Explore Mount Cook from Christchurch

• Your full-day trip begins with hotel pickup in Christchurch, taking you through the foothills of the magnificent Southern Alps. Listen to onboard commentary about the sights from your guide, who stops in Geraldine (or in Lake Tekapo) for included morning tea at a local cafe. Follow up with a photo stop at the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Disembark to soak up the idyllic alpine scenery before continuing on to Lake Pukaki. Here, the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin en route to Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage site. Enjoy views of Mount Cook (Aoraki) and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks during lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Opt for a scenic flight or a glacier landing by ski plane (additional cost, payable direct). The pinnacle of your tour comes with a 20-minute hike up Tasman Glacier. At the summit of the terminal moraine, cast your eyes over the glacier and nearby Lake Tasman. Back on level ground, re-board the coach for the return drive to Christchurch, stopping en route in Fairlie for late afternoon tea.

Your full-day trip begins with hotel pickup in Christchurch, taking you through the foothills of the magnificent Southern Alps. Listen to onboard commentary about the sights from your guide, who stops in Geraldine (or in Lake Tekapo) for included morning tea at a local cafe. Follow up with a photo stop at the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Disembark to soak up the idyllic alpine scenery before continuing on to Lake Pukaki. Here, the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin en route to Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage site. Enjoy views of Mount Cook (Aoraki) and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks during lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Opt for a scenic flight or a glacier landing by ski plane (additional cost, payable direct). The pinnacle of your tour comes with a 20-minute hike up Tasman Glacier. At the summit of the terminal moraine, cast your eyes over the glacier and nearby Lake Tasman. Back on level ground, re-board the coach for the return drive to Christchurch, stopping en route in Fairlie for late afternoon tea.

• Air-conditioned vehicle

• Live commentary on board

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Local guide

• Morning and afternoon tea

• Lunch

• Entry/Admission - Mt. Cook Village

• Gratuities (optional)