Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepard
Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki
Lindis Pass, Kawarau Gorge
Day 1: Christchurch-Lake Tekapo-Mt. Cook Village-Tasman Glacier-Queenstown
Christchurch - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Canterbury Plains – Departing Christchurch we then make our way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way.
Lake Tekapo (5 mins) – we head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo but to get there first we must go through some impressive alpine passes with amazing views. As we come over the hill to Tekapo you will be stunned by amazing view of the lake.
Church of the Good Shepherd (10 mins) – Once in the township of Tekapo you will have time to explore the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, see the Mackenzie Sheep dog and get those Instagram worth shots of Lake Tekapo before we continue to Mt Cook.
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 is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – While in the national park you have 2.5 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include Kea Point Track, Blue Lakes Track, Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier) or Mt Cook Visitor Centre & Hermitage Hotel. Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
High Country Salmon - Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
Lindis Pass – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps.
Jacksons Orchard – As we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Nearing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout.
Queenstown – Sadly the tour must come to an end as we enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Pick up and Drop off
Doc concession
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water Eco-friendly bottled water is supplied
Lunch Pre-packed lunch is provided Snacks Local
Snacks are included onboard throughout the day, so you can get the full Kiwi experience.
WiFi on board USB seat charging
Activities such as helicopter and boat rides
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request a pickup
For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded.
We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted.
Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location.
For hotel pickups please be waiting at or front of reception.
Pick up times are as follows 6:18 Sudima City
6:20 Crowne Plaza
6:23 Distinction Christchurch
6:24 Christchurch City Hotel
6:25 Bus Interchange Intercity Stop (Litchfield Street)
6:27 Breakfree
6:29 Rydges
6:31 Urbanz
6:33 Fino
6:35 The George
6:37 Hotel Give
Christchurch Bus Interchange Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Pickup Hotels
100%
Order
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
very good
Tour
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
good