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Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo
About This Tour
Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time and options to enjoy the activities, unlike other tours.
Highlights:
• Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park, free time for activities & walks
• Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
• Church of the Good Shepherd, Lindis Pass and the Southern Alps
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.
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Highlights:
• Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park, free time for activities & walks
• Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
• Church of the Good Shepherd, Lindis Pass and the Southern Alps
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.
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Scenic Stops
- Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities
- Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
- Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
- Restroom on board
- You can hire child seats, or you can provide your own
Itinerary
1
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
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
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
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
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
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
While in the national park you have 3 hours (approximately) free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include:
- Hooker Valley hike: This easy 3 hour hike is considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful!
- Scenic flights (pending availability): see the region from the air and land on the Tasmin Glacier or Heli Hikes
When it's time to depart Mt Cook, we will transfer you to our partner company, who will continue your journey to Christchurch!
- Hooker Valley hike: This easy 3 hour hike is considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful!
- Scenic flights (pending availability): see the region from the air and land on the Tasmin Glacier or Heli Hikes
When it's time to depart Mt Cook, we will transfer you to our partner company, who will continue your journey to Christchurch!
8
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 Shepherd and see the Mackenzie dog before starting to head towards Christchurch.
9
Upon arriving in Christchurch your guides will point out any highlights we pass while travelling to the drop off locations.
Good to Know
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Children 7 years old and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice) for $20 NZD
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Bus tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Scenic flights are independently operated and entirely weather dependent