[Print Itinerary]     [Close Page]
Taketours.com
Phone Support: +1-617-500-7002

Tour Code: 900-20189

4-Day Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown South Island Tour from Christchurch

 

Our Price: from

$688
￥4846
€586
C$948
(per person, based on double occupancy) Available: Mon Depart from: Christchurch,
Overview
Visit Christchurch, Lake Tekapo Township (Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo), Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wanaka (Lake Wanaka, Lone Tree), Lake Pukaki.

Day 1: Christchurch - Lake Tekapo Township (181 km)

Upon arriving in Christchurch, our guide will lead a tour of this "Garden City." We will stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the Avon River, and pass by the symbolic Bridge of Remembrance.
Please note: The coach will depart Christchurch promptly at 1:00 PM. Guests with flight delays will need to arrange their own transport.
After lunch, we journey to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Its turquoise color, caused by glacial rock flour, is set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We will visit the landmark Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. In the evening, a special treat awaits with a taste of the world's highest-altitude king salmon sashimi. We will stay overnight in the Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve, offering a chance to witness the breathtaking Milky Way.

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

  • Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.

  • The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.

Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.

  • Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).

  • The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.

  • The Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the world's largest and most renowned dark sky reserves. Renowned for its minimal light pollution and clear skies, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the spectacular Southern Hemisphere stars and Milky Way.

Dulexe Hotel: Tekapo holiday home and enjoy a high-end experience within the Dark Sky Reserve.

Breakfast: Excluded|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Alpine Salmon Buffet)

Day 2: Lake Tekapo Township - Mount Cook National Park - Lake Pukaki - Wanaka - Queenstown (280 km)

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). We then visit the turquoise Lake Pukaki before continuing to Lake Wanaka to see the famous "Lone Tree." In the evening, we arrive in the world-renowned resort town of Queenstown.

Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.

  • Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.

    Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour

Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise-blue color and stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.

  • Located at the heart of Wanaka, Lake Wanaka is situated in a glacier basin and spans an area of 72 square miles. Ideal for adventure tourism, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.

  • The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka is an iconic New Zealand sight. A single willow tree stands gracefully in the water, creating a serene and photogenic scene against the mountain backdrop, making it a must-visit landmark.

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

Day 3: A full day of leisure in Queenstown

Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations—a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.

Tailor your day to your interests:

  • For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.

  • For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

  • For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

  • For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.

Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

Day 4: Queenstown

After breakfast, enjoy free time before concluding the pleasant journey.

Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded

 

Price Includes:

Price Excludes: