You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

18 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 18 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Christchurch, New Zealand
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

10 to 13 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo.

Travel through the Canterbury Plains with a stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for a quick breakfast or coffee. Visit the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, with an optional seasonal stop at the New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm.

Continue along the stunning Lake Pukaki with incredible views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. At Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, enjoy a short walk to Kea Point / Mueller Glacier Lake Lookout. Explore the renowned Hooker Valley Track/ Tasman Valley to view the impressive Tasman Glacier before returning to Christchurch.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Meals
See 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Please arrange the meeting point by contacting the customer and selecting a convenient nearby location. Kindly proceed to the designated area provided by the guide for the meetup.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Fairlie Bakehouse

Take a relaxed 30-minute break at Fairlie Bakehouse. It’s the perfect spot to grab a fresh pie and coffee, stretch your legs, and enjoy a quick treat before you continue your journey.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, located in New Zealand's South Island, is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, a result of glacial silt suspended in the lake. Situated at an elevation of 710 meters, it spans approximately 83 square kilometers. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Notable landmarks include the Church of the Good Shepherd, a historic stone chapel on the lake's shores, and the vibrant lupin blooms that adorn the landscape from mid-November to December. The surrounding region also boasts hot springs and various hiking trails, making Lake Tekapo a favored destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki is the largest of three parallel alpine lakes in New Zealand's South Island, covering an area of approximately 178.7 square kilometers. Its distinctive blue color comes from glacial flour—fine rock particles suspended in the water. The lake is fed by the Tasman River, originating from the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers near Aoraki/Mount Cook. Elevations range between 518.2 and 532 meters above sea level. Lake Pukaki is integral to the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme, with dams and canals connecting it to nearby lakes for power generation.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm

NZ Alpine Lavender near Aoraki/Mt Cook: largest certified organic farm in the Southern Hemisphere (600m). Visit Dec-Mar for blooming lavender amidst stunning alpine scenery: clear skies, snowy peaks, turquoise rivers. Unique climate yields potent, pure oil. Discover NZ-made products: organic oil, soaps, aromatherapy. Experience alpine purity.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Tasman Glacier

Tasman Glacier (South Island, NZ): NZ's longest (~23.5km), thickest (~600m), and largest by ice volume. Retreating rapidly, forming Tasman Lake with icebergs. Lower section covered in rock debris. Popular for boat tours and scenic flights. Named after Abel Tasman. Accessible from Mt Cook Village. A powerful display of glacial change.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Mt. Cook Village

Stop at Mount Cook and then continue to the Lake Mueller Lookout. Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views of the glaciers and the rugged alpine landscape. It’s a short walk with a rewarding backdrop that feels straight out of a postcard.
Read more

50 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5558455P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
18 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 18 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
18
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

4-8hr Rock Climbing tour Christchurch. Food, guide, transport inc

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific …More

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$189

World in a day

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to …More

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation
from
$2,870

8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, …More

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes,...

8 days
5.0 (3)
from
$1,078

Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps All day Discovery Tour

Immerse yourself in luxury and embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps with our exclusive tour. What …More

Immerse yourself in luxury and embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps with our exclusive tour. What...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
from
$1,280

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see, …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see,...

2 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (534)
from
$42

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide …More

Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide...

1 day Free Cancellation
4.6 (928)
from
$24

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings

Enjoy an afternoon Wine Trail tour through North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, visiting three boutique vineyards such as Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay, or Georges Road. …More

Enjoy an afternoon Wine Trail tour through North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, visiting three boutique vineyards such as Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay, or Georges Road....

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (492)
from
$114

ZIPCHCH - Signature Zipline Tour: NZ's Highest & Longest

Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park …More

Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (285)
from
$113

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Meals

Additional Info

Activity name

  • 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
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name