Small Group, Lunch Included

Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch

★ 4.8 252 reviews

from $169.83 per person

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Duration: 13 hours
Meeting point: Christchurch pickups
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Overview

This is a full-day round trip from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, run by Cheeky Kiwi Travel and lasting 13 hours. Plan for a long day on the road, since reviewers describe a lot of driving between stops. The group is capped at 15 travellers and travels in an air-conditioned van or minibus, with a guide who drives and commentates for the whole day.

The route heads out across the Canterbury Plains with a short stop in Geraldine, then continues past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before reaching Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Roughly two hours are set aside at the park, and travellers can choose their own walk in that time. One reviewer describes the walks as a good amount of uphill exercise. Lunch is included, and reviewers describe it as filling or hearty.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included from select locations, and booster seats are available for children aged seven and younger. The tour suits reasonably mobile travellers who are happy with long drives between stops. It is not recommended for people with back problems and is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are fine.

From$169.83 per person

Duration13 hours

Rating4.8 from 252 reviews

What's Included

Included

Transport to hikes or activities
Complimentary Hotel Pickup & Drop off (select locations only)
Lunch
Fully guided small group tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Booster seat (Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger; please advise if you prefer to provide your own)

Not Included

Optional flights/activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
No toilet on board

Run byCheeky Kiwi Travel

Itinerary

Hotel pickup, ChristchurchComplimentary hotel pickup and drop-off is offered from select locations.
Christchurch and Canterbury PlainsThe tour departs Christchurch and passes across the Canterbury Plains, with commentary from the guide along the way.
Geraldine stopA short stop of 10 minutes in Geraldine, free to enter.
Lake TekapoA brief 5-minute stop at Lake Tekapo, with Lake Pukaki passed by on the drive.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkTwo hours at the park. Travellers can choose their own walk, and optional flights and activities are available at extra cost if selected at booking.
Return via Lake TekapoThe drive back to Christchurch passes Lake Tekapo again, with drop-off at select locations as included in the tour.

PickupIncluded

Starts InChristchurch

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the long day easier.

Long day. The tour runs 13 hours door to door. Multiple reviewers call it a lot of driving, and one notes the smaller van means bigger bumps along the way.
Food and drink. Lunch is included, and reviewers describe it as filling. Dietary requirements should be advised per person at the time of booking.
Walking pace. A moderate amount of walking is involved on uneven surfaces, and one reviewer notes uphill sections. Travellers choose their own walk during the two hours in the national park, so the effort level is partly up to you.
Van comfort. The group travels in a small passenger van or minibus, capped at 15 people. A smaller van can mean bigger bumps as you ride along.
Weather. The tour runs in all weather and several reviewers describe rapidly changing conditions, including rain at Mount Cook. Dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Guides and stops. Reviewers repeatedly describe the guide as knowledgeable and informative. The Hermitage museum is mentioned as an interesting stop on a wet day.

From$169.83 per person

Rating4.8 from 252 reviews

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The main trade-off is time in a vehicle: several hours of driving each way between Christchurch and Mount Cook, with one reviewer noting the smaller van means bigger bumps on the road. Weather can hide Mount Cook entirely, as one reviewer experienced on a foggy, rainy day. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for people with back problems. Optional flights and activities cost extra and must be selected at booking, there is no restroom on board, and the operator can cancel for low traveller numbers or poor weather, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport, a fully guided small-group tour, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a booster seat for children aged seven and younger if requested. Optional flights and activities are not included and must be selected at the time of booking.

Is There A Restroom On The Van?

No, there is no toilet on board. Travellers should plan around this for the long drive.

Where Does Pickup Happen?

Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off is included from select locations only. Not every pickup point is specified, so check the booking page for your hotel.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Infant seats and booster seats for children seven and under are available, and pushchairs are accessible. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven surfaces, and is not recommended for travellers with back problems or walking disabilities.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Dress for all weather, since the tour runs regardless of conditions and reviewers report sun, rain and wind on the same day. Layers, rain gear and comfortable walking shoes are sensible, and dietary requirements should be given per person at booking so the included lunch suits everyone.