Mt Cook, Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Walk Day Tour From Christchurch Small Group USD 157.97. Get out of Christchurch for the day and explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the South Island on an easy small-group day tour. Leaving Christchurch early in the morning, you’ll head to the mountains. Stop to enjoy the views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take short walks on the Hooker Track and the Tasman Glacier New Zealand’s longest). See and do a lot on a full-day tour..
Review the Mt Cook, Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Walk Day Tour From Christchurch Small Group direct from Cheeky Kea Tours.
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20 reviews for Mt Cook Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Walk Day Tour From Christchurch Small Group
Rated 5 out of 5
Grace_L –
What a great day we had, the view was breathtaking and our guide Kristal was so informative and helpful, it was a long day and she didn’t faulter once, highly recommended this trip
Rated 3 out of 5
Stephanie_G –
I would recommend with a few caveats. The scenery was stunning. The bus is very uncomfortable for a thirteen hour day. I did not hear the guide introduce himself to the group probably because he had a lot of pick ups and it was early. the description of the tour said we ere having lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Not quite accurate. We ate a cafe attached to the Hermitage Hotel. We ere also supposed to stop in Geraldine which we did for a bathroom break. We ere too early for anything to be open. We then stopped in Fairlie at a bakery for coffee. My suggestion is to remove Geraldine from the itinerary and add Fairlie.
While no one has control of the weather it had snowed the night before and we were told that we could not do the Tasmen Glacier walk which was very disappointing. finally, we dropped off people going to Queenstown and picked up people going to Christ Church. this mean t we had to stop at the two lakes that we had already seen. Makes me wonder if we could have down the glacier.
Rated 3 out of 5
Deepali_C –
The lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook were really nice and our tour guide was very informative about all the places. However, tour included Tasman glacier but we never visited it or was told that we can walk there during our time at Mt Cook. We were really looking forward to that part only to find out later that we were suppose to walk there on our own. That was very disappointing. So anyone looking to visit glacier I won’t recommend this tour. Also on our way back since it was long drive we wanted to grab some coffee but our tour guide stopped the bus where all shops were closed. If he would have just turned around the corner there was an entire market with all kind of options. I feel if the guide was more familiar with the area our drive back could have been more comfortable.
Rated 5 out of 5
Warren_L –
Basically you spend 3-4 hrs getting to the Mt Cook area, then spend about 4hrs at the lakes and a nice easy trekking area at the base of Mt Cook, have lunch and head back for about 4hrs . So be prepared for a long journey but with well planned rest stops. The food at the Alpine village is not the best, but in part can be attributed to a shortage of manpower, and not the fault of the tour operator.
Rated 3 out of 5
Pamela_O –
This is a complicated review – the reason for three stars as we only actually went to two of the advertised locations – which I feel was a real misrepresentation of the tour.
However- for the two locations we did visit I can’t fault the company – it was brilliantly organised and the driver communicated really clearly the need to get down to Mt Cook asap due to the weather – we were rewarded with a spectacular sight and had an amazing hike –
However on the way back the booking agents had accepted a drop at the airport which was a significant diversion after a long day and was particularly annoying after they had refused my request for a drop off 5 mins away from Bus interchange – as a result we did not get back until after 8pm
Rated 4 out of 5
Tracy_G –
Tony was a friendly helpful and accommodating guide.
The scenery and sites were lively everywhere.
It was a lot of travel time relative to hiking time.
Rated 3 out of 5
Vil_D –
This tour guide did not take us to Tasman. He decided to spend more time in Mt. Cook for 2 hour walk instead without asking tourist choice.
Rated 3 out of 5
Jonathan_O –
The drive to Mount Cook was nearly 4 hours with stops for breakfast and toilet along the way. Stopped at Lake Tekapo on the way there. Driver was helpful and knowledgeable.
Rated 5 out of 5
ChiaTai_C –
I booked the tour in the last minutes and glad I found a vacancy for myself. Megan is wonderful tour guide and consideration for something like toilets and food. She gave us enough time for taking pictures and sightseeing. Also, introduced some specific sightseeing and Spots. Moreover, she tried to take care everyone’s needs when we got back to town.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jay_Y –
A great (and long) day, not just for sightseeing, with very good lunch provided in a very nice hotel restaurant! Our tour guide, Will, is very dedicated to his job. He was making sure we were on time for every stop, and flexible when someone needs a bit extra time. Will is very funny, that made us having fun off the van as well as in the van.
Rated 1 out of 5
Bhawna_A –
I am sorry to put this but,for all those travelling through this,please be careful. As per my experience,I was waiting for my pick up 30min.prior the scheduled time but this was a no show and 5min. later,when I dropped a message in the Viator app,the tour company called and confirm the bus already left and it was just 5min.I requested them could I please uber and reach there,they said sorry once the bus leaves we cant come back.
It was dissapointing because i was there before time at my scheduled pick up location and time was confirmed but still I missed my trip because of their lack of communication.
After experiencing this,I asked them if I can take any other tour packages for the day as I had come from a different city for this tour,the representative kept me on call for nearly 1hour and finally said,we can only compensate for the amount you have paid. I requested if I could speak to your higher authority please and they keep me on hold for 15-20min. and then says,sorry not available now.
They will call bck shortly and I still confirmed,I am waiting for your call as I dint have any hotel booking until 2pm (and this was morning 6am) and was literally on road with my luggage and unfortunately till today, 3days later I never heard from any of their representative.
It made me feel sorry for myself as it is all because of their communication gap and now they say,all we can do is refund.
If that is how Viator works,I am extremely sorry to give them 0 rating. As I was traveling from a different city, specially for this trip and this is how it ends up,making me stay on road with my luggage and no compensatory except refund.
Rated 5 out of 5
theresa_m –
the day starts out early, my pickup time was 5:50am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Christchurch. I made sure that I was there early, (because that’s me). But I was a little surprise when my pickup person was too. His name was Tony, and he would be our guide for the day in our minivan for 10 with Cheeky Kea Travel on the side. ( I was disappointed that I never thought to ask Tony if I could get a pic of him and I and the van). After I was picked up, it was then to the bus exchange where we picked up 3 more tourist, and then 1 more at another hotel. From there our adventure for the day begins. I have to say, Tony was very conscientious, because there was suppose 1 more person, but that person hadn’t shown at their original pick-up time. Tony tried to call then with no response, and he even went back to the bus exchange to see if maybe they had shown up before we actually got under way.
To start, Tony gives us, our cheeky snack paks that consist of a cookie time cookie, a small can of juice, a chocolate bar and a bag of copper kettle chips (sea salt flavored) along with a bottle of water (in an actually glass bottle). I’m not one to eat copper kettle brand of chips, but I have to admit, they were very good, and I even still have my cookie time cookie 2 days after my tour).
Even though the weather in Christchurch wasn’t looking nice (overcast), Tony assured us that we would have a sunny day at Mt. Cook. Tony then lets us know that for the 1st hour (or so) there really isn’t much to see, so that if we wanted too, we could go back sleep. Being from America and enjoy traveling to different places, going back to sleep wasn’t on my mind. I wanted to see everything (if I could) along the way, (although I could see that the rest of the group had dozed off).
For the 1st hour you see the countryside, going thru small towns Rakaia, Chertsey, Ashburton, Hinds and Geraldine (if you ever get the chance to stop at the Running Duck in Geraldine, do so- I was just a wee bit disappointed that this was not a coffee break stop), but stopping at Fairlie Bakehouse in the quiet little town of Fairlie, NZ was an added bonus to my places to get awesome bakery items. (Those raspberry and white chocolate muffins are awesome! the white chocolate is the size of nickel, oh, and they are so moist that I couldn’t have just 1!).
Leaving Fairlie, our next (5-minute break) stop is in Burkes Pass,
(Which is approx. 1 hour from Fairlie). The entrance to Mackenzie Country in South Canterbury, NZ. What impress me, is that Tony, our guide was very informative about the countryside and small towns and what areas are known for. Going thru Burkes Pass there was a mist (or light fog) as someone might say) but this is because you are going thru mountains and valleys.
Leaving Burkes Pass, we would have another 45minute drive (approx.) to Lake Tepako. I know we would be stopping there, but I didn’t know where until we got there. And this was definitely a highlight of the day for me. By the time we got to Lake Tepako, the sun was shining, and you could feel the warm rays. I had been to Lake Tepako a number of years ago going to the hot pools and from there I could see the “Church of the Good Shepard and told myself 1 day I would return. Well, today was that day! It is just a pretty sight to enjoy. One memory I will forever have.
Leaving Lake Tepako, we drive approx 47km (or 32 minutes) and make a stop at Lake Pukaki. Another beautiful sight, but here one can get a glimpse of Mt Cook in the distance. Today the tip of Mt Cook is covered with clouds. One can hope that by the time you get to Mt Cook that the clouds have passed, and one can see just how majestic it is.
As you travel down Starlight Highway (I do believe that was the name) you get to see sights how just how beautiful this area is.
Out last stop is Mt Cook, 45 minutes later. (I think we arrived somewhere around 11AM) Tony gives you the option of being dropped off at Hooker Valley Trail or going up to the Hermitage Hotel where there are more trails to walk, or you can visit the museum. For me, it was the museum and the 2 movies there that tell the story of Sir Edmund Hillary (1 of the famous climbers of Mt Cook.) Viewing the story boards of his adventure and watching the movie of him growing up gives you a more detail in-sight of who this person was. You may want to walk over to the visitor center and view the exhibits they have there.
Afterwards have some lunch on the deck of the cafe while viewing Mt Cook, to have a chance to see whether or not the clouds will move aside.
Tony, our guide made sure that everyone had enough time to do or see what they wanted, and he made sure we were all together for lunch.
Afterwards, it was 2:30 in the afternoon and time to head back to Christchurch. By this time everyone is tired and even myself, dozed off on the way back. The only disappointing thing about the day, was the rain going back.
If you book this tour, I don’t want to take away from other guides, but ask for Tony to be your guide.
Thank you Tony! I will remember you for the future.
Rated 5 out of 5
Simon_A –
Tony, our driver, was friendly and informative. He took time to ensure those people on the trip who had arranged transfers to Queenstown, or who had arranged scenic flights, were all where they needed to be.
Tony was also flexible with extra stops when some passengers asked for this.
We visited Mt Cook on a very hot day, which limited the extend to which we could hike unfortunately.
Mt Cook is so beautiful. Amazing scenery. Great stopping points at scenic lakes for photographs along the way, with the most photographed church in New Zealand.
Nice lunch and snacks, which helped to keep you going through the day.
Rated 5 out of 5
Eric_L –
Amazing scenery. Driver (Brent) was super friendly and gave us a tour along the way to the various spots. It was a long drive, but was worth the time.
Hotel pick up was very convenient. Everything was well on time and smooth.
Was able to join a ski plane tour up on Mt Cook in the middle of this trip (separate operator and at an additional cost). Spectacular view on the snow mountain.
Rated 5 out of 5
EB_S –
The views on the drive were stunning. Our guide, Tony, gave us a nice overview of the New Zealand economy, the history and flavor of the towns we passed, and of Aoraki/Cook. Tony was very accommodating and although this was a sightseeing tour, we were able to do the Hooker Valley track. Fun to listen to how proud and optimistic he is for New Zealand and the importance of showing mana for New Zealand values and natural environment. Great tour.
Rated 5 out of 5
Yue_Z –
Very meaningful and fulfilling day. The view was paramount. Tour guide Will was nice, friendly and engaging. He was passionate and knowledgeable. It’s very good for value. An excellent tour.
Rated 5 out of 5
Wei_X –
I did the tour with Cheeky Kae. Our tour guide Brink is nice. The Fairlie pie is the best pie I have ever tasted. Thanks for building this stop into the tour.
The stopovers at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are needlessly to say the highlights of this tour. The views are unbelievably stunning and impressive, like a fairy land. Also the 10km Hooker Valley Walk is unforgettable, a kind of life experience worths of having. I enjoyed the tour thoroughly. The tour guide and the tour company deserve a big star. Well done. Thxs very much for this tour
Cherie X
Rated 5 out of 5
andrine_d –
Wondering tour and tour guide. Our knowledgeable guide Tony shared lots of information about the area. Very educational. Spectacular landscapes from mountains to lakes. Drive was smooth. Easy walk on the Hooker Valley. Very delicious lunch. Highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rainier_L –
The trip started out really early but the destination was well worth it. Our tour guide, Will, is very accommodating and knowledgable about glaciers. He is also very funny and knows a bunch of hidden gems to explore. Probably my favorite tour during my 2 month stay in New Zealand. Highly recomended.
Rated 4 out of 5
Wim_v –
Nice walks, impressive views. Wheather was cloudy in the morning but sun came out in the afternoon, so all good!
Grace_L –
What a great day we had, the view was breathtaking and our guide Kristal was so informative and helpful, it was a long day and she didn’t faulter once, highly recommended this trip
Stephanie_G –
I would recommend with a few caveats. The scenery was stunning. The bus is very uncomfortable for a thirteen hour day. I did not hear the guide introduce himself to the group probably because he had a lot of pick ups and it was early. the description of the tour said we ere having lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Not quite accurate. We ate a cafe attached to the Hermitage Hotel. We ere also supposed to stop in Geraldine which we did for a bathroom break. We ere too early for anything to be open. We then stopped in Fairlie at a bakery for coffee. My suggestion is to remove Geraldine from the itinerary and add Fairlie.
While no one has control of the weather it had snowed the night before and we were told that we could not do the Tasmen Glacier walk which was very disappointing. finally, we dropped off people going to Queenstown and picked up people going to Christ Church. this mean t we had to stop at the two lakes that we had already seen. Makes me wonder if we could have down the glacier.
Deepali_C –
The lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook were really nice and our tour guide was very informative about all the places. However, tour included Tasman glacier but we never visited it or was told that we can walk there during our time at Mt Cook. We were really looking forward to that part only to find out later that we were suppose to walk there on our own. That was very disappointing. So anyone looking to visit glacier I won’t recommend this tour. Also on our way back since it was long drive we wanted to grab some coffee but our tour guide stopped the bus where all shops were closed. If he would have just turned around the corner there was an entire market with all kind of options. I feel if the guide was more familiar with the area our drive back could have been more comfortable.
Warren_L –
Basically you spend 3-4 hrs getting to the Mt Cook area, then spend about 4hrs at the lakes and a nice easy trekking area at the base of Mt Cook, have lunch and head back for about 4hrs . So be prepared for a long journey but with well planned rest stops. The food at the Alpine village is not the best, but in part can be attributed to a shortage of manpower, and not the fault of the tour operator.
Pamela_O –
This is a complicated review – the reason for three stars as we only actually went to two of the advertised locations – which I feel was a real misrepresentation of the tour.
However- for the two locations we did visit I can’t fault the company – it was brilliantly organised and the driver communicated really clearly the need to get down to Mt Cook asap due to the weather – we were rewarded with a spectacular sight and had an amazing hike –
However on the way back the booking agents had accepted a drop at the airport which was a significant diversion after a long day and was particularly annoying after they had refused my request for a drop off 5 mins away from Bus interchange – as a result we did not get back until after 8pm
Tracy_G –
Tony was a friendly helpful and accommodating guide.
The scenery and sites were lively everywhere.
It was a lot of travel time relative to hiking time.
Vil_D –
This tour guide did not take us to Tasman. He decided to spend more time in Mt. Cook for 2 hour walk instead without asking tourist choice.
Jonathan_O –
The drive to Mount Cook was nearly 4 hours with stops for breakfast and toilet along the way. Stopped at Lake Tekapo on the way there. Driver was helpful and knowledgeable.
ChiaTai_C –
I booked the tour in the last minutes and glad I found a vacancy for myself. Megan is wonderful tour guide and consideration for something like toilets and food. She gave us enough time for taking pictures and sightseeing. Also, introduced some specific sightseeing and Spots. Moreover, she tried to take care everyone’s needs when we got back to town.
Jay_Y –
A great (and long) day, not just for sightseeing, with very good lunch provided in a very nice hotel restaurant! Our tour guide, Will, is very dedicated to his job. He was making sure we were on time for every stop, and flexible when someone needs a bit extra time. Will is very funny, that made us having fun off the van as well as in the van.
Bhawna_A –
I am sorry to put this but,for all those travelling through this,please be careful. As per my experience,I was waiting for my pick up 30min.prior the scheduled time but this was a no show and 5min. later,when I dropped a message in the Viator app,the tour company called and confirm the bus already left and it was just 5min.I requested them could I please uber and reach there,they said sorry once the bus leaves we cant come back.
It was dissapointing because i was there before time at my scheduled pick up location and time was confirmed but still I missed my trip because of their lack of communication.
After experiencing this,I asked them if I can take any other tour packages for the day as I had come from a different city for this tour,the representative kept me on call for nearly 1hour and finally said,we can only compensate for the amount you have paid. I requested if I could speak to your higher authority please and they keep me on hold for 15-20min. and then says,sorry not available now.
They will call bck shortly and I still confirmed,I am waiting for your call as I dint have any hotel booking until 2pm (and this was morning 6am) and was literally on road with my luggage and unfortunately till today, 3days later I never heard from any of their representative.
It made me feel sorry for myself as it is all because of their communication gap and now they say,all we can do is refund.
If that is how Viator works,I am extremely sorry to give them 0 rating. As I was traveling from a different city, specially for this trip and this is how it ends up,making me stay on road with my luggage and no compensatory except refund.
theresa_m –
the day starts out early, my pickup time was 5:50am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Christchurch. I made sure that I was there early, (because that’s me). But I was a little surprise when my pickup person was too. His name was Tony, and he would be our guide for the day in our minivan for 10 with Cheeky Kea Travel on the side. ( I was disappointed that I never thought to ask Tony if I could get a pic of him and I and the van). After I was picked up, it was then to the bus exchange where we picked up 3 more tourist, and then 1 more at another hotel. From there our adventure for the day begins. I have to say, Tony was very conscientious, because there was suppose 1 more person, but that person hadn’t shown at their original pick-up time. Tony tried to call then with no response, and he even went back to the bus exchange to see if maybe they had shown up before we actually got under way.
To start, Tony gives us, our cheeky snack paks that consist of a cookie time cookie, a small can of juice, a chocolate bar and a bag of copper kettle chips (sea salt flavored) along with a bottle of water (in an actually glass bottle). I’m not one to eat copper kettle brand of chips, but I have to admit, they were very good, and I even still have my cookie time cookie 2 days after my tour).
Even though the weather in Christchurch wasn’t looking nice (overcast), Tony assured us that we would have a sunny day at Mt. Cook. Tony then lets us know that for the 1st hour (or so) there really isn’t much to see, so that if we wanted too, we could go back sleep. Being from America and enjoy traveling to different places, going back to sleep wasn’t on my mind. I wanted to see everything (if I could) along the way, (although I could see that the rest of the group had dozed off).
For the 1st hour you see the countryside, going thru small towns Rakaia, Chertsey, Ashburton, Hinds and Geraldine (if you ever get the chance to stop at the Running Duck in Geraldine, do so- I was just a wee bit disappointed that this was not a coffee break stop), but stopping at Fairlie Bakehouse in the quiet little town of Fairlie, NZ was an added bonus to my places to get awesome bakery items. (Those raspberry and white chocolate muffins are awesome! the white chocolate is the size of nickel, oh, and they are so moist that I couldn’t have just 1!).
Leaving Fairlie, our next (5-minute break) stop is in Burkes Pass,
(Which is approx. 1 hour from Fairlie). The entrance to Mackenzie Country in South Canterbury, NZ. What impress me, is that Tony, our guide was very informative about the countryside and small towns and what areas are known for. Going thru Burkes Pass there was a mist (or light fog) as someone might say) but this is because you are going thru mountains and valleys.
Leaving Burkes Pass, we would have another 45minute drive (approx.) to Lake Tepako. I know we would be stopping there, but I didn’t know where until we got there. And this was definitely a highlight of the day for me. By the time we got to Lake Tepako, the sun was shining, and you could feel the warm rays. I had been to Lake Tepako a number of years ago going to the hot pools and from there I could see the “Church of the Good Shepard and told myself 1 day I would return. Well, today was that day! It is just a pretty sight to enjoy. One memory I will forever have.
Leaving Lake Tepako, we drive approx 47km (or 32 minutes) and make a stop at Lake Pukaki. Another beautiful sight, but here one can get a glimpse of Mt Cook in the distance. Today the tip of Mt Cook is covered with clouds. One can hope that by the time you get to Mt Cook that the clouds have passed, and one can see just how majestic it is.
As you travel down Starlight Highway (I do believe that was the name) you get to see sights how just how beautiful this area is.
Out last stop is Mt Cook, 45 minutes later. (I think we arrived somewhere around 11AM) Tony gives you the option of being dropped off at Hooker Valley Trail or going up to the Hermitage Hotel where there are more trails to walk, or you can visit the museum. For me, it was the museum and the 2 movies there that tell the story of Sir Edmund Hillary (1 of the famous climbers of Mt Cook.) Viewing the story boards of his adventure and watching the movie of him growing up gives you a more detail in-sight of who this person was. You may want to walk over to the visitor center and view the exhibits they have there.
Afterwards have some lunch on the deck of the cafe while viewing Mt Cook, to have a chance to see whether or not the clouds will move aside.
Tony, our guide made sure that everyone had enough time to do or see what they wanted, and he made sure we were all together for lunch.
Afterwards, it was 2:30 in the afternoon and time to head back to Christchurch. By this time everyone is tired and even myself, dozed off on the way back. The only disappointing thing about the day, was the rain going back.
If you book this tour, I don’t want to take away from other guides, but ask for Tony to be your guide.
Thank you Tony! I will remember you for the future.
Simon_A –
Tony, our driver, was friendly and informative. He took time to ensure those people on the trip who had arranged transfers to Queenstown, or who had arranged scenic flights, were all where they needed to be.
Tony was also flexible with extra stops when some passengers asked for this.
We visited Mt Cook on a very hot day, which limited the extend to which we could hike unfortunately.
Mt Cook is so beautiful. Amazing scenery. Great stopping points at scenic lakes for photographs along the way, with the most photographed church in New Zealand.
Nice lunch and snacks, which helped to keep you going through the day.
Eric_L –
Amazing scenery. Driver (Brent) was super friendly and gave us a tour along the way to the various spots. It was a long drive, but was worth the time.
Hotel pick up was very convenient. Everything was well on time and smooth.
Was able to join a ski plane tour up on Mt Cook in the middle of this trip (separate operator and at an additional cost). Spectacular view on the snow mountain.
EB_S –
The views on the drive were stunning. Our guide, Tony, gave us a nice overview of the New Zealand economy, the history and flavor of the towns we passed, and of Aoraki/Cook. Tony was very accommodating and although this was a sightseeing tour, we were able to do the Hooker Valley track. Fun to listen to how proud and optimistic he is for New Zealand and the importance of showing mana for New Zealand values and natural environment. Great tour.
Yue_Z –
Very meaningful and fulfilling day. The view was paramount. Tour guide Will was nice, friendly and engaging. He was passionate and knowledgeable. It’s very good for value. An excellent tour.
Wei_X –
I did the tour with Cheeky Kae. Our tour guide Brink is nice. The Fairlie pie is the best pie I have ever tasted. Thanks for building this stop into the tour.
The stopovers at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are needlessly to say the highlights of this tour. The views are unbelievably stunning and impressive, like a fairy land. Also the 10km Hooker Valley Walk is unforgettable, a kind of life experience worths of having. I enjoyed the tour thoroughly. The tour guide and the tour company deserve a big star. Well done. Thxs very much for this tour
Cherie X
andrine_d –
Wondering tour and tour guide. Our knowledgeable guide Tony shared lots of information about the area. Very educational. Spectacular landscapes from mountains to lakes. Drive was smooth. Easy walk on the Hooker Valley. Very delicious lunch. Highly recommended.
Rainier_L –
The trip started out really early but the destination was well worth it. Our tour guide, Will, is very accommodating and knowledgable about glaciers. He is also very funny and knows a bunch of hidden gems to explore. Probably my favorite tour during my 2 month stay in New Zealand. Highly recomended.
Wim_v –
Nice walks, impressive views. Wheather was cloudy in the morning but sun came out in the afternoon, so all good!