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Tour Code: 420-20720

5-Day Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown South Island Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown

Our Price: from
US$714
￥4853
€626
C$1014
Rs.67960
(Price per person based on double occupancy) Duration: 5 days Language: English; Mandarin Chinese Visit Christchurch (Arts Centre, Avon River, Bridge of Remembrance), Lake Tekapo Township (Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve), Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wanaka (Lake Wanaka, Lone Tree), Lake Pukaki.

Itinerary

Day 1:Christchurch, New Zealand

Hotel: Standard: Christchurch 3-4 stars hotel
Meals: Meal: Excluded
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be welcomed by our guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure.
  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
  • Arts Centre
    Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.
  • Avon River
  • Bridge of Remembrance
    The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.

Day 2:Christchurch, New Zealand - Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand(181 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: Tekapo holiday home and enjoy a high-end experience within the Dark Sky Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Alpine Salmon Buffet

After breakfast, our guide will lead a tour of this "Garden City." We will stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the Avon River, and pass by the symbolic Bridge of Remembrance.
After lunch, we journey to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Its turquoise color, caused by glacial rock flour, is set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We will visit the landmark Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. In the evening, a special treat awaits with a taste of the world's highest-altitude king salmon sashimi. We will stay overnight in the Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve, offering a chance to witness the breathtaking Milky Way.

  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
  • Arts Centre
    Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.
  • Avon River
  • Bridge of Remembrance
    The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.
  • Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand
    Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.
  • Lake Tekapo
    Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
    The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
  • Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve
    The Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the world's largest and most renowned dark sky reserves. Renowned for its minimal light pollution and clear skies, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the spectacular Southern Hemisphere stars and Milky Way.

Day 3:Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand - Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand - Lake Pukaki, New Zealand - Wanaka, New Zealand - Queenstown, New Zealand(280 km)

Hotel: Standard: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). We then visit the turquoise Lake Pukaki before continuing to Lake Wanaka to see the famous "Lone Tree." In the evening, we arrive in the world-renowned resort town of Queenstown.

  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
    Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.
  • Mount Cook Helicopter Tour
    Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.
    Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour
  • Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
    Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise-blue color and stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.
  • Wanaka, New Zealand
    Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.
  • Lake Wanaka
    Located at the heart of Wanaka, Lake Wanaka is situated in a glacier basin and spans an area of 72 square miles. Ideal for adventure tourism, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.
    • Lone Tree
      The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka is an iconic New Zealand sight. A single willow tree stands gracefully in the water, creating a serene and photogenic scene against the mountain backdrop, making it a must-visit landmark.
  • Queenstown, New Zealand
    Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Day 4:A full day of leisure in Queenstown or Golden Autumn Special Gift (May - Sep): Arrowtown and Glenorchy 1-day tour

Hotel: Standard: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations - a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.

Tailor your day to your interests:

  • For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.

  • For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

  • For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

  • For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.

Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.

Golden Autumn Special Gift: May - Sep, Arrowtown (Gold Mining Town) + Glenorchy (Hidden Paradise) 1-day tour. If guests have already arranged paid activities in Queenstown, it will be regarded as voluntary waiver of this day's itinerary.

  • Queenstown, New Zealand
    Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Day 5:Queenstown (no airport drop off service)

Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, enjoy free time before concluding the pleasant journey.

Departure & Return

  • Complimentary Christchurch Airport Pickup: Available on your first day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

4 Nights hotel accomodation and hotel breakfasts
Transportation (7-39 seats, The type of vehicle used will base on the number of guests on the day. 7-seat minivan; Minivan; motorcoach)
Driver-Guide
Meals explicitly listed

Price Excludes

Guide gratuities (recommended at NZD $6 per person per day). The driver-guide service is limited to 10 hours per day. Overtime is charged at NZD $150 per hour, payable in cash directly to the guide.
Meals, airfare, visa fees, and any personal optional expenses.
Any additional costs incurred due to factors beyond our control (e.g., weather, transportation, hotel availability).
Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended)

Additional Notes

Strict No-Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited in all hotel rooms and on balconies. Violators will face a minimum fine of NZD $500 imposed by the hotel. Occupants of the room will be held jointly liable for any fine issued. Non-payment will authorize the hotel to submit the claim to the New Zealand Disputes Tribunal for recovery. All resulting fines, legal costs, and any adverse effects on visas or immigration status are the sole responsibility of the individual.
Health Advisory: If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare motion sickness medication and vomit bags in advance.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover losses from unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, additional transportation, or loss of valuables. Guests who voluntarily forgo insurance will be personally responsible for all risks and associated costs.
Luggage Allowance: Due to the specific requirements of this group tour, each guest is limited to one piece of luggage not exceeding 26 inches in size.