Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour worth booking?
Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour is a 48-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $1450 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $1450 per person
This 2 day journey will take you across the wide expanse of the Canterbury plains, through the high country and past Lake Tekapo arriving at Mt Cook National Park. Stay overnight in Aoraki Mt Cook and explore the many op
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Transport by luxury vehicle
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Guided walks to explore the Alpine landscape (as required)
About this experience
This 2 day journey will take you across the wide expanse of the Canterbury plains, through the high country and past Lake Tekapo arriving at Mt Cook National Park. Stay overnight in Aoraki Mt Cook and explore the many options to experience this national beauty. Travel through to Queenstown the following day with stops along the way to take in unique landscapes.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Transport by luxury vehicle
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Guided walks to explore the Alpine landscape (as required)
- Picnic morning or afternoon tea
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Breakfasts
- Evening meals
- Optional activities
- Accommodation
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Canterbury Trails
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful experience--safe, stress-free, kind, entertaining, knowledgeable.
My adult sons and I have spent the last two weeks traveling around New Zealand. We decided to take a two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt. Cook and booked our transport with Canterbury Trails. Our guide and driver was Hugo. He picked us up at the Airbnb place we rented in Christchurch and we were dropped off at our hotel in Queenstown. We traveled in a new, very comfortable, clean van. Water bottles at each seat. We stopped at a couple bakeries and cafes along the way (sampled some tasty pies and smoothies) and explored the magnificent natural points of interest. Our trip was safe, stress-free, and fun. Exactly what we needed. Hugo was kind, entertaining, and knowledgeable with both his recommendations -- what to do and where to eat -- and history. We had the most positive experience we could have imagined! We're thankful🙏🏼😊
Response from the operator: Hi, thank you so much for sharing your tour experience with us. Hugo is a top guide and loves what he does. He will be so pleased you had a fantastic tour with him.
via Tripadvisor
Such varied and beautiful scenery between Christchurch and Queenstown
TIm was our guide over the course of 3 days. He was the best! On Day 1 we visited Akaroa where we took a dolphin cruise and saw a number of Hector's dolphin and some seals, too. After lunch we toured The Giants House, a whimsical garden filled with charmingly eccentric sculptures. On Day 2 we stopped in Fairlie/Burkes Pass to experience a touch of America's Rt 66, Lake Tekapo, and ended our day at Aoraki/Mount Cook. On Day 3 we hiked the Hooker Valley Track, through beautiful scenery in Ahuriri Ward and eded our day in Queenstown. Tim was a wonderful person to spend 3 days with; his conversation make the miles (kilometers) fly by, and yet we had plenty of time to pause, take pictures and enjoy the scenery. I wish I could add more photos, but Trip Advisor's app will not accept 6 other jpegs because of "invalid" format.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience - we really do appreciate the feedback. Tim had a great time with you and helping to make your 3 day trip amazing!
via Tripadvisor
Two days across New Zealand with best guide ever.
On a 3 week trip to both New Zealand Islands we had the good fortune to be booked into a Canterbury Trails tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt. Cook. Cantebury Trials provided a safe and comfortable van with an interesting itinerary. Our guide was Hugo Flaus. We had many guides in our NZ time but Hugo Flaus set the standard for informed, flexible, personable, with an instinct for what we might enjoy beyond then providing it. Yes, Arrowtown was an interesting way to begin but he knew the very scenic "back way" to get us to Cardrona Hotel for lunch. He knew the dairy farmer who would welcome an impromptu visit for milking time. He easily explained any question we had ranging from milk versus wool exports, possum fur collection for Merino wool, to Maori history and flat white coffees. Hugo Flaus, as guide for Canterbury Trails tours, made this an extraordinary two days on the road across New Zealand's South Island's fine valleys/lakes/mountains/and agricultural planes.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We are so glad you had an incredible time on your tour. Hugo Flaus is an amazing guide and a great asset to our company!
via Tripadvisor
Canterbury Countryside to Mt Cook.
This was a spectacular trip. Sue was our guide and her local knowledge gave great color commentary to the trip in addition to her local knowledge of the perfect places to stop for short visits. Our desire for this trip of a lifetime to New Zealand was to see New Zealand and with the tours by Canterbury Trails we most certainly did. Very enjoyable and a comfortable ride.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. Sue is a fantastic guide and really enjoys sharing her knowledge with our guests. We are pleased we could help you achieve your trip of a lifetime.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour, extraordinary guide.
This trip was wonderful, but the factor that made it extraordinary was our guide, Hugo. We had many guides in NZ, who ranged from tolerable to great, but Hugo was in a class by himself. He is warm, interested, responsive, and deeply informed about everything. We saw and learned things we never would have without his quick intelligence and love for what he was showing us. We would have booked him for a multi-week tour if we could. Do yourself a favor and ask for him by name.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Hugo and our company. We pride ourselves on giving the best experience to our guests and it sounds like Hugo did just that!! We are so pleased you had a great time.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1450 to $2910
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Canterbury Trails, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.
See everything Canterbury Trails runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $1450 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.
Is Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 48-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Christchurch?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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