Christchurch To Queenstown Via Mt Cook Day Tour With Heli Flight (Small Group & Carbon Neutral)

At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is home to New Zealand’s highest peak and Haupapa/Tasman Glacier; the country's longest glacier. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, this tour adventures towards some of the most beautiful parts of the South Island, including Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Country, world-renowned meat pies at Fairlie Bakehouse, and Queenstown.

You will be driven in comfort in our modern Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

During your time in Mt Cook, this tour elevates your adventure and includes a breath taking 25 minute helicopter flight over Aoraki, giving you the chance to experience these majestic views from both the ground and above.

Memories made, hearts happy and photos a plenty in this tour!

Highlights:

• Fairlie Bakehouse
• Church of the Good Shepherd – Lake Tekapo
• Lake Pukaki
• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
• Helicopter flight
• Transfer to Queenstown

Itinerary:

Christchurch - Our journey begins as we leave the Garden City and head south toward our destination. Along the way, our knowledgeable driver will highlight some of the key landmarks and attractions of Christchurch.

Canterbury Plains - Surrounding Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains stretch out, offering views of farmland as far as the eye can see. The plains are home to a variety of farming activities, including crop cultivation, vineyards, dairy farming, and livestock production.

Fairlie Bakehouse (10 mins) - Nestled in the charming farming town of Fairlie in the Mackenzie district, this stop is a true delight. It is especially stunning in autumn as the landscape transforms with vibrant colors. Here, you can enjoy one of the famous meat pies from the local bakehouse. This is also where we’ll grab your lunch, ensuring you’re fueled for the rest of the journey.

Lake Tekapo & The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 mins) - Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking alpine destination. At the right time of year, the lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. We’ll head to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd; one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots, perfect for those Instagram-worthy pictures.

Lake Pukaki (10 mins) - This glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes with its shifting colors, ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of the majestic Mt Cook rising from the lake’s edge.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5 hours): Welcome to the heart of our journey! Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is named after famous explorer James Cook. Once you arrive, your guide will take you to your flight check-in for an unforgettable aerial experience over Mt Cook National Park. Please follow your guide's instructions for the pick-up time as we head towards Queenstown.

PLEASE NOTE: CUSTOMERS WILL CHANGE VEHICLES AS WE CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS QUEENSTOWN.

High Country Salmon - Departing Mt Cook, wee stop at High Country Salmon, where you can feed the fish and taste fresh salmon.

Lindis Pass - Next, we ascend Lindis Pass, a scenic spot with breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains.

Jacksons Orchard - Approaching Queenstown, we often stop at Jacksons Orchard for fresh fruit or real fruit ice cream (season dependent)

Kawarau Suspension Bridge - We pass through Kawarau Gorge and the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, a famous bungee jumping site, and the Roaring Meg Lookout.

Queenstown - As we reach Queenstown, we bid farewell, leaving you with memories and stunning photos of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.

Please note: Additional stops for bathroom breaks will be included as needed.

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Carbon Neutral
• Scenic helicopter flight
• Fully Guided Tour 
• Bottled Water
• Local Kiwi Snacks
• Wi-Fi and USB charging
• Pre-ordered lunch from Fairlie bakehouse
• Commentary from our expert guide
• 100% Kiwi experience

As this is a one-way tour, luggage is included with your booking. Each person can bring one standard check in bag up to 23kg and 1 carry on type bag. If you have additional or overweight baggage, then additional charges will apply. Please select the number of additional or overweight bags on the extras page while booking.

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

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