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Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

41 Reviews 4.61 out of 5 stars Based on 41 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Christchurch, New Zealand

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14 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown and includes a picnic lunch. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Highlights:

Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepard
Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki
Lindis Pass, Kawarau Gorge

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

What's Included

  • Lunch Kindly advise dietary requirements
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Water available
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
  • Gratuities
  • Restroom on board
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

- Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option.- Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time.- Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.- Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.

OR
Meeting point

Christchurch Central City
Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets
Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Christchurch (Pass By)

Your tour starts in the stunning city of Christchurch. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
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Canterbury Plains (Pass By)

Departing Christchurch we then make our way through the impressive Canterbury plains with plenty of amazing New Zealand farmland and countryside to see along the way.
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Lake Tekapo

Exiting Geraldine we head towards the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo but to get there first we must go through some impressive alpine passes with amazing views. As we come over the hill to Tekapo you will be stunned by amazing view of the lake. Stop for a quick photo at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Pukaki

Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. 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. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

While in the national park you have 2.5 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Kea Point Track, Blue Lakes, Tasman Glacier Walk or Scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier) or Mt Cook Visitor Centre & Hermitage Hotel. Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Pukaki (Pass By)

You head back through the gorgeous Mt Cook highway towards that everchanging glacier fed lake.
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High Country Salmon

Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Lindis Pass

Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Jackson Orchards

During summer months when the sun is still up as we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kawarau Suspension Bridge (Pass By)

Nearing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout.
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Queenstown

Sadly the tour must come to an end as we enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Children 7 years old and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo?

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 (NZST).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.

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Activity code: C-56760P51

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.61
41 reviews

Average 4.61 out of 5 stars based on 41 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
30
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
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1 star
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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • LunchKindly advise dietary requirements
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Water available
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
  • Gratuities
  • Restroom on board

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Children 7 years old and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • The total tour duration of 13 hours includes the travel time.
  • The first part (Christchurch to Mt Cook) of this tour is guided by our Christchurch partners, Cheeky Kea.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

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 (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • 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.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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