Lake Pukaki and Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch

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. From townships servicing rural communities to alpine lakes and everything in between, this relaxed return trip from Ōtautahi Christchurch is the ultimate way to see some of Te Waipounamu's most iconic landscapes without all of the driving.

So join us as we travel south to experience the very best of what the central South Island has to offer. 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! 

Highlights and inclusions

• Small group size
• Carbon neutral tour to Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
• Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views
• Geraldine and Fairlie Bakehouse
• Lookout over Lake John and Mt John
• Lake Tekapo - including the Church of the Good Shepherd and optional activities (pre-booking required)
• Lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
• WiFi and USB charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi as experience

Itinerary

Christchurch - We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head south, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.

Canterbury Plains - Travelling across the Rakaia bridge and inland towards mid-Canterbury, you will notice both the region’s unique braided river ecosystem and patchwork fields. Farms on the plains are home to a variety of activities, including crop cultivation, viticulture, dairy farming, and livestock production.

Geraldine (20 minutes) - Our first stop of the day is Geraldine. Arriving in time for morning tea, enjoy a coffee at a local cafe (at own expense) and a brief stroll through the local shops. This small South Canterbury town is also home to Barker's of Geraldine. Here, you can sample their delicious jams, chutneys, sauces, and syrups from their food store and pantry and even purchase a jar (or two...or three!) to take home. Our team's favourite? Strawberry Jam...and their famous Chocolate Sauce!

Fairlie (20 minutes) - Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our personal recommendation is the classic steak and cheese! 

Lake Pukaki (10 minutes) - Next, we stop at Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge. Framed by the mighty Southern Alps, you are guaranteed to capture some breathtaking photos. 

Mt John (15 minutes) - Home to Mt John Observatory (also a field station for Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha: University of Canterbury), the summit offers incredible views over Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina, and the Mackenzie Basin. While we will not have access to go inside the Observatory itself, on fine days, the views from the top give a greater appreciation for the district's rugged beauty. 

Lake Tekapo (approx 2 hours) - After an action-packed morning, we arrive at Lake Tekapo early afternoon. Before departing, we will stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Opened in 1935, the church is one of New Zealand's most photographed locations. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is also adorned with clusters of wild lupins, making it a must-do on many bucket lists. Prior to this, you will have some free time to yourself. While some may choose to simply explore the area on foot (local shopping/Cowan's trail), other activities can be booked and paid for directly on request request to ensure your spot within the tour timings. Please note that these are booked separately and are subject to availability/requirement of minimum numbers (please note that only one of the below activities will be available to you during the allotted time).

• Dark Sky Indoor Stargazing Experience (45 minutes to 1 hour) - This indoor interactive astronomy tour is a great option for those learning more about world of tatai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its pivotal role to the Māori understanding of the universe. Using incredible immersive visual displays, the tour explores the science-based narrative of how living beings came to be, delves into the depths of the Milky Way, and gets up close with the impressive 125 year old recently restored Brashear telescope.

• MacKenzie Horse Trekking (30 minute or 1 hour trek options available - available on request; availability is limited so please contact us in advance). Please note that the minimum age is 6 years. Weight and height of all guests are required (max weight limit is 115kg) prior. Please be honest to ensure the comfort and welfare of the horses. All guests must also have a reasonable level of fitness to get on/off, and balance yourself whilst onboard your horse for a long period of time. The operator reserves the right to cancel your trek with no refund if you arrive on the day and found to be over the weight limit or unfit to participate in this activity.

• Scenic flights available - please contact us directly for more information.

Rakaia Gorge (5 minutes - summer only) - Departing Lake Tekapo, we begin our return trip north to Christchurch. En route, we will make a brief photo stop at Rakaia Gorge. Flowing from the mountains to the sea, the gorge was carved by former glacial and lava flows; consequently, the river bed and gorge embankments are as geologically rich as they are geographically. 

Christchurch - As we make our way back to Ōtautahi, sit back and relax. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.

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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