Tours from Christchurch Queenstown Tours Mt Cook Tours Lake Tekapo Tours

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Tekapo

From NZD$399

4.9

(104 reviews)

Departs from: Tours from Christchurch

Duration: 13 hours

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Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on this one-way, small group guided tour that showcases some of the South Island’s most breathtaking landscapes. Visit turquoise alpine lakes, wander through Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and marvel at the beauty of the Southern Alps, all while enjoying insightful commentary from your passionate local guide.

Please note

The Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Autumn 2026 so the track will be inaccessible to the public until then

Why you’ll love this

Experience Lake Tekapo’s vibrant blue waters and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park with time for walks or optional activities

See the striking turquoise hues of Lake Pukaki and the mighty Tasman Glacier

Enjoy fresh salmon tasting at High Country Salmon Farm

Travel through Lindis Pass, Kawarau Gorge, and other stunning alpine landscapes

Journey in comfort with a small group, expert guide, and modern vehicle

Itinerary

What’s included

Small group guided tour from Christchurch to Queenstown

Fully guided commentary throughout the journey

Picnic lunch

Comfortable, air-conditioned transport with modern amenities

Complimentary water and snacks

Optional Extras

Scenic flights with glacier landings

Visitor Centre entry or short guided walks in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Why choose us

Famously passionate tour guides

Our guides share stories, laughs, and Kiwi charm on every journey.

Travel in comfort

Small groups, big comfort. Relax in our modern Mercedes minibuses with style and space.

Award-winning tours

Thousands of five-star reviews and top travel awards - experiences loved worldwide.

Kiwi owned. Kiwi operated

Proudly local and passionate about sharing authentic New Zealand with every traveller.

Stories worth sharing

7/10/2026

Amazing Trip & Unforgettable Experience

The entire trip was amazing and truly unforgettable. Everything was well organized, and the journey was enjoyable from beginning to end. The driver from Mount Cook to Queenstown was especially wonderful. He was kind, thoughtful, and explained many things along the way. He made everyone feel comfortable and well looked after throughout the trip. I also accidentally left my tripod in the van, and he kindly brought it back to my hotel. I really did not expect that, and I was very grateful for his help. Overall, I had such a great experience. The tour, the scenery, and the service were all excellent. I would happily recommend this trip to anyone. 10/10

Soreach C

7/3/2026

Very friendly staff, wonderful journey!

Both drivers we traveled with were incredibly warm, friendly, and welcoming. Throughout the journey, they shared so many interesting stories and detailed information about the area, which made the trip even more enjoyable. They were also exceptionally kind and caring toward my little boy, making him feel comfortable and included. We truly appreciated their hospitality and had such a wonderful experience with Cheeky Kiwi. It was a joyful and unforgettable journey!

Joyce

7/3/2026

One way, Kiwi style!

This was a wonderful experience that our family thoroughly enjoyed. While it involved a lot of driving, it was absolutely worth it for the incredible scenery, amazing photo opportunities, and unforgettable experiences along the way. The entire experience was smooth and easy from start to finish. The drivers made sure to stop regularly for bathroom breaks, food, and plenty of photo opportunities, which we really appreciated. More importantly, they made the drive memorable by sharing fascinating history and local information that we wouldn't have learned otherwise. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating throughout the journey. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone traveling from Christchurch to Queenstown.

Maria P

7/2/2026

An enjoyable, comfortable and relaxed drive with knowledgeable guides

A wonderful experience on our recent trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. We booked with you Cheeeky Kiwi last minute after our original plans fell through, and I couldn't be more pleased with the service. I was traveling with my 85-year-old mother, who is typically a nervous passenger, but she felt incredibly relaxed and comfortable throughout the drive. We both thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the insightful knowledge shared by our guides, Grant and Jess. The lunch provided was also lovely. Thank you for a great experience!

Nadia P

6/27/2026

Mount Cook in snow

Grant was our first driver from Chch to the mid point, he was very knowledgeable and had a lot of side stories that are very entertaining. Jay, the manager of the Chch branch was also very helpful and friendly. Danny was our driver from the mid point to QT who also had a lot of ideas to shares about QT and where to go and where to eat. Although it snowed really bad and we didnt really have a good view of Mount Cook and Lake Takapo, it was still a good experience overall and the drive felt very safe and the van felt very stable.

Tey Logarta

6/22/2026

Avis

I would also like to offer a friendly observation regarding our transfers. While the overall experience was wonderful, I noticed a significant difference in communication styles between our two drivers. The first driver delivered a dense, non‑stop monologue over several hours, which made it quite challenging for non‑native English speakers to follow. Instead of adding value, the constant commentary became mentally exhausting and distracting. In contrast, the second driver adopted a much more measured and guest‑oriented approach—concise, clear, and considerate of foreign visitors, which made the journey far more enjoyable. I believe it would be beneficial to establish consistent communication guidelines for all drivers, ensuring that every passenger receives the same high‑quality, accessible information without feeling overwhelmed. Standardising this aspect of the service would greatly enhance the experience for international guests and reflect the professionalism your company clearly strives for. Thank you for your attention to this constructive feedback.

Alice D

6/8/2026

Great way to explore NZ!!

On time, knowledgeable guides. The vehicle is also comfortable with considerable snacks supply!

Enar R

5/28/2026

Great experience

Excellent. Everything was managed efficiently. It was a comfy experience overall

Clarence S

5/28/2026

It was a great experience

My family and I had a wonderful time throughout the 13 hour van ride from Christchurch to Queenstown. The cost of the tour is well worth it, since we were able to enjoy all the sights and stops we made. The snacks and lunch were also delicious and filling. Rosie picked us up from our hotel and took us to Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook, while Abbie drove us from Mt Cook to High Country Salmon Farm and then to our Queenstown accommodation. The ride itself felt comfortable and safe. There were 3 vacant seats in Rosie's van, while Abbie's was full with 16 people inside. This was a really fun way to get around. Will definitely recommend Cheeky Kiwi to friends and family!

Clarisse S

5/25/2026

Epic tour but long day

Another great tour done with Cheeky Kiwi, Very enjoyable however long day haha. Huge shout out to Grant my morning guide/driver loved the geology info you gave about places on the tour (Canterbury Plains and Aoraki/Mt Cook) and to Hannah my afternoon guide/driver who covered the Māori legend of Aoraki and gave great information about the trip coming into Queenstown. I did the same trip last year with Greatsights but found the Cheeky Kiwi to be a whole lot better (even though it was a little bit more expensive)

Scott M

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