Park Fees Included, Hotel Pickup
13 hours · NZSI Tours & Travel
from $425.99 per person, price varies by group size Check availability →
WiFi On Board, Drinks Included
Mt. Cook Full Day Private Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch
from $181.76 per person, price varies by group size
Check availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Meeting point
- See booking page
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Kiwi Horizons Travel
Overview
This is a full day private tour out of Christchurch, run by Kiwi Horizons Travel, that heads inland to Aoraki Mt. Cook country and back in roughly 13 hours. Because it is private, only your own group travels in the vehicle, with an in-person guide accompanying you. The route runs through Geraldine for a short rest stop, then along Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Tasman Glacier and Mt. Cook Village before the return leg.
The stops are spaced so you actually get out and see things rather than viewing them from the window. Geraldine gets 20 minutes, Lake Tekapo 40, Lake Pukaki 20, Tasman Glacier 40, and Mt. Cook Village a full hour. One recent reviewer described the scenery around Tekapo and Pukaki as spectacular and said the short walk to the lake for the Tasman glacier view was well worth it. The same reviewer noted the guide allowed enough time at each place and plenty of breaks.
It suits travellers who want Lake Tekapo, Tasman Glacier and Mt. Cook in one long day without hiring a car. Bottled water, coffee or tea, an air-conditioned vehicle, onboard WiFi and private transport are all included. Fees and taxes are not, so budget for those separately. Note that a large share of the 13 hours is travel time between Christchurch and the mountains.
From$181.76 per person, varies by group size
Duration13 hours
Reviews7 reviews
What's Included
Included
- Bottled water
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Travel time Includes
- In-Person guide
Not Included
- All fees and taxes
Run byKiwi Horizons Travel
Itinerary
- Depart ChristchurchA pickup point is not stated, so check the booking page for details.
- Geraldine rest stopA 20-minute stop in Geraldine, free to enter. A chance to stretch your legs partway into the drive.
- Lake Tekapo40 minutes at Lake Tekapo. Reviewers have called the scenery here spectacular.
- Lake PukakiA 20-minute stop at Lake Pukaki.
- Tasman Glacier viewpoint40 minutes at Tasman Glacier. One reviewer found the short walk to the lake for the glacier view well worth the effort.
- Mt. Cook VillageThe longest stop, one hour at Mt. Cook Village, free to enter. Time to explore on your own.
- Return to ChristchurchThe drive back completes the 13-hour day. The remaining hours beyond the scheduled stops are travel time.
Tasman Glacier WalkYes
Starts InChristchurch
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points worth knowing before you book this long day trip.
- Long travel day. The total duration is 13 hours, and the hours beyond the stops are travel time. Pack for a full day on the road. The guide built in ample breaks, which helps.
- Private group feel. Only your group participates, so the pace at each stop is shaped around you rather than a coach load of strangers. One reviewer appreciated having enough time to explore each place.
- Walking at the glacier. The Tasman Glacier stop involves a short walk to the lake for the view. Comfortable shoes make it easier, though no demanding hikes are described.
- Food and drink. Bottled water plus coffee or tea are included. No meals are listed, so bring any snacks you want for the day.
- Bring a camera. Reviewers single out Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki as spectacular, and the glacier viewpoint as a highlight. You will want the camera within reach rather than buried in the boot.
- Extra costs. Fees and taxes are not included in the tour price, so factor those in separately.
Common issues. The honest limits: this is a very long day, with most hours beyond the stops spent travelling. It is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are fine, service animals are allowed and infant seats are available. Fees and taxes are excluded from the price. Cancellations inside 24 hours of the start time receive no refund, and changes within that window are not accepted either.
Common Questions
How Long Is The Tour?
About 13 hours in total. The hours beyond the scheduled stops are travel time, since the route covers a lot of ground between Christchurch and Mt. Cook.
Is This A Private Tour?
Yes. Only your group participates, with private transportation and an in-person guide throughout the day.
What Is Included In The Price?
Bottled water, coffee or tea, an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, private transport and an in-person guide. All fees and taxes are excluded, so you pay those separately.
Is Pickup Included?
A pickup arrangement is not stated. Check the live booking page for the meeting or pickup details before you travel.
Is It Suitable For Kids Or Limited Mobility?
Pushchairs are fine and infant seats are available, and most travellers can participate. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. If someone in your group has limited mobility, confirm with the operator before booking.
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. Cut-off times follow the local time of the experience.
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Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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