Itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook
Pass By: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Pass By: Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Kawarau Bridge, Gibbston New Zealand
Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing beautiful views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.
Stop At: Cromwell, Cromwell, Central Otago, Otago Region, South Island
Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Lindis Pass, Omarama New Zealand
Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valley. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the Lindis Pass lookout 971m above sea level for an essential photo.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Omarama, Omarama, Canterbury Region, South Island
While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why so many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, 1 Larch Grove, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7999 New Zealand
Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
While in the national park you have 4 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: The Hooker Valley hike -this easy 3 hour fairly flat walk is considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful hikes. Heli Hike - this adventure on the Tasman Glacier is the ultimate way to enjoy the area. Scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier. Whatever you have decided to do, we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Farewelling Mt Cook we make our way to Lake Tekapo for the night. This turquoise blue lake is famous world over for its beauty and how pristine it is. We arrive early evening so you can enjoy exploring and buy some dinner at a local restaurant of your choice. At night and weather depending you can choose to participate in one of the famous stargazing optional extra activities, for an additional price.
Duration: 14 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation at Lake Tekapo - 1 night 3* double or twin share accommodation included in tour price.
Day 2: Tekapo to Queenstown
Stop At: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
After a relaxing night at Tekapo Day 2 starts with a guided tour of the local highlights such as the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mackenzie dog before starting to head back toward Queenstown.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: High Country Salmon, State Highway 8, Twizel 7944 New Zealand
On our way to Queenstown we will make a stop at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Mrs Jones Fruit Orchard, 489 Kawarau Gorge Road, Cromwell 9384 New Zealand
During summer months when the sun is still up and we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Mrs Jones Suncrest Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Duration: 5 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.