Marvel at New Zealand’s breathtaking alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and iconic landmarks on this unforgettable Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo day tour. Experience the best of the South Island in a single day.
We’ll visit Mt Cook Village, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, and explore the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Traveling in a small group with an expert guide, enjoy scenic stops, fascinating insights, and memories of stunning views to last a lifetime.
Days
- 1 day
Group size
- Max 24
Start / finish
- Christchurch / Christchurch
Return
- See itinerary for details
Transport
- An air-conditioned mini bus with a guide, out of Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and back the same day. At Mount Cook the guide drops you at whichever walk or activity you choose and picks you up again.
Meals
- Lunch is picked up at the Fairlie Bakehouse, a Mackenzie country stop known for its pies.
Route
Included experiences
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park — two and a half hours at the village, free to walk or explore
- Kea Point and the Tasman Glacier walk — two of the best short tracks in the park
- Lake Tekapo — turquoise water and the little stone Church of the Good Shepherd
- Lake Pukaki — one of the bluest lakes you will see, framed by Aoraki and the Southern Alps
- Lord of the Rings filming locations, pointed out by your guide near Lake Pukaki
- The alpine passes over into the Mackenzie, with views along the way
- Fairlie — a stop at the Bakehouse, at its best when the autumn colour is out
- Canterbury Plains — the farmland drive out of Christchurch
- Optional at Mount Cook — a scenic flight landing on the Tasman Glacier, or the Hermitage visitor centre
- A last stop at Lake Tekapo in the evening light on the way home
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
5.0
Based on 114 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 114 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the guides' extensive knowledge of the region's geology, history and local culture, which transforms the long drive into an engaging experience, alongside the spectacular scenery of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. What stands out most is travellers' appreciation for guides who are not only knowledgeable but also personable, accommodating and entertaining, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes the demanding 12-13 hour day enjoyable rather than exhausting; many also highlight the quality of included refreshments from local bakeries and the well-timed stops for photography. The most common caveat is that time at individual stops, particularly at Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook itself, can feel limited given the long overall journey, and weather occasionally obscures views of Mount Cook, though guides are consistently noted for adapting itineraries flexibly to make the most of conditions.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Great experience”
The pickup was punctual and the whole day ran to a tight schedule, with a guide Tan D rated as excellent.
“Stunning Views All Day”
A long day but worth it, with Grant's deep local knowledge adding much more than a self-drive trip would. Jeanine opted for the short Tasman Taster helicopter flight, which was scenic despite tight seating for photos, and chose not to fit in the longer walks at Mt Cook. Clear skies made for a lucky, memorable day.
“Happy trip to Mount Cook”
Good weather meant a dry hike and clear views of Mount Cook. On the return leg, the guide's brother took the group to try a delicious pie.
“Well spent day”
Pickup and the drive ran on time, and driver-guide Max gave rich historical context about the region throughout the day.
Visited Mount Cook and had a great time. Driver Jason was knowledgeable and drove safely throughout -- lots of fun.
“Nice tour”
Lake Tekapo was a highlight, though fog and a traffic accident cut into time at Mount Cook and meant missing the glacier. Cheeky Kiwi and the guide kept the group well informed about the changed plans, and Lisa would still recommend the company.
“PERFECT! I had a wonderful day”
Guide Rosy was knowledgeable and shared plenty of interesting information, and the whole day was well organized.
“Spectacular South Island Experience with an Excellent Guide”
Despite the roughly five-hour drive each way from Christchurch, Svetlana found the day trip well worth it thanks to guide Grant, whose geology background made his commentary on the South Island's landscape especially rich. As a deaf traveler, she appreciated how accommodating he was of her communication needs. The group had about two sunny hours at Mt Cook, and on the way back the fog had lifted enough to enjoy clear views at the Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Tekapo.
“Mt Cook day trip”
Guide Rosie was warm, friendly and informative, and the group felt a real connection with her by the end of the day. Nandini found her professional and highly recommends booking with Cheeky Kiwi, especially if you're lucky enough to get Rosie.
“Cheekykiwi: Christchurch to Mt. Cook”
Emily was worried the clouds wouldn't clear, but they did and the views ended up amazing. It was a 12-hour day with several stops and about two hours at Mt Cook, a knowledgeable driver, and just eight people in the group, which made for a fun, sociable atmosphere. She'd happily book with Cheeky Kiwi again.
“Memorable trip”
Driver-guide Paul kept things light with silly jokes to break the ice, and Tracy is looking forward to booking more trips with the company.
“Must do!”
A must-do experience — Lewis got lucky when the clouds parted for about an hour at Mount Cook, which made the visit rather than a washout. Service throughout was professional.
“Wonderful Trip”
Driver Grant was accommodating and friendly, and although the photo stops were on the short side given how long the drive is, Ruth Joy still had a great overall experience.
“great and recommended”
A great experience with wonderful fellow travelers and excellent views along the way.
“Good tour to visit the beautiful MT COOK”
Everything about the tour felt well run — the guide was informative, recommending good food and viewpoints along the route, and snacks, lunch and drinks were provided.
“Excellent”
Andy was especially grateful to driver-guide Mr Pol, who was responsible, attentive and patient throughout, going out of his way to look after the group's needs. His professionalism made for an unforgettable day, and Andy highly recommends the tour.
“Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo April '26”
Guide Jay was wonderful and knowledgeable, making the trip enjoyable from start to finish.
“Top tour”
Guide Renee was excellent — knowledgeable, professional and personable — and the day ran like clockwork. Mick also praised Cheeky Kiwi's booking team for being responsive, and would definitely recommend the tour.
“Breathtaking”
A great pick for young solo travelers — guide Renee was kind and accommodating, and Ellianna would book again.
“Nice tour guide and atmosphere”
The guide was professional and friendly, and the atmosphere within the group was enjoyable. Lunch was good too, with plenty of chips provided as snacks.
“No driving with small tour group”
Fog meant no views of Mount Cook this time, but Hung still had a good day thanks to driver Grant, who was personable and flexible with just three guests in the van and threw in a few surprise stops to make up for it. This was Hung's fifth tour with Cheeky Kiwi, and the small-group style with a friendly driver keeps bringing them back — a good option if you'd rather not drive yourself.
“Excellent day tour”
Guide Grant from Cheeky Kiwi was excellent and extremely knowledgeable, and the day tour to Mt Cook was thoroughly enjoyed.
“Another great tour experience with CheekyKiwi”
Grant was an excellent guide and driver who kept the group comfortable and entertained with jokes and stories along the way. Cornelius was glad to have taken a tour rather than driving themselves, since it meant they could relax and enjoy Grant's well-chosen stops with spectacular views, and would certainly recommend it.
“Liked it , nice”
Everything ran smoothly from pickup to drop-off, and the guide kept the group informed and engaged throughout. Rain fell for most of the day, but the views — especially around Lake Tekapo — were still breathtaking and memorable. Sanjay felt it might have been even better to stay overnight at Tekapo and see Mt Cook from there.
“Exploring Mt. Hook and the area”
An absolutely enjoyable tour, with Bobbi as an amazing guide.
“Renae rocks”
Guide Renae was cheery, helpful and entertaining, and her confident driving put the group at ease. Susan had a great day and highly recommends her.
“A wonderful experience”
Joel was a fantastic, down-to-earth and knowledgeable guide. It was a long day but very worthwhile, and Alice would recommend it.
“A day trip to Mt Cook and Lake”
A good, enjoyable day trip that samant p thoroughly enjoyed.
“A total feast for the eyes!!!”
A brilliant, if early, start to a long drive that Maria felt was well worth it, with a comfortable ride and ever-changing scenery along the way. The guide was knowledgeable, and good weather meant Lake Tekapo's colour and Mount Cook both looked stunning. Her only wish was for more time at each stop, since Tekapo in particular was just a quick photo stop, but she'd still recommend the tour.
“An amazing trip”
The scenery was beautiful and the bus comfortable, but the real highlight was the guide — so knowledgeable and easy-going that the day flew by. Johnni highly recommends the trip.
“Great trip to Mount Cook”
Guide Cosmo was outstanding, sharing knowledge on everything from geography and local history to farming and mountain climbing. The day was long but totally worthwhile, and he kept the group on schedule with about two hours to hike in the national park.
“Great experience despite the weather”
Poor weather meant no great views of Mount Cook this time, but the guide still made sure everyone in the group — whatever their ability or interests — had a good day.
“Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook”
This was a gifted tour and Tori found it beautiful — a cloudy start cleared up into stunning views at both Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook. The van was comfortable and lunch was good. The one thing that kept it from five stars was the driver, whose information was great but who came across as a bit irritated in the group setting, even though she was warmer one-on-one — a different feel to another tour they'd done in New Zealand.
“Would highly recommend to others !”
Trisyia found the Christchurch day trip to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo memorable despite gloomy skies, largely thanks to guide Grant, whose passion and attentiveness elevated the whole day. Travelling solo without a rental car, she found the tour convenient and stress-free, letting her take in the scenery without worrying about logistics, and highly recommends it to solo travellers especially.
“Great City Tour”
A very informative tour with a knowledgeable driver — an easy, great way to see the sights.
“Great 1 day trip by Cheeky Kiwi Travel”
Mount Cook National Park offered amazing, stunning sights, and guide Renee got kudos for the day. Kuin706's one suggestion was to extend the time at Mount Cook by about half an hour.
“Highly recommended”
The guide was polite and shared plenty of useful information about the sights passed en route — Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and more. Lunch, snacks and the vehicle were all good, and the scenery was mesmerizing; this reviewer would definitely recommend the route as a one-day trip with Cheeky Kiwi.
“Great experience!”
A lovely tour with Jay as a fantastic guide who took great care of the group. Allison notes that Mt Cook and Tekapo are hugely popular with tourists — busy like a major museum — but even with 13 people in their group, the day felt comfortable, informative and worthwhile.
“Simply stunning! Outstanding guide Renee.”
It was a long day of travel but well worth it — Lake Tekapo was stunning, and Mount Cook was on another level entirely. Guide Renee made the journey genuinely enjoyable, driving carefully and safely while giving informative commentary through her headset, unlike some other drivers on the road. Her bubbly, professional manner put the group at ease throughout, leaving a day that will stick in the memory.
“An incredible act of kindness – thank you Cheeky Kiwi!”
Kimberly lost a child's backpack at Lake Tekapo during the tour and didn't expect to see it again. Natalie at Cheeky Kiwi got Jay to go back and search, and the next morning he found it and drove it 200-300 kilometres to deliver it to their next hotel. Kimberly was deeply touched by the effort Natalie and Jay went to.
“Most enjoyable”
A 13-hour day that's exactly as long as it needs to be — plenty of sites, a good taste of local culture, and time to explore the mountains at your own pace. Shout-out to guides Joel and Renee.
“Cook Mountain with high sunlight”
Chunchun appreciated how carefully the guide introduced the day, and was lucky enough to spot a halo — an atmospheric optical effect around the sun. The group didn't do the Tasman Glacier ice walk, though there were views up toward the Blue Lake area. The Hooker Valley Track was only partially open due to flood damage from 2025, limiting the walk to the first hanging bridge, but there were still good views of the Mueller Glacier and Mount Cook.
“Enjoyed our tour”
Guide Grant was knowledgeable and full of information. It rained for most of the day, but extra side stops at other viewpoints Grant added still made for an enjoyable tour.
“Beautiful day around Mt. Cook”
Heather and her husband enjoyed the day thanks to guide Grant's geology knowledge and entertaining commentary on the drive. The stops were short but well timed, and lunch and snacks were a nice touch on what was a long but enjoyable day.
“Fabulous alpine experience”
Peter gave five stars to guide Willem, whose commentary was informative and well timed around breaks for breakfast, lunch and snacks. The lake, glacier and alpine scenery rivalled anything he and his wife had seen in 50 years of travel, with a highlight being the climb to view the Tasman Glacier. The long day flew by thanks to a friendly, international group atmosphere, capped off when the guide played each nationality's anthem on the drive back into Christchurch to enthusiastic applause.
“Exploring the magic of Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo”
A professionally run, smooth tour with amazing scenery at both Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Highly recommended.
“Long day but packed wirh info and experiences and vistas of…”
A 12-hour day packed with interesting information and scenic stops, plus good snacks and fresh produce at lunch. Helmac's only suggestion was to offer pickup from a wider range of hotels.
“Amazing Views, Great Tour Guide”
Guide Mike was attentive, professional and kind throughout the 13-hour tour, juggling driving, commentary, multiple pickups and drop-offs, lunch distribution and rest stops without missing a beat. The sightseeing at Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo was picturesque, and the whole day stayed right on schedule.
“Amazing day”
An incredible day with guide and driver Sha, who was informative, funny and drove safely. One practical tip from Jeff and Sharon: there's only one toilet at the Lake Tekapo stop, so go early, as their group lost about ten minutes waiting. They also felt a longer stop at Lake Pukaki would have been nice.
“Excellent Experience!”
A perfect, well-organised day with great food and an amazing guide. Romina found the time at each stop a little tight but was happy overall, and has already booked another trip.
“Natalie was a cheeky but lovely kiwi”
Driver-guide Natalie was knowledgeable and funny, and her stories both educated and entertained the group. The 12-hour day flew by amid beautiful scenery.
“A trip highlight!”
With limited time in the area, Emily found this trip to Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook well worth it. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, the provided snacks and lunch were generous, and there was plenty of time at each stop. She gave a special shout-out for how carefully the operator accommodated her husband's peanut allergy after being told about it in advance.
“Magical Experience”
A wonderful, beautiful day out, with the Tasman walk and stops along Tekapo and Pukaki feeling magical. Guide Rosie was so friendly that Cynthia can't say enough good things about her, and plans to recommend the tour to friends and family.
“Great trip”
A great trip with a terrific, personable and helpful guide in Carl. Highly recommended.
“I recommend it.”
A long tour, but a lot of fun getting to know fellow travellers, and the guides' stories added to the enjoyment.
“Great day trip”
Guide was awesome and knowledgeable, stopping at plenty of great photo spots. Martin only had a single day to see Mt Cook, and this tour was a perfect fit for that.
“An awesome day seeing awesome sights!”
The driver's knowledge of the area was exceptional, and the views were breathtaking. As a first-time visitor to New Zealand, Annette found this an amazing experience and highly recommends it.
“Beautiful scenic tour to the Southern Alps”
A long but very worthwhile day, with driver-guide Carl proving both knowledgeable and friendly. He even drove back to where they'd stopped so S M could retrieve a phone left in the van, which she was extremely grateful for.
“Recommend!”
A comfortable ride with good explanations of Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook along the way — a genuinely valuable experience.
“Spectacular Mt Cook”
An all-day tour where Sandy could just sit back and enjoy the ride, thrilled by the views of Mount Cook and seeing more of the country from a comfortable van. Driver-guide Grant and good company among fellow travellers made the drive itself enjoyable.
“Great tour! Super interesting!”
Plenty of great scenery on this tour, and guide Yanis was fantastic. The one downside was that mid-route pickups and drop-offs for other passengers ran late, and since the itinerary is already tightly timed, the delay meant the group had to skip one of the planned stops — worth avoiding too many extra pickups during the day.
“5 Stars”
Beautiful scenery and a fantastic guide in Yanis. Lunch was handed out quite early in the day, so Conner chose to eat at the cafe at Mt Cook instead — a must-do tour overall.
“Highly recommend!!”
A fantastic, well-organised day with stunning scenery — Sonja was lucky enough to see snow at Mt Cook as well as good weather generally. The picnic lunch was tasty, there were plenty of photo stops, and guide-driver Jay was friendly, knowledgeable and a great driver. Highly recommended as a way to see Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook and everything in between.
“Excellent, recommend this travel.”
A great guide for the trip — kind, understanding of everyone's individual needs, approachable and knowledgeable.
“Favourite trip to-date!”
Went along solo but quickly fell in with a friendly group along the way. The atmosphere on board was really welcoming, helped along by guide Will's music choices and easy-going guidance.
“Great solo adventure opprotunity”
A great way to get out of Christchurch and into the Southern Alps, especially handy since the park is otherwise hard to reach independently. The guide was charismatic, knowledgeable, and managed the group well; being tall, the reviewer found the back of the van a bit tight, so recommends grabbing a seat further forward.
“Must Do”
Loved the trip out to Mt Cook, with the scenery brought to life by an amiable, knowledgeable guide's commentary. A must-do while in the area.
“Worth it”
Guide Karl clearly loves showing off his country and it showed. There's a fair bit of driving involved, but for anyone short on time outside Christchurch, this is a great way to take in the mountains and some stunning lakes.
“High recommendation! ⭐️”
Both the driver and guide Karl were lovely, and the tour was well worth doing. It's a long day on the road, but it's broken up with New Zealand music, plenty of toilet stops, and lots of commentary on the area.
“Wonderful journey in Canterbury with Cheeky Kiwi Tour to…”
A wonderful day out with Cheeky Kiwi taking in Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. The guide was pleasant and full of stories, the weather was glorious, and there were plenty of photo stops. Good value for money, with a nicely sized group of 7-9 people, plus a chance to pick up tasty pies in Fairlie.
“An enjoyable tour”
Really enjoyed the tour with Rosie as guide -- the stops were well timed, the scenery was gorgeous, and the view of Mount Cook was a definite highlight.
“Long day trip from Christchurch, but just do it!”
A long day, but a fantastic one taking in the iconic Southern Alps scenery, with great stops at both Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. The drive into Mt Cook was spectacular in the autumn melt, and although flights were grounded by strong wind, the short walk to the Tasman Glacier viewing area more than made up for it -- the colour of the glacier lake and the view down the valley were unforgettable.
“Great tour and great guide”
Mother and daughter joined the Mt Cook tour with driver-guide Grant, who was endlessly knowledgeable and friendly. As a former teacher who knows the area well, he shared great stories about local families, farming, and the geology and formation of the mountains, and even made an unplanned stop at a shop just for them. It made for a long day, but one they thoroughly enjoyed thanks to Grant's obvious passion for sharing the region with his passengers.
“Fantastic Mt. Cook Day Trip with Grant”
A great day trip from Christchurch to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo with guide Grant, who was excellent -- kind, personable and full of knowledge, answering every question along the way. He kept things running smoothly while still allowing time for photo stops, making for a well-organised, scenic day that's easy to recommend.
“Highly informative”
A fabulous day out with guide Josh, who was informative and friendly throughout. The small group size made it feel more personal -- highly recommended.
“excellent tour”
A wonderful trip with a friendly, knowledgeable driver and excellent service overall -- definitely worth joining.
“Excellent trip with stunning views you don’t want to miss”
A must-do while on the South Island -- breathtaking scenery, a knowledgeable guide, and memories to last a lifetime, with Cheeky Kiwi recommended for other trips too. Adding on a helicopter/ski-plane flight allowed for a landing and walk on the Tasman Glacier, an experience beyond words.
“Memorable moments: A trip full of lasting memories—stunning…”
Guide Joseph was fantastic -- knowledgeable, engaging, and happy to go the extra mile even when the weather didn't cooperate, helping the group see the area in a new light. The booking agency was also friendly and well organised, making the whole day easy and stress-free.
“Best tour guide”
High praise for guide Joseph, who went well above and beyond to keep everyone safe, comfortable and entertained. A smooth, careful driver with real passion for the job, he kept the mood upbeat with well-chosen music, engaged with every passenger, knew the best scenic stops, and even took photos for the group along the way -- an outstanding guide, highly recommended.
“Beautiful scenery”
Guide and driver Will was excellent company -- full of interesting information, helpful, and a safe driver throughout.
“The trip is a must do g=for those do don't drive like me.”
A great option for those who'd rather not drive themselves. Guide Joseph from Cheeky Kea was entertaining and well-spoken, keeping everything running smoothly throughout the trip.
“Highly Recommend! Great day”
A brilliant day out with guide Will, who was fantastic. Lucky with the weather, the group took in beautiful views at Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook, with a great lunch and plenty of time at each stop for photos.
“Beyond expectations”
The day just kept getting better, with a comfortable, informative tour and a guide who looked after the group brilliantly -- even the reviewer's 80-year-old mother had a wonderful time. Thanks to guide Jess for making it so enjoyable.
“Fully recommended”
A lovely driver-guide who adapted the stops to make the most of a foggy day so the group could still see everything -- fully recommended.
“5 Stars – Unforgettable Experience!”
This tour was the highlight of a first trip to New Zealand. Driver Nick was insightful, punctual and thoroughly entertaining, with stories and local knowledge that made the long day fly by -- the only regret was forgetting to grab a photo with him. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to make the most of their time in NZ.
“amazing experience”
Stunning views, a safe and accommodating driver, and a well-informed commentary -- highly recommended.
“A beautiful day trip from Christchurch through…”
Incredible scenery with plenty of great photo opportunities. Guide and driver Phil was informative, well organised, and managed the group calmly to make the most of every stop, with good bathroom/stretch breaks along the way and a comfortable vehicle.
“Amazing trip”
A breathtaking day exploring Aoraki/Mount Cook with guide Will, who was knowledgeable, passionate and engaging, sharing plenty of insight into the area's history, geology and wildlife. He made everyone feel comfortable and included, and even arranged an extra stop on the way back to Christchurch for more great views -- a real trip highlight.
“Mt cook trip”
An amazing day, with the highlight being a helicopter flight over Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier plus stunning views of Lake Tekapo. The guide was engaging and knowledgeable, and the included lunch was delicious and well organised too.
“Amazing experience with Joseph!”
Guide Joseph made the tour an absolute blast -- funny and extremely knowledgeable about everything the group passed. He took them to all the sights on the itinerary, and the views were breathtaking throughout.
“Amazing tour to Mt. Cook”
A really enjoyable tour to Mt Cook with a prompt, friendly driver full of fun local facts. The Hooker Valley Track was closed on the day, but the guide made up for it with an extra stop at the Tasman Glacier -- highly recommended.
“Loved it!”
Guide Nick was exceptional, and the pacing of stops and driving was just right. The included lunch was great too -- the vegetarian option was delicious.
“A Great Day Trip”
Driver-guide Jacob was fantastic, with plenty of interesting commentary on New Zealand's history and culture. The stop at the Fairlie bakery for meat pies was a real highlight, and even the reviewer's baby enjoyed the trip.
“Mt. Cook amazing experience”
Beautiful scenery throughout, with guide Joseph doing an excellent job showing the sights and keeping the commentary fun -- a fantastic day out.
“Outstanding”
The views were amazing, and driver Joseph was very informative, pointing out all the best sights to look out for along the way.
“Wonderful sites with a great guide/driver!”
A wonderful way to see this part of the South Island. Driver-guide Nick was courteous, informative and thoroughly professional -- one of the best guided experiences the reviewer has had.
“Value for money 13 hour experience”
A great-value 13-hour day taking in Lake Tekapo with a walk through the Hooker Valley, Lake Pukaki, and Mt Cook. Guide Joseph kept things entertaining with plenty of local commentary and dad jokes, plus a bonus stop at the Fairlie bakery.
“Definitely add to your Bucket List to see!”
A must-see destination, well worth the long drive. Driver-guide Will's upbeat, friendly personality made the day, and the trip felt relaxed and safe throughout -- a real credit to Cheeky Kea Tours.
“Beautiful Adventure”
The guide and the scenery were both fantastic, with stops well thought out to cover everything worth seeing. The only downside was the van feeling a little cramped.
“Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo”
A great day out with guide Diana, who was lovely and patient, taking time to explain things and look after the whole group. She even made a special stop on the return leg once the clouds cleared so the group could get a proper view of Mt Cook -- highly recommended for anyone touring from Christchurch.
“Keith Adrian Campos reviews”
A great experience with polite, friendly staff -- well worth it for anyone touring around Christchurch.
“Mt Cook tour from Christchurch”
A really enjoyable tour to Mt Cook with guide Diana, who was interesting and knowledgeable throughout. The snacks and lunch from a local bakery were a great touch too.
Booked the Mt Cook tour with Cheeky Kiwi, but the group didn't end up making it there after the road closed due to weather. Guide Soap still kept spirits high and made for a fun, laughter-filled day around Queenstown instead, and while it wasn't the company's fault, Cheeky Kiwi offered a refund or the chance to rebook -- a good example of great customer service.
“High recommended”
A wonderful trip, though the climb isn't for the faint-hearted. The guide (name forgotten, unfortunately) was fantastic and accommodating, and the food, snacks and drinks provided were a nice bonus.
“Christchurch to Mt. Cook!”
Guide Francois was great and clearly very knowledgeable. The views were still wonderful despite cloudy weather, with a few good photos taken before the fog rolled in, and pickups and drop-offs ran right on schedule.
“Fascinating guided tour”
Visiting from England, joined this small-group day trip on a recommendation from family in Christchurch. The driver-guide gave great commentary on both the route and New Zealand more generally, and was happy to chat individually with everyone in the friendly, international group. Snacks were provided early on, followed by a generous packed lunch from a local Fairlie bakery, with stops at Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie dog statue, and plenty of time at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park for a short walk to the Tasman Glacier and the visitor centre. A long day that flew by -- thoroughly recommended.
“MUST-DO in Christchurch”
Guide Will deserves a special mention -- funny, knowledgeable, and a genuinely great guy who made the trip what it was.
“Great views and people. Lot of choices, good food and fun…”
Beautiful views, a good guide and friendly fellow travellers. Loved the weather, the well-managed timing, and having a choice of different walks and activities along the way.
“Small group Mt.Cook”
Driver Will was excellent and very knowledgeable about the area. The Hooker Valley Track near Mt Cook lived up to the hype -- a moderate, scenic walk across the three bridges with a handy halfway toilet stop, taking around 2.5-3 hours round trip. Lunch was tasty and the Fairlie pies were amazing, and the group even got lucky enough to see and hear an avalanche.
“Fantastic tour to Mt. Cook”
A fantastic trip made even better by driver-guide Will, who was extremely knowledgeable about the areas visited and shared lots of stories along the way. The ride was comfortable with plenty of room, Will accommodated everyone's needs, and lunch from the Fairlie Bakery was a highlight. Well worth the money for anyone wanting to see Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo.
“Spectacular scenery with one of the greatest guides!”
Was worried the forecast rain would spoil the day, but it only drizzled briefly near the Hooker Valley Track and Tasman side, while Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki stayed clear and beautiful. Snacks were provided at Fairlie, and lunch came from a well-known local bakery, which was a nice touch. With so much ground to cover, time at each stop was limited, but there was still enough for great photos, and the group managed to complete the full Hooker Valley Track despite the tiring pace. Guide Tony worked hard for the group all day on a demanding 12-hour route through the mountains, and made the trip a genuinely enjoyable one.
“Spectacular scenery. Highly recommended”
A great day out with guide Will -- the scenery was really beautiful and the tour was informative and enjoyable, with some genuinely breathtaking views. Highly recommended.
“Good trip”
A nice trip overall, with a flexible itinerary that allowed skipping the cafe lunch in favour of more time for the walk, though the food arrangements afterward weren't quite as good. Still a satisfying day out and a good option for travelling in a small group.
“Amazing views and an excellent guide in Will”
Amazing views of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and of course Mount Cook itself. Guide Will made the long drive (around four hours each way, with stops for views and toilet breaks) as entertaining as it could possibly be -- knowledgeable, personable and genuinely funny.
