Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)
Overview
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Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this one way, small group, fully-guided day tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time and options to enjoy the activities, unlike other tours. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Description
Please be aware that while lunch is not provided on this tour, there will be an opportunity for you to purchase food along the way.
Please note: the Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Autumn 2026 so the track will be inaccessible to the public until then.
Highlights:
- Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
- Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
- Church of the Good Shepard, Lindis Pass and the Southern Alps
- Free time for activities & walks
Itinerary:
1. Queenstown - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
2. Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown we then make our way north through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing beautiful views. The Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.
3. Cromwell – Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this striking lake towards Lindis Pass.
4. Lindis Pass (10 mins) – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valley. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the Lindis Pass lookout 971m above sea level for an essential photo.
5. Omarama (30 mins) – While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the celebrated Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!
6. Lake Pukaki (10 mins) – Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why so many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
7. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5 - 3hrs) – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.While in the national park you have approximately 2.5 - 3 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Tasman Glacier View walk, Scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasmin Glacier. Whatever you have decided to do, we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after. Before departing, our guide will hand you over to our Christchurch partners Cheeky Kea, who will be guiding your tour from Mt Cook to Christchurch.
8. Tekapo (10 minutes) - Farewelling Mt Cook we make our way to Lake Tekapo. This turquoise blue lake is famous world over for its pristine beauty. We have a short time here but long enough to get those Instagram breaking photos explore the Church of the Good Shepard and see the Mackenzie dog before starting to head towards Christchurch.
9. Christchurch – upon arriving in Christchurch your guides will point out any highlights we pass while travelling to the drop off locations to complete the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Terms: Tours will only run if at least 5 people have booked on the tour, we reserves the right to alter the tour due to weather or operational needs.
A full refund will be issued for cancellations made a minimum of 10 days prior to the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Small Group
Fully Guided Tour
Water available & snacks provided
Lunch
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
Options
Reviews
135 reviews
Awful. Do not travel with these people
MariaW777,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00This “tour” was a nightmare. The van had too many people on it and there was nowhere for anyone to put their things or even their bodies. This type of van would be appropriate for a 2-3 hour tour but nothing longer as it is just too small. They were late for initial pickup, late for every subsequent pickup, changed buses midway through the day without warning and the day ended up being nearly 14 hours. To top it off- the “guide” on the 2nd van was very unprofessional in terms of dress (very shoddy) and speech (never shut up and had nothing informative to say). What was provided was not at all what was promised. You would be much better off just renting your own car.
Queenstown to Christchurch
Y2481FVjackies,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent. Bus arrived on time at hotel for punctual departure. Guide Amanda was very friendly and helpful. She was happy to join us on walks and explained instructions clearly ie where we needed to be and at what time to depart. Change over of drivers was seamless at lunchtime. Would definitely use again especially if Amanda was on trip.
Amazing Drive with Stunning Scenery
Vacation07554523751,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful opportunity to incorporate a tour into a transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch. Our tour guide, Dean drove the first leg to Mt Cook. He was friendly, super knowledgeable and warm. Lots of great information. The scenery (albeit rainy) was magnificent with stunning landscapes. We did 2 hikes, and loved them both. Drivers were switched and then Joe drove the final leg to Christchurch. A lovely young guide who provided great information. Lake Tekopa was stunning. It was a long day but so worth it. Joe dropped us off right at our AirBNB. Super impressed with the company and the guides. We’d highly recommend them!
Great trip; amazing company
Jarid M,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I took this shuttle because I was flying out of Christchurch. The shuttle and service are good, you go through all the tourist spots. Lake tekapo, the church and the road with the mountain. Worth the combination of a bus and yet sightseeing the touristy stuff. A big thanks to cheeky kiwi as I left my credit card in Queenstown and they kindly arranged for it to be brought to Christchurch. Many many thanks, you guys rock!
Excellent
Y6968LXfionar,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic day all round, thanks to drivers who were informative and friendly, highly recommended cheeky kiwi! Thanks guys for a wonderful day trip
Great experience....
SURESHKUMAR S,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Breathtaking views. Comfortable ride. Excellent commentary and service by tour guides Joseph and Yanus
Incredible Experience
C9876HTbrenda,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. Lots of interesting stops and plenty of information about each one and the whole of New Zealand. Topped off by hikes and views of Mount Cook.
Wonderful trip
BrianTinChuen H,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a fab trip and very convenient to get from Wellington to Christchurch. Mount Cook is great. They said little chances of food, but both stops had good options. Martin also plays the best music.
Worth it
nlroxas,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good service, good driver/guide. The vehicle is very comfortable. We were very well taken care of. Highly recommended.
This is a great way to...
Rewaa B,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great way to pass by some of the south island’s highlights without driving. Both transfers were fun and informative and all the guides were kind and helpful! Highly recommend this especially if you’re solo traveling🌟
From A$345.39
Queenstown, New Zealand
- Free cancellation
Reserve Now & Pay Later - available
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