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Christchurch to Queenstown Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook

Christchurch, New Zealand

Queenstown Day Trip From Christchurch Via Mt Cook Tekapo and Tasman Glacier

13 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Queenstown by taking an action-packed tour through the Southern Alps. Instead of just catching an uninteresting long-distance bus, take a guided tour via Mt. Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the scenic Mackenzie Country. Admire the views along the way and make plenty of stops. The tour ends in Queenstown.

Includes door-to-door pick-up and drop-off
Packed lunch, snacks, and bottled water will be provided
This is a one-way service between Christchurch and Queenstown
Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

What's Included

Pick up and Drop off
Doc concession
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Lunch
Snacks
WiFi on board
USB seat charging

Activities such as helicopter and boat rides

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

Queenstown, New Zealand
Sit back and relax while we whisk you down to Queenstown to continue your New Zealand adventure. From Mt Cook this service is operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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 Distinction 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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fairlie

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Tekapo

Admission Ticket Free

The Church of the Good Shepherd

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Pukaki

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mt. Cook Village

3 hours • 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

High Country Salmon

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lindis Pass (Pass By)

Kawarau Suspension Bridge

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Queenstown (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Infant seats available
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Stroller accessible
Most travelers can participate
Not wheelchair accessible
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

Featured review

kirton_r

Will and Dany, our leaders, were wonderful and made the 11 hour drive memorable and comfortable, with enough informative commentary and quiet time. Will was very knowledgeable and delivered his commentary with great enthusiasm. They both seemed to love their jobs and were eager to share information on this beautiful journey. I highly recommend this excursion, and it was executed perfectly without a hitch.

Reviews

4.5

23 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 23 reviews

Memorable Drive to Queenstown from Christchurch via Lake Tekapo & MtCook

pearlie_s, Apr 2024

Most memorable were the stops for small walks and photo opportunities near Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook. The not so good weather was a bit of a letdown but nonetheless all good. The drivers changed midway but both were good safe drivers.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

HI, Thank you for taking the time in writing us a review, I am glad you had a great day on board with us :) All the best for the rest of your travels.

Beautiful scenery along the way to Queenstown.

Deborah_L, Apr 2024

The landscape gets more and more beautiful as you drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. Our driver Joseph and copilot Kiley were very efficient and determined to keep us on time. The walk up to see the iceberg was the best. We then switched halfway to Sarah’s bus that got us the rest of the way to Queenstown. All was professional and we had some fun stops along the way! New Zealand is gorgeous!!

Great trip with great drivers

Louise_F, Mar 2024

Great day trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. Both drivers coped very well with a very difficult and demanding customer. Their response ensured that the trip was not ruined for everyone else. Well done Joseph and Geoff.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for sharing your positive feedback about your trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. It's great to hear that both drivers, Joseph and Geoff, handled a challenging situation effectively and ensured that the trip was still enjoyable for everyone. It's commendable to see such professionalism and customer service, and I'm sure they appreciate your recognition of their efforts. Happy travels!

See above

Ursula_M, Mar 2024

The short hike on Mt. Cook. I was impressed how well everything was organized. Liked the frequent breaks and the food.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Mt. Cook and that everything was well-organized to your satisfaction. We are pleased that you appreciated the frequent breaks and enjoyed the food provided. Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for more enjoyable adventures in the future!

Herding Cats

Mandy_P, Mar 2024

Pick up at our hotel was delayed because of late arrivals at earlier pickups - good communication from Viator as to to the delay. However the bus then backtracked to earlier sites looking for missing passengers and we ended up leaving Christchurch late and other stops were shorter because of if. In the middle of the day at Mount Cook there were supposed to be options of 2 hikes, there were not, basically only the Hooker Trail and for maybe 90 minutes, or going and waiting at the hotel. Basically entire day seemed to be condensed due to running late. Unaware that we would be switching coaches when leaving park to go on to Queenstown. Again mix ups with who is supposed to be on what bus and backtracking. Afternoon driver, Jonathan, was great.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

HI, Thank you for your review, I remember this day as it was stressful to say the least. I was in communication with the driver the whole morning trying to sort this as I did not want to leave customers going through to Queenstown behind. But I understand from a customers point of view it is not fair to be delayed on your tour due to other pick ups. We have taken this on board going further. Thank you again and I am glad the second half of the tour was good.

Long but worth it

Catherine_B, Mar 2024

The journey was long but both Joseph & Sarah made it as entertaining and informative as possible. I think the options for Mt Cook could be explained a little better in the description - I had assumed Mt Cook & the walks were both from the town and that you could explore the “town”/hotel and go for a walk, but it was one or the other. This meant waiting for some time at Mt Cook for others to finish their walks. Luckily the weather was glorious, so it was a lovely wait. The food provided was great & the snack packs were a lovely touch. I had brought snacks and didn’t need them - we were very well looked after. Overall, it was a very memorable day and while it was long, it was worth it to see all the sights.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write a review! I am so glad Joseph was able to make your transfer so smooth. All the best for the rest of your travels.

Awesome day traveling from Christchurch to Queenstown

kirton_r, Feb 2024

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review! I am so glad Will was able to make your day so special, I will pass this on as he will really appreciate it :) All the best for the rest of your travels and hope to see you on board again soon.

Discovering NZ South Island Beauty in one day

FernandoMuoz, Feb 2024

This trip was a fantastic option for going from Christchurch to Queenstown. The weather was very favorable and all the views were astonishing. Scenery is unbeatable. Our guides were really cool. They take care of you. They’ll take you to some good food stops (a store with very tasty pies in your way to the lake; super good ice creams in your way to Queenstown) They need to keep things moving, so you need to make some decisions - where to walk, what to see… perhaps some things could feel a little bit rushed - but it’s understandable as the schedule is tight. As long as you ask and understand what is best for you, you’ll be pleased. Great experience for having great flavor of the countryside of this part of NZ!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Wow what a wonderful 5 star review :) It is stated in our write up that this is a long day, for this we give timings of each stop for your convenience - we didn't mean to rush you. Glad you had a great time on board and wish you all the best for the rest of your travels.

Beautiful, long ride.

Marjory_B, Feb 2024

The van ride taking us from Christchurch to Queenstown had lovely scenery the whole way. The trip was well organized but our first stop at a lovely bakery was also the source of our lunch. It took us a couple days to eat all of the bakery items. Take note that there is an option for a two hour hike and if you have hiking shoes or sticks in your suitcase, they will not be available. The last half of the trip got pretty long, in more crowded conditions. Sometimes it appeared places we stopped for a restroom break didn’t really want us!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi, Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, I apologize you felt that the stops on the way to Queenstown felt rushed an uninterested - I have followed this up. Glad you enjoyed the lunch, we get a lot of positive comments/feedback on this! All the best,

Beautiful but LONG day.

MaryLonsdale_B, Feb 2024

Meat pie in Fairlie Ice cream in Cornwall Bus and driver excellent in first half. Not so good in second half.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, Was great to have you on board with us! :) We will addressing the second half of the tour with the appropriate company. Thank you!

Everything was perfect...

Pierre_L, Jan 2024

Everything was perfect Amazing guides with good details Nice lookout spot for pics Well organised !!!!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

HI! How wonderful! I am so glad you had such an amazing time! Thank you very much for leaving us a review, we really appreciate it! All the best for the rest of your travels

Too little time at Mt Cook, otherwise good overall.

Katie_C, Jan 2024

Instead of taking an intercity bus, we decided to incorporate a day tour into our commute from Christchurch to Queenstown. The tour description made it sound like we would have 3 hours at Mt Cook and enough time for a leisure walk of the Hooker Valley Track, but we ended up only having about 2 hours there so we couldn't get to the end of the track before turning around, so that was disappointing as that was the main reason for us to join the tour. Other than that, everything was fine, the drivers and guides were professional and there were a good mixed of stopovers, from sightseeing to salmon farm and fruit orchid visit.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

HI Kaite, Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on our Christchurch to Queenstown tour. Upon booking, you are made aware in our write up that you get between 2-2.5 hours for the Hooker Valley and you might not have time to complete the whole track. I am glad that despite this you had a great guide and felt like it was a great mix of stop overs to break up the long day. All the best for the rest of your travels.

A Scenic Journey that fills a day!

Carson_W, Jan 2024

After being picked up at our hotel, our great guide Diana provided us with a sustainable snack bag. We then made our way to Lake Tekapo, stopping at a bakery on the way. Our time at both Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki felt a little rushed, as we needed to make it to Mount Cook in time for scenic flights booked by other guests. The entire ride Diana provided us with a ton of interesting facts about NZ! Upon arriving at Mt Cook, we did not quite have time to walk the Hooker Valley Track, as again, we were tight on time for our transfer for the rest of the tour to Queenstown. We got about 2/3 into the hike, and it was fabulous! Once we got back, we swapped buses for the trip to Queenstown, and our guide Chris had a great sense of humor. We made three stops on the way, which broke up the 3.5 hour journey. Overall, a great trip, however we did feel rushed at times and in hindsight, would have liked to make this a two day trip. Make sure to plan what you want to do at Mount Cook ahead of time so you don't waste any time!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

HI, Thank you very much for your review, Dianna is great! and I am so glad she was able to provide you with such a memorable day. Guides do keep add-ons like Scenic Flights and transfer to Queenstown in mind when they do their tour however, a few things can stretch out a day, even a tour with such a set time limit at each stop. Sounds like a full on day but that you made the most out of it. I hope you had a great time in Queenstown and head back to NZ very soon! We loved having you on board and hope you see you!.

Best trip

Mila_G, Dec 2023

That trip was all impressive, but the most impressive was our guide - young lady with excellent knowledge and driving skills. I liked that we had an opportunity to choose the trail what we prefered. Most of the tourists chose longer and more popular trail, but three of us prefered trail to Tasman Glacier and lake - it was shorter and not so crowded. And all got impressions what they expected. Our snacks and lunch was delicious and big enough. Thank you for amazing memories.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

HI Mila, Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, I am so glad you had a great time on board! Dianna is an amazing guide, and we will definitely be passing your compliments on. The Tasman Glacier is a hidden gem and one that is missed quite often, but on a good day - it's absolutely magical. All the best for the rest of your travels ahead.

Best booking to Queenstown!

Robert_W, Dec 2023

The lunch from Fairlie was delicious. Our guides had great commentary of the entire route. The top of the Tasman Glacier Trail offered excellent views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and great photo opportunities.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you so much for your review! I am so glad you had such a great time! The lunch is great aye! Fairlie do an amazing job. We wish you all the best for your journey through to Queenstown and hope to see you on board again soon

Beautiful Scenery

Cindy_G, Nov 2023

Beautiful scenery. Generous lunch. Guides Well (to Mr Cook) & Chris (to Queenstown) are kind and take care of everyone. Have delicious bites of pork belly pie and freshwater king salmon sashimi.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you for taking the time to write a review Cindy. We are glad to hear you had a good time and hopefully we will see you onboard again

Great experience

Ipshita_G, Oct 2023

This would have been a 5 star trip if not for the second half of the trip which is conducted by another travel company. Jesse was amazing and I absolutely loved the first part of the trip. He was entertaining and answered questions and was engaged. He took us to all of our spots and was very knowledgeable. The sites itself are breathtaking. The lunch was great and filling and I liked the touch of the glas bottle. The second half of the trip from Mount cook was not as exciting, the guide was not engaged. We didn't do the salmon farm which I was looking forward to but he did take us to another lake. But he was really not loving it seemed like and at some spots he was "do you really want to get out" hell yeah I do. I asked two questions and never got an answer. Also we were told that we couldn't do the full hooker valley trail because otherwise we won't reach Queenstown by 9 pm. But we reached well before time and also wasted some time waiting for the transfer bus people to come back. I would have really liked the full 3 hours to do the trail and even if it meant waking up a bit earlier, as really that is the highlight of the trip. I definitely would recommend the first half of the trip, book with cheeky kia travel.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review and supply some feedback. We are glad to hear you had such a great time with us. We are disappointed to hear the second part of your trip was not as expected. We do wish you had reached out to us about this so we knew who you were and on what date your tour was. This way we could have looked into this further. We expect our partners tours to be as good as our own. We hope to see you onboard in the future

Great bakery and views

Joseph_T, Sep 2023

We were really pleased that the tour went ahead despite the bad weather and bush fire the day before. The scenery was amazing and lots of food was provided by the guide throughout the day. A special mention for the Fairlie Bakery where we stopped and had a delicious belly pork pie and sausage roll. Mount Cook village was really good and we were given plenty of time to take in the breathtaking views and take photos. Thoroughly recommend this trip.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review Joseph. It was a challenging week with the weather and fire. We are glad to hear we were able to give you a great experience considering all of this :)

Lack of information

Myra_k, Jul 2023

Dear Viator, I would like to request a refund for the portion of my paid but unused return trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. The reason for this is because at the time of my initial booking through viator, I contacted your business via phone to clarify if a return trip from Christchurch to Queenstown was possible in a single day. This was due to me having already booked my hotel accommodations in Christchurch for the entire duration of my stay in New Zealand. At the time of booking the return bus trip from Christchurch to Queenstown the female viator staff member assured me that the bus would return the same day after apparently confirming the information with the bus tour company. Unfortunately, at the time being picked up for our trip on 16 July 2023 our Cheeky tour driver Brent, advised that it was not possible to travel from Christchurch to Queenstown and return the same day due to the length of the trip. He further explained that it was only possible to return from Queenstown the following day. Unfortunately we were unable to stay overnight in Queenstown as we were not carrying any overnight luggage and had already had accommodation in Christchurch. After speaking with our driver Brent, my husband and I changed our plans and only partook in the return day trip from Christchurch to Mount Cook. As a result I would now like the remaining portion of our paid but unused trip to/from Queenstown refunded due to the inaccurate information from your viator phone operator at the time of me booking an impossible return day trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. For any further questions please call me directly at 0406412770. Cheers, Myra Knott

A wonderful experience

June_O, Apr 2023

The tour was conducted punctually. Lunch was provided for at the Hermitage Hotel. Then we were transferred to another van heading towards Queenstown. The coordination was good. We particularly liked Hannah, the driver who brought us to Queenstown. Her commentaries were cleverly presented with a tinge of humour and she was cheerful. Tony, our driver from Christchurch to Mt Cook was great guy too.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thank you for your revie June. We are glad to hear you had a good time and everything went as well as you expected. We hope you enjoy the rest of your travels :)