Christchurch
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Mt Cook Small Group Day Tour via Lake Tekapo From Christchurch

Badge of ExcellenceChristchurch, New Zealand
Mt Cook and Tekapo Small Group Day Tour From Christchurch
  • 13 hours 30 minutes
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Get out of Christchurch for the day and explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the South Island on an easy small-group day tour. Leaving Christchurch early in the morning, you’ll head to the mountains. Stop to enjoy the views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take short walks on the Hooker Track and the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand’s longest). See and do a lot on a full-day tour.
  • Refuel with lunch at the famous The Hermitage Hotel
  • Travel in a comfortable carbon-neutral vehicle
  • Avoid the hassle of self-driving in the mountainous area
  • Ideal for travelers short on time in the South Island

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • WiFi on board
  • Pick up and Drop off
  • Doc concession
  • Activities such as helicopter and boat trips

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

  • Christchurch Bus Interchange
    Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

    Please wait ready for collection at the bus stop on Lichfield Street outside the bus exchange. If you put Christchurch Bus Interchange intercity stop into google maps this will give you the correct location. Pick up time is at 06:25am

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

07:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception. Pick up times are as follows 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

What To Expect

Christchurch (Pass By)

Geraldine (Pass By)

Fairlie

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Tekapo (Pass By)

The Church of the Good Shepherd

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Pukaki

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mt. Cook Village

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hooker Valley Track

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tasman Glacier

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mt. Cook Village

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Tekapo

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Christchurch (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Frank_M
Our driver and tour guide (Brent) was very energetic, friendly, caring, funny, and knowledgeble. He made our 13.5 hour trip safe, comfortable and interesting, even though it rained heavily in the Mt. Cook area. The hotel pick up and drop off was very convinient and stress-free. The hospitality was great, including a box of snacks, drinks and a delicious lunch. The view of Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier were spectacular. I highly recommend this trip.

Reviews

4.5
124 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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0
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 124 reviews
A long day
kevin_R, Apr 2024
while our driver Joseph was excellent this is just a very long day of 14 hours. We drew the short straw and we’re in the backseat of an 18 passenger van with fogged up windows couldn’t see very much for the first several hours. It is all beautiful, but you only get very hurried stops and is very intense. just like in the United States drivers have legal hours they can drive and understand the need for speed. If we did this again, we would go one day to Mount Cook and spend the night in one of the hotels up there and then just catch the ride back. it’s just in my opinion too much for one day
I would Rather not...
Britta_K, Apr 2024
I would Rather not remember it. I Saw the same things with the Intercitybus bus from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for taking the time to write this review, I am unsure of the specific reasons behind your low rating.... as you don't go into any detail.. just that you have done a tour similar - which would mean your experiences were different... I have had a look into your tour done on the 21st January, and it looks like you had one of our highly rated guides. It was noted that there was lack of courtesy from the moment of pick up and there seemed to be an issue with communication which meant our driver had to repeat the options regarding the walks in Mt Cook 3 times to yourself before you understood what she said. It is possible that a less-than-ideal start to your day may have influenced your overall experience on the tour, meaning you felt everything provided in the tour (lunch, commentary, adequate stops) were not up to your standards? Maybe, the smaller group size might not have aligned with your preferences compared to a larger group that intercity provides. Despite the feedback, I genuinely hope you have a wonderful day ahead. Thank you.
The advertised start time...
Jakub_V, Apr 2024
The advertised start time at 7am is misleading, as the actual start is even before 6:30. This is especially problematic on Sundays, when one could make it by bus to the pickup place by 7, but definitely not earlier. Additionally, the actual start time is only revealed after the booking, which presents the dilemma of cancelling versus starting the day with a few kilometers' walk (for some). I suggest updating the advertised time to reflect the actual starting time. Other than that, it was a great experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, The tour departure information can be found on your voucher under the heading "Meeting and pickup - PICKUP POINT - ADDITIONAL DETAILS" These details and reminders were sent to you 3 times due to your last minute booking. Glad despite this you had a great time.
nice trip
Danping_S, Apr 2024
The driver is awesome, who is responsible and interesting. The route is well designed, we really enjoyed the nice view in this wonderful trip.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We are so glad you had such a great experience. We hope to welcome you again soon for another great adventure.
Mt Cook Wow, Wow
Pam_T, Mar 2024
Diane was our driver, she was so informative and helpful, fantastic commentary, can’t paise her enough.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your positive feedback about Dianna's service as your driver. We are delighted to hear that her informative commentary and helpful nature enhanced your experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and will be sure to pass on your compliments. We look forward to welcoming you on another journey soon.
Highly Recommended!
Andrew_C, Mar 2024
This was a very well organised tour, everything ran very on time. They provided enough food, drinks, bathroom breaks along the trip. Overall it was a great experience and it made it much easier to see Mt. Cook and all the stops along the way. Our tour guide was very friendly and made the long drive enjoyable! Definitely a highlight from my short trip in Christchurch
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We are delighted to hear that you found our tour well-organized, punctual, and accommodating in terms of food, drinks, and breaks. It's wonderful to know that the experience made it easier for you to visit Mt. Cook and other stops along the way. We're thrilled that our friendly tour guide enhanced your journey and made the long drive enjoyable. Your kind words are truly appreciated, and we are thrilled to have been a highlight of your trip in Christchurch. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
One of those you try without regret!
SoonMi_J, Mar 2024
Amazing!!! It was a marvellous and unforgettable trip with perfect weather and a professional guide!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're thrilled to hear that your trip was marvelous and unforgettable! Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we're delighted that our guide contributed to your experience. Thank you for choosing us for your adventure, we hope to welcome you back for more memorable trips in the future!
Great day out
Deborah_H, Mar 2024
The weather made it. Long day but well organised and a great day out. The guide was efficient and interesting. Fairlies seed bar was the best, I wish I had the recipe.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're delighted to hear that you had a great day out with us despite the long journey! It's wonderful to know that the weather played a part in enhancing your experience, and we're pleased that you found the day well-organised. Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures in the future.
Glacier full of good memories
susan_l, Mar 2024
Wonderful experience and interesting drive up to mt. Cook and seeing the alps and lakes and glaciers always inspires wonder and awe. Good driver and guide was Clive, who had a wealth of information and I especially loved stopping at the old church of the good shepherd at lake tepaku. The snacks and lunch provided did not disappoint; it was from a great little bakery and pie shop that we stopped at in route and was a freshly made sandwich with a bag of goodies. Overall I would recommend Cheeky Tours, even their internet connection was good.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you found the drive up to Mt. Cook and the sights of the alps, lakes, and glaciers to be inspiring and awe-inspiring. It's fantastic that our driver and guide, Clive, provided you with a wealth of information and that you particularly enjoyed the stop at the old church of the good shepherd at Lake Tekapo. We're glad that the snacks and lunch from Fairlie Bakehouse exceeded your expectations. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures in the future! Thank you for choosing us for your journey.
Amazing
Devin_A, Mar 2024
Amazing experience. Will was knowledgeable about all the natural things and kept us on schedule. Made seeing Mt. Cook so easy.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with us! It's fantastic to know that our guide, Will, was able to share their knowledge about the natural surroundings and ensure that your trip to see Mt. Cook was smooth and enjoyable. Keeping you on schedule and making the experience easy for you is always our goal, and we're delighted that you had a great time. Thank you for choosing us for your adventure, and we hope to see you again for more unforgettable experiences!
Missed it.
carolyn_c, Mar 2024
Missed the tour. Make sure you ask about your pick up time. I booked this tour 2 months ago. It would have been helpful to have had the pick up time on the ticket and not have to go thru to tons of emails. As time stated 7am start time. It was our only day in Christchurch. They stated they returned back but we were out waiting at 6:45.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
HI, Yes you missed the tour, I would advise not blaming our company for you not reading your ticket correctly. ALOT of our customers book through viator/trip advisor and even on the day you booked we had viator/ trip advisor customers, they were all there at their locations. I will also remind you that our driver went back after I reached out to you stating you are going to be noted as a no show. Not much else we could have done. Thanks.
Perfect way to tour Mt Cook
Jemin_A, Mar 2024
Our tour guide (Will) was great. He picked us up on time. Kept us informed of what we were seeing. Food / lunch provided was good. Nice hike at Mt Cook.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
HI! Thank you for your lovely review! I will pass this onto our driver Will, he will appreciate it :) Glad you had such a great time on board! All the best for the rest of your travels.
You have to go to Mt Cook
Hong_L, Feb 2024
The tour is very well arranged. Our driver was trying to keep things on schedule so we can enjoy Mt cook the most. If you cannot get a car or don't want to drive 8 hours, this is a good choice for you.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
HI! What an awesome review! Thank you for taking the time :) I am so glad you had a great time on board with us. All the best for the rest of your travels.
Exactly what I was looking for...
Marita_G, Feb 2024
My tour guide was Joseph and he was great! Made sure we had enough time to complete the Hooker track in Mt.Cook as well as see extras. He even handled mix ups(not on his part) and unfortunately some rude group members perfectly! The lunch is a sandwich and snacks but the bakery that makes them tastes amazing, you can even stop and buy an extra pie which i highly encourage. The schedule is tight, but i did not feel rushed i felt we had options he was respectful and considerate. Must be mindful this tour is very schedule dependent and more for people trying to see the most in a short little time. My only suggestion from the company is to give more information on lunch options and maybe providing more information on trail options prior to the trip.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for your review! Unless asked we don't specify what the pre-ordered lunch will be, but hopefully you were kept full :) We also provide the details and hike options on the write up - this is also in the pre-tour email. I will pass this lovely review onto Joseph, he will really appreciate it :) I do remember this tour and the complaints regarding the "rude group members" I am glad this did not ruin your day All the best for the rest of your travels.
Terrible company
Lara_E, Jan 2024
anted to leave this review as a cautionary tale. We cannot speak to the tour itself, but can speak to the company. My husband and I had this tour booked with Cheeky Kea for Friday, Jan 19th 2024 in November of 2023. We were aware through weather reports that the day was to see some rain, but rain and clouds can be a common occurrence and we have hiked and lived in alpine regions. Although the weather did not look the best, we were convinced that as long as hiking and some views were possible, the tour would go on and had faith that if the weather was to turn worse - the company would cancel as their posting said good weather was required. However, by midafternoon on Thursday 1/18 the weather service issued heavy rain warnings for the area as well as a wind watch for an already windy area. When we looked further into it, consistent heavy rain, flooding and low visibility were forecasted for all of Friday. We contacted the agency the afternoon prior and politely requested a refund due to the severe weather concerns posted in the areas we were scheduled to visit. We were informed that we would not be given a refund as it was less than 24 hour notice and that this was a rain or shine event. However, there is no where stated on the site posting that it is a rain or shine event and even states it requires good weather. This was also not a matter of “rain,” but rather a large storm front that ended up bringing weather warnings of heavy, day long rains, road closures and lower visibility the entire day. When we brought this to their attention, they stated they would not bring us into unsafe conditions and that type of weather should be expected for an alpine region. As someone who’s lived in an alpine region - I can say with full confidence no one would go hiking in those conditions and this was not typical, fluctuating alpine weather but rather a large storm front. The woman we communicated with via message, Elzanne, stated they would not respond to any more of our messages and would not provide any refund or remedy to the situation. We met with the tour operators in the morning and they were very nice and understanding. To be completely honest, they also seemed to have their own reservations about the weather and our ability to hike. However, they were professional and did assure us of their commitment to our safety. We appreciated their kindness and honesty and told them we would not be getting on the bus as we had limited time in a country we’ve never visited before and did not want to risk being stuck in a bus for 3-4 hour drive to go somewhere that the conditions were not suitable at all for hiking or leaving the bus. It sounds like many on the bus we were taking up to Mt. Cook were not going for a day excursion, but to be dropped off at Mt. Cook where they would stay for an additional day/days and we had our suspicions as to if that was the reason the tour continued on as those guests were trying to get a ride out there to stay there. However this was a day trip for us for hiking and the conditions were not appropriate at all. We checked multiple webcams of the area throughout the day (there are many of them online) and are so thankful we did not attend as the weather did not let up. I cannot speak to how the tour would go if weather was more agreeable and the tour guides we spoke to seemed very kind and professional. If you have a good weather day or even a day with some rain or clouds - this might be a good tour. However, if you have ANY hesitations about potential bad weather, make sure you cancel 24 hours before. They will not remedy the situation even if there are weather warnings/poor weather despite listing that this activity requires good weather. Bad business and worse customer service.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
HI, Leaving a negative review of this extent is very shocking. We believe you have left this review based on your own selfish reasons. Stating how horrible we were because you decided to cancel at 9pm for your Mt Cook tour (after hours) . your tour was scheduled at 6am the next day so yes based on our T&Cs I rejected the refund. Basing your complaint on weather when there were no warnings in place for Mt Cook or the region, all other tour operators were also running with no concern and we had zero customers on this same tour reach out to us. You then proceeded to be at the pick up location the next morning and were RUDE to our driver .. when it was not even his call. My advise is when booking a tour in the future please read the companies T&Cs - If we felt that the forecast bad weather posed a Health and Safety risk to customers, staff and equipment we would have immediately reached out. We operate in an alpine region, of course safety is our number one priority. It is also up to the customer to check the weather forecasted for the tour locations they have booked for and to make their own judgement call on whether or not they want to go ahead with the tour, but doing so with less than 24 hours notice.. we had already ordered your lunch and you paid for a seat meaning someone else couldn't go. As per our T&Cs: Cancellation requests must be received by Cheeky Kea Tours at least 24 hours prior to departure time for a full refund (single day tours). Additional activities may not receive a full refund even if the tour is cancelled by the customer with more than 24 hours’ notice. Some suppliers of activities do not provide a refund for cancellation due to weather Shocking review to say the least
Joseph is the best!
Lisa_D, Jan 2024
The tour was great and enjoyed the journey to Mt Cook. Tour guide Joseph took really good care of us and made sure we were safe a got us back safely.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
HI! Oh Joseph is the best haha what a great title. I am so glad you had such a wonderful time with us, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave this review and wish you all the best for the rest of your travels.
Loooong Drive but Beautiful Sights
Carson_B, Jan 2024
It’s a really long drive to spend 2.5 hours at Mt Cook. Luckily we had Diana as our driver because she gave us interesting information along the way and did a great job managing all the guests who each had a different agenda when we got there. I think this tour would be less tiresome if you have the ability to stay at the local hotel for the night. The van was pretty comfortable and the food provided was good. The little church was a nice stop and there is a good ice cream place at the potty/fuel stop on the way back which was a needed mood enhancer (cost not included in tour).
Response from Host, Jan 2024
HI, Thank you very much for your review, I agree, if you are able to stay in Mt Cook it is such a wonderful and amazing experience. For those who are not able to or their travel is limited, we provide our day tours to show customers the beauty this bucket list location has to offer. I am glad you had Dianna as your guide and that you had a great time with her. I will be passing this on :) It is a long day but worth it! All stops were planned with the time restraints in mind. We want to give customers the most out of their time here, hence why we start our day so early and want them home in time for dinner. . All extra stops really extend the day that much more and we do have legal driving laws for our guides. But we will take your feedback on board because customer satisfaction is very important to us. Thank you again for taking the time, we really appreciate it. All the best.
Stunning scenery
Najma_S, Jan 2024
Joseph was a great guide and driver and really made the trip interesting with his commentary. The trip was well organised and went smoothly with a delicious lunch provided by the famous bakery.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
HI, Thank you so much for your review and great comments about our driver Joseph. I will pass this on to him. I am glad you had such a great time! We loved having you on board and wish you the best for all your travels :)
Mt Cook was fabulous. It...
Shevawn_H, Jan 2024
Mt Cook was fabulous. It was a long journey but our driver, Diana, kept us entertained with information about the sites and local history along the way.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hi, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, I am so glad you enjoyed your time with not only Dianna but also the lovely journey towards Mt Cook. Hope to see you on board again soon!
Spectacular view
Jin_L, Jan 2024
Thanks to our driver and tour guide - Joseph, I had a great time. The view from the lake and mountain was spectacular. Even the view on the way was amazing as well.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
HI, Thank you for your review, we really appreciate you taking the time. I will pass your lovely mention on to Joseph :) All the best,
...

From $151.15

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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