Day Trips from Christchurch to Lake Pukaki

Carefully timed stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender Farm offer world-class photo opportunities. Travel during lavender bloom season (Nov–Mar) for purple fields framed by snow-capped mountains. A rare addition to any day tour: NZ Alpine Lavender, the largest certified organic lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy artisan lavender ice cream, high-quality local products, and breathtaking lavender fields—only available Nov to March. Professional, experienced driver lowest price Clean Car

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to Forest Creek through to the expansive Mackenzie Basin & down to the aquamarine glow of Lake Tekapo to touch down & soak in the spectacular vista. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable azure of Lake Pukaki & head up to the famous Aoraki, Mount Cook as the Tasman Glacier comes into full view. Fly towards the Murchison Glacier to the head of the Rangitata River Valley. Sour along Mount Arrowsmith & touch down at the top of the interweaving braids of Rakaia River. Settle in for a picnic served with unobstructed views, overlooking two of Canterbury's glaciers only accessible by helicopter. After lunch, follow the wandering braids of the stony river, past Lake Coleridge & into the blockbuster scenery of the Craigieburn Basin. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook day tour from Christchurch. At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps). Escaping the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, this trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook Village. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is fully customisable and is one you will never forget!

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.

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. So why not join us as we travel to this region and beyond, experiencing the best of what Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook Village, Omarama, and the Lindis before arriving in Wānaka. You will be driven in comfort by your modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by your fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. Join us we travel to this region and beyond, experiencing the best of what Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mt Cook Village before dropping you off in Twizel. As this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, it is one of the most popular full day experiences. You will be driven in comfort by the modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by a fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

Named after James Mackenzie, an infamous local sheep rustler in the 1850s, New Zealand's South Canterbury and Mackenzie Districts are packed with highlights and scenery for you to explore. This relaxed return trip from Christchurch is the ultimate way to see some of Te Waipounamu's most iconic landscapes without all of the driving. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, this trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, Geraldine, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Pukaki, and Mt John. With optional activities available (including indoor astronomy, horse trekking, and scenic flights) to fully customise your time in Lake Tekapo, this tour is a great way to explore the region in a way that caters to your interests. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Queenstown, Christchurch, or Dunedin. For Queenstown Pickup: Pass by Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Roaring Meg & Cromwell. Stop at Lindis Pass, and High Country Salmon. For Christchurch Pickup: Pass through Geraldine and Fairlie, stop at Fairlie Bakehouse, and visit Lake Tekapo. For Dunedin Pickup: Travel via Waitaki River and Omarama, with stops at Oamaru and High Country Salmon. Enjoy panoramic stops at Lake Pukaki and a scenic drive to Mount Cook. Take in stunning views, walk the Hooker Valley Track with its swing bridges and Hooker Lake, spot alpine kea, or engage in Tasman Glacier View Walks. Visit the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s history. Choose to finish at Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin or end journey at Mount Cook. Total road time will be approximately 8.5 hours.

Instead of working out the best way to visit Mount Cook from Christchurch on your own, on this private full-day tour, let your guide handle the itinerary. Customize the tour to your liking, with the opportunity to stop for scenic hikes, visit the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, gaze up at the stars at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and much more.

Working out the best way to get to Mount Cook from Christchurch can be tricky. Instead of worrying about the journey, on this full-day small-group tour, let your guide handle your itinerary for you. Take in the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, enjoy panoramic views from the Tasman Glacier, snap photos of the mountain from Lake Pukaki, and much more.

Embarking on a road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culinary delights.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, Mountaineering History, Icebergs and Ice Caves, Panoramic Helicopter Flights, Photographer’s Paradise, beautiful lakes (Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki) and Lavender farm. We invite you to consider Kiwi Adventures Tour & Travel as an integral part of your next adventure. Our private tour offers something for everyone.

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. Travel through the Canterbury Plains with a stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for a quick breakfast or coffee. Visit the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, with an optional seasonal stop at the New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm. Continue along the stunning Lake Pukaki with incredible views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. At Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, enjoy a short walk to Kea Point / Mueller Glacier Lake Lookout. Explore the renowned Hooker Valley Track/ Tasman Valley to view the impressive Tasman Glacier before returning to Christchurch.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Tekapo on a full-day tour that showcases New Zealand's natural beauty. Start with hotel pickup in Christchurch, then visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and indulge in a delicious pie at Fairlie Bakehouse. Experience a scenic drive to Lake Pukaki, where the stunning turquoise waters await. Relax at the Tekapo Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak amidst picturesque views before returning to your hotel. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway. - Full-day tour lasting 7-8 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off - Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy scenic drives - Optional relaxation at Tekapo Hot Springs (tickets not included) - Professional English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport provided

Journey through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island on the Christchurch to Queenstown Scenic Tour. Marvel at turquoise alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and charming small towns while making multiple photo stops at iconic spots like the Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Pukaki. This tour is perfect for couples, families, photographers, and international travelers seeking a scenic experience rather than just a transfer. Enjoy friendly local hospitality in a modern, comfortable vehicle, and immerse yourself in unforgettable winter scenery along the way. Scenic tour from Christchurch to Queenstown with multiple photo stops Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Pukakio Ideal for couples, families, photographers, and international travelers Travel in comfort with friendly local hospitality and stunning views

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a one-day tour that will take you through the very beautiful Lake Tekapo. Bathe in the turquoise shimmer of lakes fed with glacial waters, explore local attractions like Church of the Good Shepherd, and take in the natural beauty. explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, Mountaineering History, Icebergs and Ice Caves, Panoramic Helicopter Flights, Photographer’s Paradise, beautiful lakes Pukaki and Lavender farm. We invite you to consider NZ Journey tours as an integral part of your next adventure. Our private tour offers something for everyone

Uncover the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, on this full-day guided tour from Christchurch. Delight in the sights of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki as you travel into Mt. Cook National Park. Experience scenic walking tracks that offer stunning views of the Tasman Glacier, the country's longest glacier. This hassle-free journey is perfect for those looking to soak in New Zealand’s natural wonders without the stress of driving. - Full-day guided tour from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt. Cook - Discover the picturesque Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki - Enjoy scenic walks with views of the Tasman Glacier - Relax in a comfortable tour setting without driving stress

Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on an air-conditioned minibus with included hotel pickup and lunch. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.

Enjoy unobstructed views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain—Aoraki Mt. Cook—and some of the South Island’s most beautiful landscapes without driving. This easy guided full-day tour from Christchurch passes Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and fields of lavender (summer only), with hiking trails in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest. Lunch is included from October onward. End back in Christchurch.