Travel by road on a full day tour from Christchurch to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain. Along the way you'll pass through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains, view MacKenzie Basin, Lakes Tekapo and Pukari and Tasman Glacier. Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel as well as morning and afternoon snacks are also included on your guided tour.
A short stop at either the Tin Shed (an old shearing shed selling discount sweaters) or at Barkers Winery for tastings of wines, sauces and jams. Continuing through the foothills of the Southern Alps from Geraldine to Fairlie and through the MacKenzie Basin, with its brown snowgrass-covered landscape which has an almost desert like aspect, to Lake Tekapo. There is the opportunity to take an idyllic photograph of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of magnificent alpine scenery.
Next, it's onto Lake Pukaki where the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin with Mount Cook and the surrounding snow covered peaks in the background. Lunch is at the Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park. Following lunch an alpine flight over the National Park can be arranged with Mount Cook Airlines (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Glacier landings by ski planes are also available (optional at additional cost, payable direct).
Next, you'll explore the Tasman Glacier where a twenty minute climb by foot will take you to the top of the terminal moraine, this vantage point provides views of both the Tasman Glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. Return by coach in the afternoon, stopping at the Canterbury high country town of Fairlie for late afternoon tea.
Commences: Christchurch, New Zealand Departure Point:
Tour departs from selected Christchurch hotels
Departure Time:
8:00am
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details:
Returns to original departure point at approximately 9:00pm
Additional Information
Inclusions:
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Live commentary on board
Morning tea
Afternoon tea
Lunch
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Other Information:
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
The walk up the terminal moraine of the Tasman Glacier is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Special Policy:
Travel Voucher
For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher for presentation at the destination. You will receive a link to your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.
Local Operator Information
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Note: Flights are NOT included and unless otherwise stated above transfers and car hire are also NOT included.