From Christchurch: Aoraki Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour (Hotel Pickup)

Depart from Christchurch and
see Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook in one day

After pickup at a designated spot in central Christchurch or your hotel lobby, travel by van across the Canterbury Plains toward the Mackenzie Basin. Pass farmland, small towns and open landscapes as the Canterbury countryside gives way to turquoise lakes and the Southern Alps. On the way, take a short break in Geraldine.

Take photos at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd

Spend about 25 minutes at Lake Tekapo, one of the South Island's most popular photo spots. Stroll around the bright blue lake with its mountain backdrop and the Church of the Good Shepherd, taking photos as you go.

Admire Mount Cook views from Lake Pukaki

Continue through the Mackenzie region to Lake Pukaki, known for its vivid glacial color, for a stop of about 10 minutes. On clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook is visible beyond the lake.

Walk in Mount Cook National Park and the Tasman Glacier area

In Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, enjoy about 45 minutes of free time to take photos, relax or walk a short trail suited to the weather, time and group. Then spend about 1 hour in the Tasman Glacier area, taking in the surrounding peaks, glacier scenery and alpine valleys on a hike. On the way back, pass through Lake Tekapo and Geraldine before arriving in Christchurch in the evening.

※ This is a long day of about 13 hours with extended driving time.
※ Views of Aoraki/Mount Cook depend on cloud cover and local weather.
※ The itinerary, walking times and stops may change due to weather, road and traffic conditions, daylight hours or operational requirements. The visit to the Tasman Glacier area may also depend on time and conditions.