Queenstown To Christchurch One-Way

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

★ 4.6 181 reviews

from $215 per person

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

Overview

This is a long one-way day trip that turns the Queenstown to Christchurch journey into a sightseeing run. Cheeky Kiwi Travel runs it as a small guided tour with a maximum of 15 travellers, departing The Station on Shotover Street in Queenstown at 6:30am and finishing roughly 14 hours later with drop-off at selected central Christchurch hotels. Along the way the bus climbs Lindis Pass, pauses at Omarama and Lake Pukaki, and gives the longest stop of the day to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, about three hours to walk, eat and take in the mountain. Lake Tekapo appears near the end of the route as a pass-by stop.

The tour suits travellers who need to move between the two cities anyway and would rather see the interior than fly. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as a practical alternative to a domestic flight or a public bus, with the bonus of guided commentary, photo stops and luggage carried for you. Each person can bring one large and one small bag, which makes it workable as a genuine transfer rather than just a day out.

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

It is a big day, and reviewers are candid about that. The drive between stops is long, the second leg runs to a tight schedule because driver hours are limited, and lunch is not included, though there are chances to buy food at the stops. Anyone happy with an early start, some walking on uneven ground and a lot of scenery will get the most from it.

What's Included

Included

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

Not Included

Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way
Toilets on board (Restroom on board)

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

Itinerary

Meet in QueenstownMeet the guide at The Station, Home of Adventure, on the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets, at 6:30am. Hotel collection is available from some locations.
Lindis Pass stopA 10-minute scenic stop, free of charge, through the pass.
Omarama stopA 30-minute break.
Lake Pukaki stopA 5-minute photo stop with free access to the lake shore views.
Aoraki Mount CookAround 3 hours inside Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, for walks, lunch and sightseeing at your own pace.
Lake Tekapo pass-byThe route passes by Lake Tekapo with a 5-minute free stop toward the end of the journey.
Drop-off in ChristchurchThe tour ends with drop-off at selected central Christchurch hotels.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the booking page and from what travellers report will help you plan the day.

Early start. The tour leaves Queenstown at 6:30am and runs about 14 hours, so plan for a full day out from early morning to evening.
Walking at Mt Cook. A moderate amount of walking is involved on uneven surfaces, and travellers should have moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or wheelchair users.
Food and drink. Lunch is not included. There is no restroom on board either, so use the facilities at the stops. There are opportunities to purchase food along the way.

Weather and clothing. The bus runs in all weather and the booking page advises dressing appropriately. Bring layers so you are comfortable at the stops whatever the day brings.
Luggage. Each traveller can bring one large and one small bag, so the tour works as transport to Christchurch, not just a day out. Check that your end hotel is one of the drop-off points.
Group feel. The group is capped at 15 and the tour is fully guided.

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Common issues. The second leg runs to a schedule set by driver hour limits, so it can feel rushed. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with walking disabilities. It also requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and if either forces a cancellation you are offered a different date or a full refund. Booster seats for children aged 7 and younger are provided if requested.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And Finish?

It starts at The Station, Home of Adventure, at 25 Shotover Street in Queenstown at 6:30am, with collection from some hotel locations. It ends in Christchurch with drop-off at selected central hotels. Check the booking page that your hotel is a drop-off point.

What Is Included In The Price?

A small fully guided tour, an air-conditioned vehicle, scenic stops and luggage space of one large and one small bag per person. A booster seat for children aged 7 and younger is provided if you advise in advance. Lunch is not included, and there is no restroom on board.

Is Lunch Or Park Entry Extra?

All the stops on the itinerary are free of charge. Lunch is not included, but there are opportunities to purchase food along the way.

How Long Is The Tour And How Much Time Do We Get At Mount Cook?

The full tour runs about 14 hours. You get roughly 3 hours at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for a walk, lunch and sightseeing at your own pace.

Can I Bring Luggage And Use This As A Transfer?

Yes. Each traveller can bring one large and one small piece of luggage, and reviewers describe the tour as a convenient way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and if it is cancelled for either reason you are offered a different date or a full refund.