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Offered languages
- English
Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between.
This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the ground: Kawarau Gorge, the Mackenzie Basin lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. Lunch, water and Kiwi snacks are included. WiFi and USB charging on board.
At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have 2-2.5 hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, NZ's longest glacier, explore Mt Cook Village, or arrange a scenic flight on the day.
From November 2026, Wānaka will replace the Kawarau Gorge stop where your guide collects lunch while you spend time at the lakefront, home of #ThatWānakaTree. The tour ends at Lake Tekapo beside the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Southern Alps behind it.
Small group, maximum 16. Carbon neutral within Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Wānaka pickup available.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour departs near public transportation.
Wānaka-based travellers: you can join and alight at the Wānaka stop. Select this option at time of booking.
Hotel pickups begin from 06:15 am. Please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Pick up times and locations can be found below:
06:15 Kamana Lakehouse
06:16 Mercure Queenstown
06:17 Heritage Hotel
06:20 Rydges Lakeland Resort
06:21 Hotel St Moritz
06:22 QT Queenstown
06:23 Crowne Plaza
06:24 Pinewood Lodge
06:25 Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
06:26 Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
06:27 Novotel
06:28 Nomads Hostel
06:30 The Station - Home of Adventure
06:30 LyLo Queenstown
06:30 Sofitel
06:31 Aspen Lodge Backpackers
06:32 Heartland Hotel
06:32 Scenic Suites
06:33 Holiday Inn Express
06:34 Ramada Queenstown Central
06:35 Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront
06:36 Millennium Hotel
06:37 Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview
06:38 Swiss Belsuites Pounamu
06:39 Oaks Shores Resort
06:40 The Rees
06:41 Holiday Inn Frankton Road (Bus stop on Frankton Road)
06:42 Sherwood Hotel (Bus stop on Frankton Road)
06:44 Frankton Bus Interchange
06:45 Wyndham Garden
Itinerary
-
Queenstown (Pass by)
Pickups begin from 06:15 am. Your guide introduces the day as we leave New Zealand's adventure capital, heading north.
Admission ticket free -
1
We follow the Kawarau Gorge along State Highway 6. The icy blue water and historic Suspension Bridge, origin of New Zealand's bungee jumping, are visible from the road.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Cromwell (Pass by)
A Central Otago township known for its stone fruit and wine. Views of Lake Dunstan.
Admission ticket free -
2Wanaka
From November 1, 2026 this will be the first stop where your guide collects lunch while you explore the lakefront, home of #ThatWānakaTree. Views towards Mt Aspiring National Park. Wānaka-based passengers join here.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Omarama
Ōmārama translates to "the place of light" in te reo Māori. The nearby Ahuriri Valley was a filming location for Disney's live-action Mulan.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Twizel
Twizel sits at the heart of New Zealand's Mackenzie District, just 45 minutes from Aoraki/Mount Cook. A brief but scenic stop, it's your gateway to the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
A man-made lake built for the Mackenzie Basin's hydro-electricity network. Popular for rowing, fishing and water skiing.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Lake Pukaki
Glacier-fed lake shifting from ice blue to deep aqua. On clear days, Aoraki rises directly from the far end of the lake.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Approximately 40% of the park is covered by glaciers. Nineteen peaks exceed 3000 metres. Options: Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track (free), Mt Cook Village and Visitor Centre, scenic flights or Heli Hike (sold separately). Collection time 2:15 pm.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Lake Tekapo
Panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Mackenzie District. One of the most photographed locations in New Zealand. Wild lupins visible November to early January.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9The Church of the Good Shepherd
A brief stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks. Built on the shores of Lake Tekapo, its famous altar window frames a panoramic view of the Southern Alps — a moment that stops every visitor in their tracks.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Christchurch (Pass by)
Drop-off at Christchurch. End of tour.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress in layers. There is a significant temperature difference between Queenstown and Aoraki Mt Cook.
- Bring a waterproof jacket. Alpine weather changes rapidly.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track involves uneven and stony terrain.
- Bring sunscreen. UV is strong at altitude, particularly in summer.
- This tour operates with two guides. One guide drives Queenstown to Mt Cook; a second guide drives Mt Cook to Christchurch. The changeover takes place at Mt Cook Village.
- Children aged 7 and under require a child safety car seat. If you need one provided, request it at booking with at least 24 hours notice.
- Scenic flights and Heli Hike are available to arrange through your guide on the day, subject to weather and availability. Sold separately.
- The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is not included. Entry is available to purchase on arrival.
- Time at Aoraki Mt Cook may be reduced due to delays elsewhere on the route or road conditions.
- Service animals are permitted.
- The tour departs near public transportation.
- Wānaka-based travellers: you can join and alight at the Wānaka stop. Select this option at time of booking.
- Hotel pickups begin from 06:15 am. Please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
- Not recommended for travellers with serious back conditions, heart conditions, or who are pregnant.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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