Small GroupFully Guided Tour Picnic Lunch

Adult: 15 years +Children: 4-14 yearsInfants: Under 4 years

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Group Tour

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$399

per adult

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Scenic road leading away from Mount Cook alongside the blue waters of Lake Pukaki

Experiences

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Transfers and Shuttles

South Island

Start: Christchurch

Finish: Queenstown

Location: Christchurch

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 13 hours

Christchurch to Queenstown Day Tour via Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo

This one-way Christchurch to Queenstown day tour via Mt Cook offers a scenic and seamless way to travel between two South Island highlights. The route passes through the Canterbury Plains, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Lake Pukaki before continuing south through alpine passes toward Queenstown. Travelling in a small group allows for a relaxed pace and carefully timed stops along the way.

Led by experienced local guides, the journey combines well-known landmarks with quieter viewpoints and short walks. Comfortable minibuses, a picnic lunch and included free time in Mount Cook National Park ensure the day feels balanced rather than rushed. For travellers wanting to combine sightseeing with point-to-point travel, this tour offers a memorable alternative to flying or driving independently.

Please note: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the swing bridges. The track is expected to reopen in Winter 2026 and will be inaccessible until that time.

Couple posing in front of the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki with Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in the background

Bright purple and pink lupins in full bloom by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo

Snow-covered Mount Cook rising behind Lake Pukaki with autumn colours in the foreground

Native kea parrot standing on snow near Mount Cook in New Zealand

Wide view of Lindis Pass with rolling tussock hills under a blue sky in the South Island

Frozen wheel sculpture in Omarama, Otago

Stone Church of the Good Shepherd with views over Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps in the background

Steamer Wharf and Queenstown Bay at dusk with lights reflecting on Lake Wakatipu

Parasailing on Lake Wakatipu with forested shoreline and The Remarkables in the background during summer in Queenstown

Queenstown overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Southern Alps at sunset

Small Group
Fully Guided Tour
Picnic Lunch

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 4-14 years
Infants: Under 4 years

Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

Christchurch
The tour departs Christchurch in the morning, leaving the city behind as the route heads south-west. Commentary introduces the day ahead while passing through the city’s outer suburbs and surrounding landscapes.

Canterbury Plains
Travel continues across the expansive Canterbury Plains, known for wide-open farmland and braided rivers. This stretch provides a relaxed start before the scenery becomes increasingly alpine.

Lake Tekapo (approx. 5 minutes)
Alpine passes lead toward the vivid blue waters of Lake Tekapo, with panoramic views opening up as the road crests the final hill. A brief stop allows time to take in the colour of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Church of the Good Shepherd (approx. 10 minutes)
Time is set aside to visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mackenzie Sheep Dog statue. This stop offers classic photo opportunities overlooking Lake Tekapo before continuing toward Mount Cook.

Lake Pukaki (approx. 10 minutes)
The journey turns west as Lake Pukaki comes into view, framed by the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook. Photo stops highlight the lake’s striking turquoise colour and its dramatic mountain backdrop.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (approx. 2 hours)
Arrival at Mount Cook Village allows free time to enjoy the alpine setting beneath New Zealand’s highest peak. Recommended options include the Kea Point Track, Blue Lakes Track, Mount Cook Visitor Centre or optional scenic flights with glacier landings. Pick-up and drop-off within the village are arranged to suit chosen activities.

High Country Salmon
After leaving Mount Cook, a stop is made at High Country Salmon, where visitors can view the fish farm and sample locally produced salmon.

Lindis Pass
Climbing steadily in altitude, Lindis Pass provides sweeping valley views and a sense of entering Central Otago. This is one of only a few alpine roads crossing the Southern Alps.

Jacksons Orchard
A seasonal stop near Cromwell offers the chance to sample or purchase locally grown fruit or enjoy real fruit ice cream.

Kawarau Gorge
The final scenic stretch follows the Kawarau Gorge, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout as the road winds toward Queenstown.

Queenstown
Arrival into Queenstown marks the end of the tour, with drop-offs at central locations.