Queenstown to Christchurch Via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this one way, small group, fully-
guided day 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. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – 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.

While in the national park you have approximately 2.5 - 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. 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. Before departing, our guide will hand you over to
our Christchurch partners Cheeky Kea, who will be guiding your tour from Mt
Cook to Christchurch.

8. Tekapo (10 minutes) - 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 Shepard and see the Mackenzie
dog before starting to head towards Christchurch.

9. Christchurch – upon arriving in Christchurch your guides will
point out any highlights we pass while travelling to the drop off locations to
complete the tour.

Inclusions:

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

Optional Extras:

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

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.

Still have questions? Please visit our FAQs page!