Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook Tour

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

from

NZ$399

per adult

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

Experiences

Transfers and Shuttles

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Finish: Lake Tekapo

Location: Queenstown

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 9 hours

Details

Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook One Way Tour

This small group journey from Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook offers some of the South Island’s most breathtaking scenery. Travelling in modern, comfortable minibuses, you’ll enjoy a relaxed trip with the added benefit of passionate guides. Their stories and local knowledge bring the landscapes to life, making each stop even more memorable.

Highlights of the route include Mt Cook and Aoraki National Park, the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. The journey also takes you through the dramatic Lindis Pass with views of the Southern Alps. With free time to join walks or activities, and chances to purchase food along the way, this tour blends comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable scenery.

Group of friends at a lookout point in Lindis Pass with golden hills 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

Helicopter and light aircraft on a snow-covered landing site near Mount Cook in the Southern Alps

Guests dining outdoors at the Hermitage Hotel with stunning views of Mount Cook

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

Small scenic aircraft flying above the snow-covered Southern Alps near Mount Cook

Snow-covered DOC signs marking tracks in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Tourists at Tasman Glacier terminal lake surrounded by floating icebergs

Group of travellers standing on snow after scenic glacier landing near Mount Cook

Traveller with arms raised at a viewpoint overlooking Tasman Glacier Lake with floating icebergs

Hooker River flowing over boulders with Mount Cook in the background on a summer day

Church of the Good Shepherd with snowy mountains reflecting in Lake Tekapo

Sheepdog monument overlooking Lake Tekapo with mountains in background

Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, sunset

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

INCLUSIONS

Small Group
Fully Guided Tour
Bottled Water & Snacks

Optional Extras

Hooker Valley Hike (currently closed until at least Autumn of 2026)
Scenic Flights with Glacier Landings
Heli Hike

The places you'll visit on our tour are amazing, but it's our small groups, enthusiastic guides, and attention to detail that make our tours special. With hidden stops, wildlife sightings, specially designed vehicles, and free refreshments, we add many pleasant surprises to ensure our tours are a memorable experience.

Age Information

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

Cancellations & Refunds

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

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Queenstown – Your tour begins in the beautiful city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will introduce the highlights of the day and provide insights into the region's stunning landscape.
Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Heading north, we pass through the breathtaking Kawarau Gorge, with views of the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the Roaring Meg Lookout. Time permitting, we’ll stop for a quick photo opportunity.
Cromwell – Exiting the gorge, we arrive in Cromwell, a renowned fruit and wine-growing region. After crossing Lake Dunstan, we follow this scenic lake as we head towards Lindis Pass.
Lindis Pass – As we climb Lindis Pass, enjoy sweeping views of the valleys below. We’ll stop at a lookout 971m above sea level for photos, capturing the unique alpine scenery.
Omarama – Driving across the vast Mackenzie plains, we may spot Merino sheep before arriving at Omarama, where we’ll take a break. You can relax or try what we believe is the best creamy chicken pie in New Zealand!
Lake Pukaki – Entering Aoraki National Park, Lake Pukaki’s brilliant blue waters come into view, framed by the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook. We’ll stop to take in this awe-inspiring sight, famous as a filming location for Lord of the Rings.
Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, you’ll have a chance to take in the views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak at 3724m, easily admired from the village at 750m above sea level.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – Enjoy 3 hours of free time to explore the park. Options include the stunning Hooker Valley hike, scenic flights over the Tasman Glacier, or even a heli-hike. We’ll make sure you’re picked up and dropped off for your chosen activity.
Tekapo – After farewelling Mt Cook, we travel to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, renowned for its beauty. Your guide will point out key landmarks before dropping you off at your destination.

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Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook Tour

South Island

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Experiences

South Island

Details

Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook One Way Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

INCLUSIONS

Optional Extras

Age Information

Cancellations & Refunds

Itinerary

Queenstown To Tekapo Via Mt Cook Itinerary

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