At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited in 1894 by Tom Fyfe, Jack Clarke, and George Graham and remains a popular ascent to this day. However, as a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) which have since become home to one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful National Parks.
So why not join us as we travel south to experience the best of what Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook Village. With additional sweeping views of Haupapa (Tasman Glacier) - our country’s longest glacier - this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, before returning you to Lake Tekapo. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!
Highlights and inclusions:
Itinerary:
Christchurch – We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head south, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.
Canterbury Plains - Travelling across the Rakaia bridge and inland towards mid-Canterbury, you will notice both the region’s unique braided river ecosystem and patchwork fields. Farms on the plains are home to a variety of activities, including crop cultivation, viticulture, dairy farming, and livestock production.
Fairlie Bakehouse (10 minutes) - Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!
Lake Tekapo and The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 minutes) - Next up we stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Lake Pukaki (10 minutes) - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park (2 - 2.5 hours*) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. Once you arrive, you have the option to embark on the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track or explore Mt Cook Village, taking in sights such as the Visitor Centre and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic flight for you and your group (booked and sold separately).
Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track - Leading through old terminal moraines of the Haupapa, this track offers incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river and Tasman Lake.
*Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to start the journey back to Lake Tekapo.
Lake Tekapo - As we make our way back to Lake Tekapo, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!
Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
See More, Do More, Spend Less.
Thank you for your recent booking with Cheeky Kea Travel.
To make your trip as pain free as possible please read the following email carefully.
We recommend bringing clothes for any weather condition. In the alpine region the weather can change suddenly without warning. There is space onboard for you to bring a day bag. Good shoes are recommended if you are planning on doing any of the walks once you are up at Mt Cook.
As your lunch will be pre ordered please notify us if you have any dietary requirements. If we do not receive notification of any dietary requirements 24hrs before your departure time at the latest, then a standard lunch will be supplied.
Below are our pickup times from Christchurch. If you have not selected a pickup location at the time or booking or if your location has changed, please notify us ASAP and no later than 24hrs before your tour’s departure. Failure to provide a pickup location may result in you missing your tour. It is recommended you are waiting at least 5 mins before your tours scheduled collection time. Our vehicles unfortunately cannot wait if you are not ready.
Pick up Times
6:18 Sudima City
6:20 Crowne Plaza
6:23 Distinctinction Christchurch
6:24 Christchurch City Hotel
6:25 Bus Interchange Intercity Stop (Litchfield Street)
6:27 Breakfree
6:29 Rydges
6:31 Urbanz
6:33 Fino
6:35 The George
6:37 Hotel Give
If you have booked to depart from Tekapo please see below Pick up times:
10:00 Peppers Bluewater
10:05 Dark Sky project
Please note that pick ups can be delayed up to 10 minutes after you set your time due to earlier pick ups, please be patient and give us a call if you have been waiting longer than 15 minutes.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We can’t wait to have you onboard.
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