Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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.

   30 min

2. 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.

   45 min

3. 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.

   20 min

4. 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.

   30 min

5. 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.

   1 h

6. 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.

   50 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 17 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Christchurch

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 112 day trips we list in Christchurch.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 19 of 112.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Christchurch

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, a flat, green city on the Avon River with the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula close by.

Christchurch was planned by English settlers in 1850 around a central square and the Avon River, which winds through the city past willows and lawns. Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens cover a large green area beside the centre, and punts glide along the river. The Gothic Revival Arts Centre, built for the university, houses studios and cafés, and Canterbury Museum stands beside the gardens.

Top-ranked sights in Christchurch: Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, TranzAlpine Train.

See all 343 experiences in Christchurch