Queenstown to Christchurch Via Mt Cook Day Tour

• Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us

• A one-way scenic tour from Queenstown to Christchurch, taking in the sights along the way

• Free time in Aoraki/Mount Cook to spend how you like

• See the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki

• Marvel at the sprawling lands of the Canterbury Plains

• Check out icons like the Church of the Good Shepherd & Kawarau Suspension Bridge 

• Snacks & water throughout the day

• Transport onboard a comfortable minibus, with expert commentary from your driver

Please be aware that this tour is on request only and will be confirmed by our agents within 72 hours of booking. Talk to our agents on chat to confirm availability!

Make your trip to Christchurch extraordinary with this full-day one-way tour from Queenstown via Aoraki/Mt Cook, taking in some of New Zealand's most iconic sights. 

Your tour starts early in the stunning city of Queenstown. As you drive out of the city, your guide will set the scene for the adventure ahead and point out and guide you past some of the area's top highlights. Next, travel north through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, passing beautiful views, including the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting, you will stop for that first excellent photo opportunity of the tour.

Exiting the Kawarau Gorge, enter the fruit and wine-growing region of Cromwell. Passing vast fields of vines, you'll cross Lake Dunstan and follow this striking lake towards Lindis Pass.

Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has fantastic views down through the valley. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, you'll stop at the Lindis Pass lookout 971m above sea level for an essential photo opportunity.

Once through the Southern Alps, you'll drive across through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district, spotting several of the celebrated Merino sheep before taking a short break at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama, why not try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (own expense)?

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Turning west, you'll enter the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park as Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of you. 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. Stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight. It's not hard to see why so many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby, and your guide will point them out for you.

Arrive at Mt Cook Village, and depending on the weather, you should get some fantastic shots of the mountain itself. At 3,724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest peak. However, the mountain can be viewed without acclimatisation from the village, which is just 750m above sea level.

While in the national park, you have 4 hours of free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of the best recommendations include the Hooker Valley hike – an easy 3-hour hike considered one of New Zealand's most beautiful; scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier; or Heli Hikes. Whatever you decide to do, your guide will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and ensure you are well looked after.

Farewelling Mt Cook, make your way to Lake Tekapo. This turquoise-blue lake is famous the world over for its pristine beauty. You'll have a short time here but long enough to get those Instagram-worthy photos, explore the Church of the Good Shepard, and see the Mackenzie dog before heading towards Christchurch.

Departing Tekapo, travel through more amazing passes and high country villages before arriving in the peaceful town of Geraldine for a quick break before heading to your final destination – Christchurch.

Upon arriving in Christchurch, your guide will point out any highlights you pass while travelling to the drop-off location.        

Departure Info

This tour departs from the meeting point at 6 Shotover Street, Queenstown.

If you cancel some or all portions of your booking, cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when The Operator receives written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:

• 45 days or more prior to departure, The Operator will retain the deposit;

• Between 45 and 30 days prior to departure, The Operator will retain 50% of the total booking cost;

• 29 days or less prior to departure, The Operator will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.

• These trips can be physically demanding, and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation

• All tours have inherent risks involved and can be dangerous. By booking a tour with The Operator, you agree that you understand and accept the risks of the tour and agree to participate

• Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended for all travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking

• Itineraries are subject to alteration without notice and intended as a guide only

• This tour is on request only and will be confirmed by our agents within 72 hours of booking.