Christchurch to Queenstown Full Day Tour Via Mt Cook (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
- Duration: 13 Hours (approx.)
- Product code: PUCUMD
At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is home to New Zealand’s highest peak and longest glacier – Haupapa/Tasman Glacier. The famous Lake Tekapo and world-renowned meat pies at Fairlie Bakehouse - are the places you will discover or rediscover on this tour, so escape the hustle and bustle of the city life and head out on an adventure to some of the most beautiful parts of the South Island
You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter or Similar vehicle packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun and knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.
Memories, made, hearts happy and photos a plenty in this tour!
Highlights
·
- Fairlie Bakehouse
- Church of the Good Shepherd – Lake Tekapo
- Lake Pukaki
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Tasman Glacier (Optional)
- ·Hooker Valley Track (optional)
Itinerary
Christchurch - We start by leaving Garden City/Christchurch and heading south towards our destination, while our knowledgeable driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights.
Canterbury Plains - Wrapped around Christchurch are the Canterbury Plains filled with farmland as far as the eye can see. Most types of farming you can think of will be found on the plains such as crops, vineyards, dairy and livestock production.
Fairlie Bakehouse (10mins) - A Classic New Zealand farming town hidden away in Mackenzie. Fairlie goes through some stunning colour changes especially come Autum, this is truly one of the best locations to sit and relax with one of their world-famous meat Pies from the Bakehouse. And this stop is also where we will pick up your lunch to keep you full of energy for the rest of the day.
Lake Tekapo/ Church of the Good Shepherd (15mins) – An alpine lake region like no other in the heart of Mackenzie. At the right time of year, you will find clusters of wild lupins along the lake edge. Once we arrive in Tekapo we head towards the most popular photo spots in the country The Church of The Good Shepard for those social media worthy pictures.
Lake Pukaki (10mins) - This glacier fed lake is unique compared to its alpine partners. The colours can change from ice blue to a dark deep blue depending on the weather conditions. On a clear day enjoy undisturbed views right up to Mt Cook which appears to extend out of the head of the lake.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5hrs) – AND HERE WE ARE! Named after the famous explorer James Cook, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Once here you will have the choice to embark on either The Hooker Valley or The Tasman Glacier walk. If a flight overlooking the mountains is more your thing, we are happy to arrange Helicopter rides for you and the family to enjoy.
- Hooker Valley The Hooker valley track is one of the highest rated day walks in New Zealand. It’s not hard to see why as you walk alongside an ice-covered cliff face (Listen carefully you may hear it moving) all the way to an ice filled lake with Mt Cook at its end. This walk takes 2.5-3 hours to complete. We cannot guarantee you will have enough time to complete this walk.
- Tasman Glacier This track leads through the glacier’s old terminal moraines, and there you will find amazing views of the glacier, river, and lake.
- Mt Cook Information Centre (DOC) – You are more than welcome to take it all in by spending the day in the information centre with a coffee. Learn the history of the national park, ask questions and just be in moment.
At 2:30 our driver will collect you from your chosen destinations for the day towards Queenstown
Lake Pukaki – You head back through the gorgeous Mt Cook highway
towards that everchanging glacier fed lake.
High Country Salmon – Stopping at the local salmon farm, you will have
the opportunity to feed and taste some of the freshest New Zealand salmon.
Lindis Pass – This amazing pass winds through the alpine road
covered by the southern Alps.
Mrs Jones Fruit Stall - This stop is dependable on daylight savings. We
hope to be able to go in for some local fruit and ice cream while the sun is
still up.
Kawarau Suspension Bridge – making our way through the Kawarau Gorge you will
be struck by some stunning viewpoint’s such as the suspension bridge and the
Roaring meg Lookout, as we near our destination.
Queenstown – AND HERE WE ARE! The all-famous adventure capital
of the world, Queenstown. We say our goodbyes here as we drop you at your
accommodation. We wish you all the best for your next venture and hope to see
you again soon!
Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
Inclusions:
- Small Group
- Carbon Neutral
- Fully Guided Tour (except walks)
- Bottled Water
- Kiwi Snacks
- Wi-Fi
- USB charging
- pre-ordered lunch from Fairlie bakehouse
- Commentary
- 100% Kiwi as experience.
Optional Extras:
- Scenic flights
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
As this is a one-way tour luggage is included with your booking. Each person can bring one standard check in bag up to 23kg and 1 carry on type bag. If you have additional or overweight baggage, then additional charges will apply. Please select the number of additional or overweight bags on the extras page while booking.
We at Cheeky Kea Tours believe that it’s in the small things, the hidden surprises, and the secret stops that make your adventure one to remember. With comfortable and specially designed vehicles, and individually packaged refreshments will ensure you enjoy the journey with us!
See More, Do More, Spend Less