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, and the world-renowned meat pies at Fairlie Bakehouse.

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.

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

• Tasman Glacier (optional)

• Hooker Valley Track (optional)

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, you'll have the option to embark on one of two spectacular walks: the **Hooker Valley** or the **Tasman Glacier** walk. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic helicopter ride for you and your group.

- **Hooker Valley Walk (2-2.5 hours)** – As one of New Zealand's most renowned day hikes, the Hooker Valley track takes you alongside ice-covered cliffs (you might even hear them creaking) to a glacial lake with stunning views of Mt Cook.

- **Tasman Glacier Walk (2-2.5 hours)** – This track leads through the old terminal moraines of the Tasman Glacier, offering incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river, and lake.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DOC ADVERTISED TIME FOR MT COOK IS 3 HOURS. HOWEVER, DUE TO POTENTIAL DELAYS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS OR ROAD CONDITIONS, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS TIMEFRAME.

At 2:15pm, please follow your guide's instructions as they will provide the collection time to start the journey back home.

Christchurch - After a day full of unforgettable sights, we’ll return to Christchurch. You’ll be exhausted but filled with memories from this incredible adventure.

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

Inclusions:

• Small Group

• Carbon Neutral

• Fully Guided Tour (except walks)

• Bottled Water

• Local Kiwi Snacks

• Wi-Fi and USB charging

• Pre-ordered lunch from Fairlie bakehouse

• Commentary from our expert guide

• 100% Kiwi experience

Add ons:

• One-way tour to Queenstown via Mt Cook

• Scenic flights

• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre