Travel by road from Christchurch to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain, through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains.

A short stop at either the Tin Shed (an old shearing shed selling discount sweaters) or at Barkers Winery for tastings of wines, sauces and jams. Continuing through the foothills of the Southern Alps from Geraldine to Fairlie and through the MacKenzie Basin, with its brown snowgrass-covered landscape which has an almost desert like aspect, to Lake Tekapo. There is the opportunity to take an idyllic photograph of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of magnificent alpine scenery.

Next, it's onto Lake Pukaki where the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin with Mount Cook and the surrounding snow covered peaks in the background. Lunch is at the Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park. Following lunch an alpine flight over the National Park can be arranged with Mount Cook Airlines (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Glacier landings by ski planes are also available (optional at additional cost, payable direct).

Next, you'll explore the Tasman Glacier where a twenty minute climb by foot will take you to the top of the terminal moraine, this vantage point provides views of both the Tasman Glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. Return by coach in the afternoon, stopping at the Canterbury high country town of Fairlie for late afternoon tea.

Return Flight Option:

Once in the air it takes only a short time to see why this region is so unique and unsurpassed by anything else. Discover the sights of some of New Zealand's untouched country as your plane soars up high and offers a birds eye view before landing in Christchurch, where you will be transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 31 (New Years Eve)

Departure Point:

Tour departs from selected Christchurch hotels

Departure Time:

8:00am, hotel pick ups start prior to this time

Return details:

Tour concludes at original point of departure at 9:00pm

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick up is available from all centrally located Christchurch hotels (below). Please advise your full hotel name and address at time of booking. If you are not staying at one of the hotels listed - the tour operator will advise the most convenient pick up location upon reconfirming your booking 24 hours prior to travel. Contact details provided on confirmation voucher.

Camelot Cathedral Hotel, Carlton Mill Lodge, Chateau Blanc, Chateau on the Park, Commodore Hotel, Copthorne Central, Copthorne Durham, Cotswold Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Fino Casementi, Garden Hotel, Heritage Hotel, Holiday Inn on Avon, Holiday Inn City Centre, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Kingsgate, Millennium Hotel, Pacific Park Hotel, Pavillions Hotel, Russley Hotel, Rydges Hotel, Stonehurst, Sudima Grand Chancellor, The Elms Hotel, The George Hotel, The Manor House, The Orari, The Poplars, The Towers, The Windsor Hotel and YHA Central.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• All coach transportation with fully guided tour and commentary
• Morning and afternoon teas
• Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel
• New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Exclusions:

• Food and beverages not specified in the tour itinerary

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of travel.
• Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking.
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated.
• This tour requires a minimum of 2 adults to operate.
• Please note that the optional scenic flights at Mount Cook are subject to suitable weather conditions.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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