New Zealand Christchurch Tekapo Mount Cook Queenstown scenic 1-day tour sightseeing bus
Highlights
This one-way sightseeing bus 1-day tour to Mount Cook will take you to all the major attractions in the area, including the blue Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, and the Southern Alps. You can choose to depart from Christchurch via Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo to Queenstown, or depart from Queenstown via Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo to Christchurch.
Our drivers are all local experts. They will not only provide you with entertaining and informative historical and geographical guides throughout the journey, but also share personal anecdotes to give you a more vivid and in-depth understanding of New Zealand's culture.
From the moment you board until you arrive at your accommodation after the tour, their friendliness, expertise, and pride as national ambassadors are evident throughout.
Being in an unfamiliar city (or even an unfamiliar country!) can sometimes feel confusing. Fortunately, when you join a bus tour, the driver will pick you up from your hotel at the start of the journey. This complimentary hotel transfer service is part of the excellent service provided by our warm and friendly driver-guide.
The air-conditioned sightseeing bus provides free onboard Wi-Fi. Some vehicles are equipped with restrooms, and we also make regular daytime stops at multiple locations to allow guests restroom opportunities.
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Itinerary overview:
Christchurch - Your journey begins in the picturesque Christchurch. After leaving the city, your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure but also introduce and take you to some of the area's popular attractions.
Canterbury Plains – Starting from Christchurch, we'll cross the impressive Canterbury Plains, where you can admire many breathtaking New Zealand farmlands and countryside along the way.
Lake Tekapo – We head to the famous blue lake, Lake Tekapo, but to get there, we must first cross some impressive mountain passes and enjoy the magnificent views. After crossing the hills to reach Lake Tekapo, you'll be amazed by the stunning scenery of the lake.
The Church of the Good Shepherd – After arriving in Tekapo, you'll have time to explore the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd, see the Mackenzie sheepdog, take Instagram-worthy photos of Lake Tekapo, and then continue to Mount Cook.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Within the national park, you'll have 1.5 hours of free time to stroll/hike or participate in other optional activities. Our recommended itineraries include: Kea Point Track, Blue Lakes Walk, scenic flights (offering aerial views of the area with a landing on Tasman Glacier), or visiting the Mount Cook Travelers Center and The Hermitage Hotel. Whatever activity you choose, we'll arrange transfer service to ensure you're well taken care of.
**Please note:** Hooker Valley Track is currently closed as the Department of Conservation is replacing one of its swing bridges. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026, so the track will remain temporarily closed to the public until then.
Enjoy lunch at The Hermitage Hotel, a renowned establishment in Mount Cook Village (optional). After lunch, you'll have time to explore the village and take in the stunning scenery.
Lake Pukaki – Heading west, we began entering Aoraki National Park as Lake Pukaki came into view. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you'll ever see, with breathtaking scenery framed by Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. We stopped to take some stunning photos, marveling at the incredible beauty before us. It's no wonder many scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed nearby, and we'll point these locations out for you.
Along the way, you can enjoy afternoon tea (at your own expense) in the quaint Omarama Village. If time permits, you may also visit the Jones Family Orchard near Cromwell. The journey concludes in the evening as you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.
Lindis Pass – With its continuously rising elevation, Lindis Pass offers breathtaking valley views. It's one of only three alpine roads in the Southern Alps, providing access to areas unreachable by other routes.
Jones Family Orchard – If time permits, we often stop by Jones Family Orchard to sample or buy some delicious local fruit or authentic fruit ice cream.
Queenstown—Unfortunately, our journey had to end as we entered Queenstown and said our goodbyes.
Special note: The sequence of visits may be adjusted based on travel direction and will follow the actual selected package.
We will confirm your hotel pick-up service the night before your trip departure. If our bus cannot reach your hotel directly, we may use a shuttle service to transfer you to the bus. Please select your hotel pick-up service when making the booking.
Due to operational reasons, our buses may have different logos or brands. All trips must be booked in advance. During summer (December to February), many trips sell out quickly, so we recommend customers book early to avoid missing out.
Baggage Policy
Carry-on baggage
- Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on baggage, with dimensions not exceeding 20 cm in height × 28 cm in depth × 400 mm in length, and a maximum weight of 5 kg.
- You may carry handbags, umbrellas, walking sticks, and other assistive devices.
- Refrigerated containers, boxes, and bags containing food or frozen items will not be accepted for transport.
- You are responsible for your carry-on luggage, and the bus company is not liable for any loss or damage to carry-on items.
Checked baggage
- Each passenger can carry a maximum of 2 pieces of baggage, with each piece not exceeding 25 kg. The total dimensions (length + width + height) of each piece must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).
- If you are traveling with a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or stroller that can be folded to meet the size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, it can be counted as one of your two checked baggage allowances. If the item cannot be folded to meet the size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, it will be considered oversized luggage.
- If space is available, you may carry additional baggage for $10 per piece per flight segment, payable to the driver. Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of extra baggage space on specific travel dates or flights.
- Refrigerated containers, boxes, and bags containing fresh or frozen food and/or any frozen goods will not be accepted for transport.
- All sports equipment baggage, including golf clubs, must be packed in a secure carrying bag and meet the size and weight requirements mentioned above. This item will count as one of your two checked baggage allowances.
- As we are a passenger transport company, we do not carry cargo or unaccompanied baggage.
- Bicycles must be folded (with both wheels removed from the frame), handlebars turned sideways, and chains covered. Bicycles carried in this manner can be taken as carry-on and count as one of your two checked baggage items. If your bicycle is not folded, it will be considered oversized baggage.
- Only bus company staff can store luggage in lockers or trailers, or retrieve luggage from them.
- The bus company's liability limit for checked baggage under its care and control is $1,000 per item, excluding unsuitable checked baggage and prohibited items. Passengers are advised to purchase insurance with coverage exceeding $1,000.
Non-checkable baggage
The following items are not suitable for checked baggage. If you place such items in your checked luggage, you assume all risks, and GreatSights will not be responsible for any inconvenience, replacement, delay, loss, or damage that you or any other party may incur.
- Passport & travel documents
- Cameras, camcorders, etc.
- Computer or computer equipment
- Electrical or electronic devices
- Business documents or important documents
- Sample
- Fragile, perishable, or easily damaged goods
- Valuables, such as money, jewelry, or similar items
- Any packaging insufficient to withstand the normal effects of road transportation.
Physical requirements and mobility
Passengers must be able to board and exit independently. Long-distance vehicles have steps and internal stairs. Any passenger requiring assistance must arrange their own help at the drop-off point, as drivers cannot provide physical assistance for safety reasons.