Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 234 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) worth booking?
Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) is a 13-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $239 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 234 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (234)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $239 per person
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier as key highlights. Led by our famou
What you get
- Lunch
- Booster seat
- Transport to hikes or activities
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Fully guided small group tour
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
About this experience
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier as key highlights. 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. Highlights: Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepard Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki 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 and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Booster seat
- Transport to hikes or activities
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Fully guided small group tour
- Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
Not included
- Optional flights/activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Christchurch
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
15 minutes here
Departing Christchurch we then make our way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way!
Pass by without stopping
Geraldine
A charming South Canterbury town known for its boutique shops and local produce. This is where we’ll pause to collect your lunch, take a short rest break, grab a coffee if you’d like, and use the facilities before we continue our journey.
10 minutes here
Lake Tekapo
We head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo but to get there first we must go through some impressive alpine passes with amazing views. As we come over the hill to Tekapo you will be stunned by amazing view of the lake. Stop for a photo at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd
5 minutes here
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 is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
Pass by without stopping
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
While in the national park you have 2 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Tasman Glacier Walk, Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier) or Mt Cook Visitor Centre & Hermitage Hotel. Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
120 minutes here
Lake Tekapo
We stop briefly in Lake Tekapo for one last time to take those last minute late evening photos of the Church and the Lake.
5 minutes here
Christchurch
Unfortunately after an amazing day of sightseeing it is time to return to Christchurch. Additional stops are taken into considerations for toilet breaks.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Tour & Ultimate Alpine Exp.
The Ultimate Alpine Experience: Fly in a skiplane and a helicopter on the same day with a glacier landing in between, for the ultimate alpine experience! Duration: 13 hours: Arrive back in Christchurch around 7:30pm Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
Mt Cook Day Tour Only
Duration: 13 hours: Arrive back in Christchurch around 7:30pm Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included
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
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Kindly advise any dietary requirements per person at time of booking
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $239 to $848
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 82
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel, who run 51 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.5 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Cheeky Kiwi Travel runsWhy this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) cost?
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Prices start at $239 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 Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 234 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)?
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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 Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)?
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Around 82 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included) 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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