New Zealand · National Parks

13-Hour Mackenzie Basin Nature Tour from Christchurch to Mount Cook

13 Hours Round trip from Mackenzie Basin Easy pace

Lake Pukaki In McKenzie Basin, New Zealand

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the famous scenery of the Mackenzie Basin
02 Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
03 Take in the permanent snow features of World Heritage-listed Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
04 Enjoy a short hike in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
05 Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd in its lakeside setting

Discover New Zealand's famous scenery on a 13-hour journey from Christchurch through the rolling hills of South Canterbury to the alpine splendour of the Mackenzie Basin. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take in the permanent snow features of the World Heritage-listed Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This exploratory trip showcases some of the South Island's most memorable natural landscapes in a single day.

Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take in the permanent snow features of the World Heritage-listed Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Christchurch, Geraldine, Mount Cook

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook via the Mackenzie Basin

Meet your tour guide and leave Christchurch early in the morning.
Pick-up is in a 2005 Nissan Caravan (10-seater).
Drive 120 km across the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine and stop for a break.
Visit a unique souvenir shop with farm animals, set in an old shearing shed.
Continue through the rolling hills and enjoy some of the best rural scenery on the South Island.
Climb through Burkes Pass into the Mackenzie Basin at an altitude of 700 metres.
Visit the magnificent Lake Tekapo.
Spend some time enjoying the scenery around the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Drive alongside Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop for photos.
Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch in a stunning location, prepared by your tour guide.
Go for a short one-hour hike in the national park.
Visit the national park headquarters or take a break at the hotel before driving back to Christchurch, arriving at 7:00 pm.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mackenzie Basin 3 cities · 13 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your city hotel
Morning tea and a two-course picnic lunch
Concession for hiking the Hooker Valley Track from the Department of Conservation
New Zealand tour guide