Queenstown - Aoraki / Mount Cook - Tekapo - Christchurch panoramic sightseeing bus tour
One day tour: Queenstown - Mt Cook National Park - Christchurch
Queenstown - Aoraki / Mount Cook - Tekapo - Christchurch panoramic sightseeing bus (one-way)
Queenstown departure
One day tour: Queenstown - Mt Cook National Park - Christchurch
Introduction
From Queenstown to Christchurch, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour to the foothills of New Zealand's famous Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Departing from Queenstown, travel in a luxurious air-conditioned bus through rugged and beautiful landscapes, crossing Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country. We enter the breathtaking Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak, where we'll stop for lunch and have the opportunity to admire stunning alpine scenery. According to Māori legend, the boy Aoraki and his brothers once ran aground in their canoe. As they climbed to the higher side of the tilting vessel, the cold southern wind froze them, turning them to stone. Aoraki and his family now form the Southern Alps, which you'll see in all their glory during this journey.
During your stay in Aoraki / Mount Cook village, you can optionally enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel (additional fee required) or bring your own simple meal.
In the afternoon, pass by Lake Pukaki on the way to Lake Tekapo, where you can see the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd against the backdrop of this vivid blue glacial lake.
Then, we continue through the various farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch, concluding your journey.
Highlights
- 11 hr 50 min
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Tasman Glacier
- Lake Tekapo
- The church of the good shepherd
- Ample time is allocated for photos and stops at each iconic attraction.
Itinerary
- The tour departs from the parking lot on Athol St in Queenstown at 7:45 am
- 10:10 am Dim sum station, Omarra merino country crafts
- 12:15 pm tour arrival outside the hermitage hotel in Aoraki / Mount Cook village
- 2:00 pm tour departs from Aoraki / Mount Cook village, the hermitage hotel
- 3:30 pm stop at the church of the good shepherd and Lake Tekapo village
- 7:00 pm Arrival at Lichfield Street in Christchurch
What's included
- Panoramic sightseeing bus
- Premium air-conditioned carriage
- Onboard bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi and built-in USB charging ports
- Comfortable leather recliner
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
- Canterbury plains and Mackenzie country scenery
- Interesting driver's guide (English)
Queenstown meeting point
- Athol Street in the middle of the carpark
(Note: If you are driving to the meeting point, this parking lot does not offer full-day parking service. Please arrange your vehicle before departure.)
Christchurch drop-off point
- Next to the Lichfield Street bus stop (Christchurch city center, near Colombo Street)
Christchurch - Aoraki / Mount Cook - Queenstown panoramic sightseeing bus (one-way)
Christchurch departure
One day tour: Christchurch-Mt Cook National Park-Queenstown
Introduction
Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Southern Alps on a 1-day tour of Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Departing Christchurch in the morning, we travel through the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the stunning shores of glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can see the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the spectacular Southern Alps scenery. We then continue to New Zealand's famous mountain - Aoraki / Mount Cook, located within the national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Standing at an impressive 3,724 m, Aoraki / Mount Cook certainly lives up to its name, which can be translated as "cloud piercer" in Māori. Legend has it that a boy named Aoraki and his brothers were stranded when their canoe hit a reef. As it tilted, the brothers climbed to higher ground where they were frozen into stone by the southern wind. Aoraki and his brothers now form the Southern Alps.
Upon arrival at Aoraki / Mount Cook, you can enjoy lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel in the village (at your own expense) or bring your own simple meal. After lunch, you'll have time to explore Aoraki / Mount Cook village and admire the beautiful scenery.
Then our journey continues southward, passing by Lake Pukaki and traversing through the tawny bushlands of Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking scenery along the way. During the trip, you can stop at the quaint village of Omarama for afternoon tea (at your own expense), and if time permits, visit the Jones Family Orchard near Cromwell.
Family Orchard.
Arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, in the evening marks the end of the itinerary.
Highlights
- 11 hr
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Lake Tekapo
Itinerary
- 7:20 am departure from Lichfield Street in Christchurch
- 11:00 am stop at the church of the good shepherd and Lake Tekapo town
- 12:55 pm tour arrival at the hermitage hotel in Aoraki / Mount Cook village
- 2:25 pm tour departs from the hermitage hotel in Aoraki / Mount Cook village
- 3:30 pm rest in Omarama
- Arriving at the parking lot on Athol St in Queenstown at 6:25 pm
What's included
- Panoramic sightseeing bus
- Premium air-conditioned carriage
- Onboard bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi and built-in USB charging ports
- Comfortable leather recliner
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
- Canterbury plains and Mackenzie country scenery
- Interesting driver's guide (English)
Christchurch meeting point
- Next to the Lichfield Street bus stop (Christchurch city center, near Colombo Street)
Queenstown drop-off point
Unified drop-off and tour departure at the parking lot on Athol St in Queenstown's city center.
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