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Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo

94 Reviews 4.48 out of 5 stars Based on 94 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Queenstown, New Zealand

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

14 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
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Overview

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time and options to enjoy the activities, unlike other tours.

Highlights:
• Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park, free time for activities & walks
• Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
• Church of the Good Shepherd, Lindis Pass and the Southern Alps

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.

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

  • Scenic Stops
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Gratuities
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
  • Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
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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 & meet us there!- 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.PICKUP TIMES: Kamana Lakehouse 6:15am Mercure 6:16am Heritage Hotel 6:17am Rydges Lakeland Resort 6:20am Hotel St Moritz 6:21am QT Queenstown 6:22am Crowne Plaza 6:23am Pinewood Lodge 6:24am Queenstown Park Boutique 6:25am Flaming Kiwi Backpackers 6:26am Novotel 6:27am Nomads Hostel 6:28am Sofitel Hotel & Spa 6:30am The Station Home of Adventure 6:30am LyLo Queenstown 6:30am Aspen Lodge 6:31am Tahuna Pod Hostel 6:31am Heartland Hotel 6:32am Holiday Inn Express 6:33am Ramada Queenstown Central 6:34am Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront 6:35am Millennium Hotel 6:36am Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview 6:37am Swiss Belsuites Pounamu (bus stop on Frankton Road) 6:38am Oaks Shores Resort 6:39am The Rees 6:40am Holiday Inn Frankton Road (bus stop on Frankton Road) 6:41am Sherwood Hotel (Bus stop on Frankton Road) 6:42am Frankton Terminus (near Queenstown Airport) 6:44am Wyndham Garden 6:45am Sudima 5 Mile 6:46am

OR
Meeting point

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

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

End point

Lichfield Street
Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

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

Options & Pricing

Start Time • Daily 6:30 AM

What To Expect

Queenstown (Pass By)

Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
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Kawarau Suspension Bridge (Pass By)

Departing Queenstown we then make our way north through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing beautiful views. The Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.
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Cromwell (Pass By)

Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this striking lake towards Lindis Pass.
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Lindis Pass

Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valley. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the Lindis Pass lookout 971m above sea level for an essential photo.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Omarama

While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the celebrated Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!
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30 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 stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why so many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

While in the national park you have 3 hours (approximately) free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: - Hooker Valley hike: This easy 3 hour hike is considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful! - Scenic flights (pending availability): see the region from the air and land on the Tasmin Glacier or Heli HikesWhen it's time to depart Mt Cook, we will transfer you to our partner company, who will continue your journey to Christchurch!
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3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Tekapo

Farewelling Mt Cook we make our way to Lake Tekapo. This turquoise blue lake is famous world over for its pristine beauty. We have a short time here but long enough to get those Instagram breaking photos, explore the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Mackenzie dog before starting to head towards Christchurch.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Christchurch (Pass By)

Upon arriving in Christchurch your guides will point out any highlights we pass while travelling to the drop off locations.
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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
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • 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).
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way via Mt Cook and 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-56760P29

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.48
94 reviews

Average 4.48 out of 5 stars based on 94 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
67
4 stars
15
3 stars
6
2 stars
2
1 star
4

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Scenic Stops
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Luggage allowance - 1 large & 1 small per person
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
  • Gratuities
  • Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
  • Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
  • 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
  • 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
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • 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).
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • Bus tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Scenic flights are independently operated and entirely weather dependent
  • The second half of this tour (Mt Cook to Christchurch) is guided by our Christchurch partners, Cheeky Kea.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
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

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