13-Hour Mackenzie Basin Nature Tour from Christchurch to Mount Cook
About This Tour
Discover New Zealand's famous scenery on a 13-hour journey from Christchurch through the rolling hills of South Canterbury to the alpine splendour of the Macken...
Duration: 13 Hours · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Christchurch, Geraldine, Mount Cook · Languages: English
About Mount Cook
Mount Cook
Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Mount Cook. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Mount Cook.
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your city hotel
- Morning tea and a two-course picnic lunch
- Concession for hiking the Hooker Valley Track from the Department of Conservation
- New Zealand tour guide
Not Included
- Glacier Explorer tour
- Helicopter or fixed-wing scenic flights
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook via the Mackenzie Basin
Meet your tour guide and leave Christchurch early in the morning. Meet your tour guide and leave Christchurch early in the morning. Pick-up is in a 2005 Nissan Caravan (10-seater). Pick-up is in a 2005 Nissan Caravan (10-seater). Drive 120 km across the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine and stop for a break. Drive 120 km across the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine and stop for a break. Visit a unique souvenir shop with farm animals, set in an old shearing shed. Visit a unique souvenir shop with farm animals, set in an old shearing shed. Continue through the rolling hills and enjoy some of the best rural scenery on the South Island. Continue through the rolling hills and enjoy some of the best rural scenery on the South Island. Climb through Burkes Pass into the Mackenzie Basin at an altitude of 700 metres. Climb through Burkes Pass into the Mackenzie Basin at an altitude of 700 metres. Visit the magnificent Lake Tekapo. Visit the magnificent Lake Tekapo. Spend some time enjoying the scenery around the Church of the Good Shepherd. Spend some time enjoying the scenery around the Church of the Good Shepherd. Drive alongside Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop for photos. Drive alongside Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop for photos. Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch in a stunning location, prepared by your tour guide. Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch in a stunning location, prepared by your tour guide. Go for a short one-hour hike in the national park. Go for a short one-hour hike in the national park. Visit the national park headquarters or take a break at the hotel before driving back to Christchurch, arriving at 7:00 pm. Visit the national park headquarters or take a break at the hotel before driving back to Christchurch, arriving at 7:00 pm.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Christchurch, New Zealand · Tour start: Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury, New Zealand — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.