains and general scenery
Trail37558825307,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a lovely tour. Early start ( not all hotels on pick up list). Long day driving but stop at Fairlie for morning tea and to pick up locally produced lunch and snacks. On to Mt Cook and Tasman glacier. Walks to lakes etc. Lots of educative i formation
Long ride. Worth the trip.
William S,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a long ride, but a great way to see the NZ countryside along with the many, lakes and rivers. Our guide was knowledgeable, a great communicator and a good sense of humor.
Incredible
fishy,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fabulous tour. Be ready for a long day but it is so worth it! The views were amazing. Loved the additional stops , especially at Fairly Bakery. You must try the meat pies! Our guide Jess made the entire day so enjoyable! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The roads aren’t perfect but doable. Our van was a bit old but the seats were very comfortable, except they need new seatbelts. You will love this tour.
So disappointed
Laura C,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00I never recived the right timing for my pickup time until that day Instead of the day before So disappointed that I miss my tour It said 7 am Never recived the time a day before I’m assuming is at 7 Until I check 6:44 send me the email And a message it was too late Hopefully send message prior the day of pick up
NOT Luxury Travel but. Spectacular Views
teril945,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This tour says we will be traveling in a luxury vehicle with only 11 participants. Both were very untrue. We had 13 people on our way to Mount Cook. There were 17 on the way back. The van was clean but very rickety and loud. It was pulling a trailer for the suitcases of the passengers we picked up. None of this was divulged in our tour description. It was so loud and bumpy, the people in the back could not hear a thing the driver said. Even when he increased the volume of the mic, it was still too noisy to hear him. They were very uncomfortable. Mt Cook is far from Christchurch. For this reason, our stops were super short (to no fault of anyone). We had plenty of food. If the transportation was not so misleading, we would recommend
Worth the Trip!
YuetHoong L,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful Journey with friendly Marina. The weather was good when we reached Mt. Cook even though before was a bit rainy. We had plenty of bathroom breaks and could eat our lunch on board. The lunch, snack and fruit were delicious. We met beautiful lake Tekap and Pukaki and have a magnificent view of the Mt Cook. The ride is relaxing though there are some hiking. Love the trip.
What a great day trip...
Michael M,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great day trip organized by Cheeky Kea. They designed it so you get to stop at Fairlie Bakery for breakfast on your own and the grab & go lunch the tour provides you will be picked up from there, so you get some really good food to eat along the way whenever works best for you. Great logistics, great execution of the trip by our guide, Dianna, learned lots from her commentary and answering of questions. And of course the sights are spectacular!
From A$258.18
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Free cancellation
Reserve Now & Pay Later - available
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