Queenstown to Christchurch: Wānaka, Mt Cook & Tekapo 1-Way Tour

A mountainous landscape with a lake, a wooden bridge, and hikers. 1

Queenstown to Christchurch: Wānaka, Mt Cook & Tekapo 1-Way Tour

By Cheeky Kea Tours

Wonderful

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
13h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between.

This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the ground: Kawarau Gorge, the Mackenzie Basin lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. Lunch, water and Kiwi snacks are included. WiFi and USB charging on board.

At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have 2-2.5 hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, NZ's longest glacier, explore Mt Cook Village, or arrange a scenic flight on the day.

From November 2026, Wānaka will replace the Kawarau Gorge stop where your guide collects lunch while you spend time at the lakefront, home of #ThatWānakaTree. The tour ends at Lake Tekapo beside the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Southern Alps behind it.

Small group, maximum 16. Carbon neutral within Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Wānaka pickup available.

Activity location

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- 9371, Arrow Junction, Otago Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- 9371, Arrow Junction, Otago Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Queenstown to Christchurch: Wānaka, Mt Cook & Tekapo 1-Way Tour

13h
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 06:45

Price details

€202.07 x 1 Adult€202.07

Total

Until Wed, 29 Jul

What's included, what's not

Small-group experience, maximum 16 people
Transport in a modern Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle
Live guide commentary throughout
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Drop-off in Christchurch
USB charging on board
Carbon neutral tour of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Kiwi snacks
Lunch (collected by your guide at the Wānaka stop)
Service charge
Scenic flights (can be arranged through your guide on the day, sold separately)
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre entry (available to purchase at Mt Cook Village)
Accommodation
Additional personal purchases

Know before you book

Service animals allowed
Public transport options are available nearby
Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress in layers. There is a significant temperature difference between Queenstown and Aoraki Mt Cook.
Bring a waterproof jacket. Alpine weather changes rapidly.
Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track involves uneven and stony terrain.
Bring sun cream. UV is strong at altitude, particularly in summer.
This tour operates with two guides. One guide drives Queenstown to Mt Cook; a second guide drives Mt Cook to Christchurch. The changeover takes place at Mt Cook Village.
Children aged 7 and under require a child safety car seat. If you need one provided, request it at booking with at least 24 hours notice.
Scenic flights and Heli Hike are available to arrange through your guide on the day, subject to weather and availability. Sold separately.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is not included. Entry is available to purchase on arrival.
Time at Aoraki Mt Cook may be reduced due to delays elsewhere on the route or road conditions.
Service animals are permitted.
The tour departs near public transport.
Wānaka-based travellers: you can join and alight at the Wānaka stop. Select this option at time of booking.
Hotel pickups begin from 06:15 am. Please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Not recommended for travellers with serious back conditions, heart conditions, or who are pregnant.
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Queenstown (Pass by)

Pickups begin from 06:15 am. Your guide introduces the day as we leave New Zealand's adventure capital, heading north.

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge

We follow the Kawarau Gorge along State Highway 6. The icy blue water and historic Suspension Bridge, origin of New Zealand's bungee jumping, are visible from the road.

Cromwell (Pass by)

A Central Otago township known for its stone fruit and wine. Views of Lake Dunstan.

Wanaka

From November 1, 2026 this will be the first stop where your guide collects lunch while you explore the lakefront, home of #ThatWānakaTree. Views towards Mt Aspiring National Park. Wānaka-based passengers join here.

Omarama

Ōmārama translates to "the place of light" in te reo Māori. The nearby Ahuriri Valley was a filming location for Disney's live-action Mulan.

Twizel

Twizel sits at the heart of New Zealand's Mackenzie District, just 45 minutes from Aoraki/Mount Cook. A brief but scenic stop, it's your gateway to the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin.

Lake Ruataniwha

A man-made lake built for the Mackenzie Basin's hydro-electricity network. Popular for rowing, fishing and water skiing.

Lake Pukaki

Glacier-fed lake shifting from ice blue to deep aqua. On clear days, Aoraki rises directly from the far end of the lake.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Approximately 40% of the park is covered by glaciers. Nineteen peaks exceed 3000 metres. Options: Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track (free) or Mt Cook Hooker Valley (free), Mt Cook Village and Visitor Centre, scenic flights or Heli Hike (sold separately). *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 return journey to Ōtautahi.

Lake Tekapo

Panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Mackenzie District. One of the most photographed locations in New Zealand. Wild lupins visible November to early January.

The Church of the Good Shepherd

A brief stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks. Built on the shores of Lake Tekapo, its famous altar window frames a panoramic view of the Southern Alps — a moment that stops every visitor in their tracks.

Christchurch (Pass by)

Drop-off at Christchurch. End of tour.

Location

Activity location

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- 9371, Arrow Junction, Otago Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- 9371, Arrow Junction, Otago Region, New Zealand

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