▲ Depart from Queenstown and head north along the Southern Alps, passing through Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. After free time at Mount Cook, continue to Lake Tekapo and finally arrive in Christchurch, completing this classic cross-South Island scenic route.
▲ Travel in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or similar vehicle) with a local driver-guide throughout the journey. Compared to large tour buses, the vehicle is more flexible and can arrange brief stops at multiple viewpoints based on road and safety conditions, allowing travelers to appreciate and photograph the natural scenery along the way.
▲ After leaving Queenstown, first traverse Kawarau Gorge. Known for the Kawarau River winding through the canyon, it is also the birthplace of the world's commercial bungee. Along the way, admire the steep canyon, river and mountain view, an important section before entering the Southern Alps.
▲ Lake Pukaki is located south of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, renowned for its blue glacial waters. The itinerary will follow the lakeshore toward Mount Cook, offering views of the natural scenery where Aoraki/Mount Cook meets the lake on clear days. Specific stop arrangements will depend on actual conditions.
▲ After entering Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, drive along the road to Mount Cook Village, and Aoraki/Mount Cook gradually comes into view. Along the way, you can admire the natural view of alpine, grassland and glacial landscapes intertwined, and it is also an important gateway to attractions such as Hooker Valley Track and Tasman Glacier.
▲ After arriving at Mount Cook Village, enjoy free time according to your selected package. You can visit the Sir Edmund Hillary statue, visitor center, Hermitage Hotel surroundings, cafes and gift shops, and admire the views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding alpine landscapes up close. Specific activities can be freely arranged based on personal interests.
▲ [Optional Hooker Valley Track experience] The Hooker Valley Track is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and is one of the common alpine tracks in the Mount Cook area. During free time at Mount Cook, you can choose to hike based on personal fitness, available time, and track opening conditions. The open range of the track and actual visiting time are subject to weather, road conditions, and on-site operations, with the final arrangement determined on the day.
▲ [Optional 25 minute helicopter flight] Take a helicopter from Mount Cook Airport, fly over glaciers, snow peaks and alpine valleys, and enjoy the view of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding national parks from the air. Some flights include alpine landing when weather and safety conditions permit. The specific flight route, landing location and departure time are subject to the airline's arrangement on the day.
▲ Head to Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise glacial waters and Southern Alps backdrop that attract travelers. From late spring to summer, colorful lupins can be seen around Lake Tekapo. The blooming period and conditions vary depending on the year's climate, so the actual flower quantity and viewing experience may differ.
▲ The Church of the Good Shepherd is located by Lake Tekapo and is a representative historical building in the Mackenzie region. During the itinerary's stop in Tekapo, you can visit the church surroundings and the sheepdog memorial statue for photos, then continue driving toward Christchurch. (Guests disembarking at Tekapo cannot visit this location)
▲ Booking notes. The itinerary, time, and images shown on this page are for reference only. The actual meeting time, visiting sequence, and return time are subject to the operator's arrangements on the day. Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes in advance. An electronic confirmation is sufficient to participate in the itinerary; no printing is required. If you select a package that includes a sightseeing flight, please provide the accurate weight of each passenger. Flight time, plane model, and landing arrangements will be confirmed based on weather and flight safety requirements.
▲ [Notes] This product includes a ground sightseeing itinerary, with the sightseeing flight as an additional experience included in the selected package. The flight activity is subject to weather conditions, visibility, and flight safety. If the sightseeing flight cannot proceed due to weather or flight safety reasons, the unused flight experience fee will be refunded according to the operator's policy, while the ground bus sightseeing itinerary will proceed as scheduled without being affected. Please wear comfortable, non-slip footwear and prepare warm clothing, sun protection, or rain gear based on the weather. Specific arrangements are subject to the operator's notification on the day.