Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Tekapo With Glacier Landing (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
- Durata: 14 Ore (aprox.)
- Cod produs: PNVQE6
At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited in 1894 by Tom Fyfe, Jack Clarke, and George Graham and remains a popular ascent to this day. However, 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 (Southern Alps) which have since become home to one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful National Parks.
So why not join us as we travel south to experience the best of what Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi 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. With additional sweeping views of Haupapa (Tasman Glacier) - our country’s longest glacier - this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, making it one of our most popular full day experiences. 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 and including an unforgettable 45 minute flight with glacier landing, this journey is one you will never forget!
Highlights and inclusions:
- Small group size
- Carbon neutral tour of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
- Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views
- Fairlie Bakehouse
- Lake Tekapo - including the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Lookout over Lake Pukaki
- Aoraki Mt Cook Village and National Park
- Ultimate Alpine Experience Flight - 45 minute scenic flight with ski plane and helicopter (includes landing on Haupapa Tasman Glacier)
- Lunch (pre-ordered from Fairlie Bakehouse), 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.
Fairlie Bakehouse (10 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 team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!
Lake Tekapo and The Church of the Good Shepherd (15 minutes) - Next up we stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Lake Pukaki (10 minutes) - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is 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.
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park (2 - 2.5 hours*) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. You will get to experience all of this beauty and more on your 45 minute Ultimate Alpine Experience flight. Taking to the air in both a skiplane and a helicopter, tour highlights include Aoraki, Hochstetter Icefall, and landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier. This jaw-dropping adventure offers panoramic views and memories that will last a lifetime.
*Please note that this product is purely for those interested in the Ultimate Alpine Experience flight. There will be no time for additional exploration of Mt Cook Village or National Park walks unfortunately. At 2:15pm, please follow your guide’s instructions as they will provide the collection time to start the return journey to Ōtautahi.
Christchurch - As we make our way back to the Garden City, sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. 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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