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- English
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook Village, Omarama, Wānaka, and Cardrona, before arriving in Tāhuna Queenstown. Situated on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the self-proclaimed ‘adrenaline capital of New Zealand’ is framed by The Remarkables mountain range. With plenty of things to see and explore, Queenstown is a ‘must-do’ destination; popular with tourists and locals alike all year round. As this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, it is one of our most popular full day experiences. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception.
Pick up times are as follows
6:18 Sudima City
6:20 Crowne Plaza
6:23 Distinction Christchurch
6:24 Christchurch City Hotel
6:25 Bus Interchange Intercity Stop (Litchfield Street)
6:27 Breakfree
6:29 Rydges
6:31 Urbanz
6:33 Fino
6:35 The George
6:37 Hotel Give
Please wait ready for collection at the bus stop on Lichfield Street outside the bus exchange. If you put Christchurch Bus Interchange intercity stop into google maps this will give you the correct location. Pick up time is at 06:25am
Sit back and relax while we whisk you down to Queenstown to continue your New Zealand adventure. From Mt Cook this service is operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Itinerary
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Christchurch (Pass by)
We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head south, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.
Admission ticket free -
Canterbury Region (Pass by)
Travelling across the Rakaia bridge and inland towards mid-Canterbury, you will notice both the region’s unique braided river ecosystem and patchwork fields. Farms on the plains are home to a variety of activities, including crop cultivation, viticulture, dairy farming, and livestock production.
Admission ticket free -
1Fairlie
Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Lake Tekapo
Next up we stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Lake Pukaki
Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Once you arrive, our guide will provide you with some options - including the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track OR the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view, we can arrange a scenic flight (booked and sold separately). *Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to continue through to Tāhuna Queenstown.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Omarama
Departing Mt Cook National Park, we return down State Highway 80 to Ōmārama; this time stopping for a quick photo opportunity at the town’s famous clay cliffs. These unique structures are the product of repeated ancient glacial flows, which over time, have built up to the craggy pinnacles you see today. Please note that this stop is omitted on bad weather days where it is deemed unsafe and if the tour is delayed.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Lindis Pass (Pass by)
Returning back through the Lindis Pass, we stop at a scenic lookout. The breathtaking tussocked valleys are a sight to behold year round, warranting a photo stop. With many stations in the area running Merino sheep, keep your eyes peeled as it is not uncommon to see these on route.
Admission ticket free -
6Wanaka
We return home via Wānaka to drop off our fellow Wānaka based travellers, before turning towards the famous Crown Range.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Cardrona
Our final stop of the day is at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Established in 1863 to service Otago’s famous Gold Rush, the historic building still carries its unique charm thanks to restoration efforts during the 1980s through to the early 2000s, facilitating its gradual re-opening. In addition to being a popular bar, restaurant, and hotel, the Cardrona Hotel remains a popular photo stop for locals and tourists alike.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Crown Range Road (Pass by)
As the highest main road in Aotearoa, this spectacular range offers amazing views. Similar to the landscape of the Lindis, the Crowne Range is tussocked and jaw dropping year-round. We will make a stop at a popular lookout point overlooking Queenstown and the Remarkables, giving perspective as to the magnitude of the work that went into engineering this iconic Kiwi road. After a quick photo opportunity, we continue into the Wakatipu Basin and head for home.
Admission ticket free -
Queenstown (Pass by)
It is here that we drop you off; ready for your next onward adventure. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- 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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