Queenstown to Tekapo Via Mt Cook Small Group Tour (One Way)

Queenstown to Tekapo 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. 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.

Please be aware that while lunch is not provided on this tour, there will be
several opportunities for you to purchase food along the way.

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

Itinerary:

1. ** Queenstown - 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. ** Kawarau Suspension Bridge –** 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. Cromwell – 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. Lindis Pass – 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. Omarama – 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. Lake Pukaki – 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. Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village,
weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself.
At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain
can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is
just 750m above sea level.

8. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – While in the national park
you have 3 hours 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 – see the region from the air and land on the Tasmin Glacier or
Heli Hikes. Whatever you have decided to do, we will pick you up and drop you
off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.

9. Tekapo - Farewelling Mt Cook we make our way to Lake
Tekapo. This turquoise blue lake is famous world over for its pristine beauty.
Upon arriving in Tekapo your guides will point out any highlights we pass
while travelling to the drop off locations.

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Fully Guided Tour
• Water available & snacks provided

Optional Extras:

• Hooker Valley Hike (self guided)
• Scenic flights with Glacier landings
• Heli Hike

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.

Have some questions? Please visit our FAQ page!