Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour

Outty Ranking 55 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $291
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour worth booking?

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour is a 10-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $291 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
10 hours
From
$291 per person

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that provide exquisite views. Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd & Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo. Admire Lake Pukaki & the stunning views of Mount Cook from a distance. Soak up & unwind in Tekapo Springs offering Hot Pools, Spa, waterslide & aqua play area for kids. Tour Highlights: • Sample award-winning cheese at a local cheese factory in Geraldine • Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo • Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery • Visit to a Salmon Farm. • Drive to the summit at Mt. John Observatory. • Soak in the renowned Tekapo Springs with alpine scenery.

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that provide exquisite views. Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd & Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo. Admire Lake Pukaki & the stunning views of Mount Cook from a distance. Soak up & unwind in Tekapo Springs offering Hot Pools, Spa, waterslide & aqua play area for kids. Tour Highlights: • Sample award-winning cheese at a local cheese factory in Geraldine • Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo • Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery • Visit to a Salmon Farm. • Drive to the summit at Mt. John Observatory. • Soak in the renowned Tekapo Springs with alpine scenery.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Tekapo Springs Hot Pool Entry Ticket
    • Complimentary Hotspot WIFI
    • Hotel Pick up and Drop Off.
    • Transport in luxurious van (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz)
    • Private tour (i.e. only for one party)
    • Complimentary light refreshments

    Not included

    • Meals.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Christchurch Cathedral

      After pick-up from your hotel / apartment or preferred location in Christchurch at 8am, take a 3.5 hr scenic drive through spectacular & breathtaking landscapes.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve

      Stretch your legs at the historic town of Geraldine and treat your taste buds at an artisan cheese shop or browse for Merino and Alpaca fleece clothing.

      30 minutes here

    3. The Church of the Good Shepherd

      Visit the turquoise colored Lake Tekapo & take in the tranquility of this place. Visit the Church of Good Shepherd & the well-recognized Bronze Statue of Sheepdog.

      30 minutes here

    4. Lake Pukaki

      Take a drive to Lake Pukaki and admire stunning views of Mt. Cook from a distance.

      30 minutes here

    5. High Country Salmon

      Grab the opportunity to purchase fresh salmon or feed the fish at a Salmon Farm floating on the glacier waters.

      30 minutes here

    6. University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory

      Then drive to the summit of Mt. John to capture magnificent alpine landscape on your cameras.

      30 minutes here

    7. Tekapo Springs

      Grab lunch at one of the cafés before you hit the Hot Pools. Soak up & unwind at Tekapo Springs surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. After hot pools, drive back to Christchurch via same scenic route and drop-off to your location.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 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 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    NZSI Tours & Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.
    • Swimming costumes are available on hire.

    Photos

    Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, photo 2Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, photo 3Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, photo 4Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, photo 5Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, photo 6Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour in Christchurch, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    StevieOC · November 2018

    A full and enjoyable day

    A fantastic experience and wonderful service. Our driver and guide, Anuj, took good care of us on our trip to lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. His commentary and local knowledge was appreciated, as was his flexibility in moving the schedule around owing to a change in the weather (making for some stunning views). The journey makes for a long day, but the transport and company makes for a comfortable ride. I highly recommend NZSI tours and would use them again.

    Response from the operator: Dear StevieOC, We would like to thank you for taking the time to share your experience on Trip Advisor, subsequent to your recent tour with us to Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki. We are glad to hear that you had an enjoyable day and would like to thank you for recommending us. We would love to welcome you back on your next visit. Kind Regards, Parul

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $291 to $500
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything NZSI Tours & Travel runs

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)11
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)68
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.

    How much does Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $291 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 Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour take?

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    Plan for about 10 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 Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day 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 Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour?

    +

    Around 0 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?

    +

    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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day 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, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour?

    +

    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Tekapo Springs Hot Pool Entry Ticket; Complimentary Hotspot WIFI; Hotel Pick up and Drop Off; and Transport in luxurious van (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz). Not included: Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 167 listed pickup locations in and around Christchurch. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Christchurch. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour.

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