Small Group, Christchurch To Queenstown

Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

★ 4.7 128 reviews

from $226.35 per person

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Duration: 14 hours
Meeting point: Christchurch
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Overview

This one-way day tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel turns the long transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown into a guided sightseeing run through the South Island's high country. It runs about 14 hours, starting at 06:30 from the Intercity stop on Lichfield Street outside the Christchurch bus interchange, and finishes with drop-off at most centrally located Queenstown hotels. The group is capped at 15 travellers, with luggage allowance of one large and one small bag per person, which makes it a practical option for people moving between the two cities rather than flying.

The route takes in Geraldine, a short stop at Lake Tekapo with Lake Pukaki passed from the road, then the longest stop of the day at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for two hours. After that come High Country Salmon, Lindis Pass, and Jackson Orchards, with the Kawarau Bungy Centre passed by on the way into Queenstown. Lunch is included, and water is available on board. Reviews describe guides who share commentary on the history and landscape along the way.

Minivan on a long straight road through golden Mackenzie Basin tussock with snow peaks ahead.

It suits travellers who want to see Mt Cook and the lakes along the route without hiring a car or backtracking to Christchurch. Reviews frequently compare it favourably with flying, since the day doubles as transport and sightseeing. It is a long day on a vehicle, though, and several of the stops outside Mt Cook last only around 10 minutes each.

From the Mount John summit road, Lake Tekapo and the surrounding basin below, a small white observatory dome to one side.

What's Included

Included

Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
Lunch
Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
Water available
Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board
Booster seat (Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own))

Not Included

Toilets on board (Restroom on board)

Itinerary

Meet in ChristchurchMeet at the Intercity stop on Lichfield Street, outside the bus interchange in Christchurch Central, for a 06:30 start.
Geraldine stopA 20-minute stop in Geraldine, free to enter.
Lake Tekapo and Lake PukakiA 10-minute stop at Lake Tekapo, with Lake Pukaki passed by from the vehicle. Free admission.
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkTwo hours in the national park. Time for a walk or simply relaxing.
High Country SalmonA 15-minute stop at the salmon farm.
Lindis PassA 10-minute stop at Lindis Pass.
Jackson OrchardsA 10-minute stop at the orchards. The Kawarau Bungy Centre by AJ Hackett is passed by from the road.
Arrive QueenstownArrive in Queenstown with a 15-minute drop-off window. The operator can drop off at most centrally located Queenstown hotels.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, drawn from the booking page and from what repeat reviewers consistently say.

Where this tour sits among 5 per-person-priced tours in Queenstown Day Trips listed here (from-price per person, USD)

9-Hour One-Way to Tekapo$203.66
Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way$215
Cheeky Kea One-Way to Queenstown$221
Small Group, Christchurch to Queenstown (this tour)$226.35
Private One-Way to Queenstown$337.54

Long day. Plan for roughly 14 hours from the 06:30 start. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as a long day but a worthwhile alternative to flying. Several mention that the rest stops helped break up the drive.
Short photo stops. Several stops last around 10 minutes each. Treat these as quick photo breaks rather than time to explore, and save any proper walking for the two hours at Mt Cook.
Use the Mt Cook time. The two hours at Aoraki Mount Cook are the longest stretch off the vehicle. One reviewer wished for more time there to finish a walk, so plan any track in advance if walking is the priority.

Food and drink. Lunch is included and dietary requirements should be advised per person at booking. Water is available on board, and one reviewer described snacks and beverages being provided during the journey.
Weather and clothing. The tour runs in all weather conditions and the booking page asks travellers to dress appropriately. Layers are a sensible choice for a day that crosses high country and finishes in the evening.
Walking and mobility. The booking page notes uneven surfaces and a moderate amount of walking. It is not recommended for wheelchair users or travellers with severe mobility difficulties.

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Common issues. The day is long and the vehicle is not large; one reviewer called the bus cramped for such a long day, though others described it as comfortable. Some travellers reported a mid-tour vehicle and guide change at Mt Cook, and in a couple of cases that came with a shorter stop there than planned. One reviewer felt the salmon and fruit shop stops took time that would have been better spent at the lakes. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and poor weather can cause cancellation, with a different date or a full refund offered in either case.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

A fully guided small group tour, lunch, water on board, an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, luggage space of one large and one small bag per person, and a booster seat for children aged 7 and under on request. Dietary requirements should be given per person at the time of booking.

Are There Any Extra Costs During The Day?

All stops on the itinerary are free or have admission included. The booking page does not flag any additional entry fees. There is no restroom on board the vehicle.

Where Does The Tour Start And Finish?

It starts at 06:30 at the Intercity stop on Lichfield Street, outside the bus interchange in Christchurch Central. It ends in Queenstown, and the operator can drop off at most centrally located hotels there.

Can I Bring My Luggage?

Yes. Each traveller can bring one large and one small piece of luggage. Packing light helps on a shared vehicle carrying the whole group's bags.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children And People With Limited Mobility?

Infant seats and booster seats for children aged 7 and under are available, and pushchairs are accessible. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with severe mobility difficulties, because of uneven surfaces and a moderate amount of walking.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if it is cancelled for either reason you will be offered a different date or a full refund.