Queenstown to Christchurch One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

Travel from Queenstown to Christchurch on a fully guided private journey through the Southern Alps, with time to stop at some of the South Island’s best known alpine landscapes. This route includes Roaring Meg Lookout, where you can look out over the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, and Lindis Pass, known for its tussock-covered hills, rugged terrain, and views that change with the light.

Along the way, stop at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm where you can feed the fish and taste fresh salmon. At Aoraki/Mount Cook, enjoy lunch at a hotel positioned for views of the Mount Cook Glaciers. The village is the main gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and the area is closely linked with Sir Edmund Hillary’s early climbing experience.

You’ll also visit the Tasman Glacier viewpoint, reached by an easy one hour walk, with the glacier visible in the distance behind a lake. Lake Pukaki follows, known for its bright turquoise colour caused by glacial flour, and for its open views toward Mount Cook.

Further north, Lake Tekapo brings another striking glacial lake setting. The day finishes in Christchurch, where drop-off marks the end of a scenic cross-island journey through alpine country, glacial lakes, and high country landscapes.