About this experience
From The Heritage Hotel, ride a luxury coach and enjoy live commentary from your driver-guide passing through the Mount Cook Village, where you can see stunning views of high peaks that make up the Southern Alps. Continue to the Tasman River to Lake Tekapo, known for its milky-turquoise water. Arrive at the Church of the Good Shepherd where the altar window frames the view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. Head to Canterbury Plains before reaching Christchurch where the tour ends.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Pick-up at The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook
Board the luxury coach outside The Hermitage Hotel; departure is at 14:30 so aim to be ready by 14:15.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park drive-by
The coach passes through Mount Cook Village with open views of the high peaks that define the Southern Alps.
Tasman River to Lake Pukaki
25 minutesFollow the Tasman River valley down to the vivid blue-green expanse of Lake Pukaki, with Aoraki visible on clear days.
Lake Tekapo shoreline
40 minutesThe route hugs the edge of Lake Tekapo, giving extended views of its distinctive glacial-flour colour against the tussock hills.
Church of the Good Shepherd
Pass the iconic stone chapel on the shores of Lake Tekapo, whose altar window frames the Southern Alps in a celebrated composition.
Geraldine and Canterbury Plains
The coach descends from the high country through the market town of Geraldine and out across the broad agricultural flatlands of Canterbury.
Drop-off at Christchurch bus interchange
Arrival ~18:55Arrive outside the bus interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street, at approximately 18:55.
Meeting point
The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook Village, New Zealand
Be at The Hermitage Hotel no later than 14:15. The coach departs at 14:30 and will not wait for late arrivals. No ticket printing is required — your booking confirmation on a mobile device is sufficient.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Booking confirmation (mobile or printed)
- Warm layers — temperatures drop quickly in the high country
- Camera or charged phone for the lake and mountain views
Know before you go
Good to know
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Frequently asked questions
Where exactly does the tour end in Christchurch?
The coach drops you outside the bus interchange on Lichfield Street, near the corner of Colombo Street, at approximately 18:55.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Your booking confirmation on a mobile device is accepted at boarding.
Does the coach stop at Lake Tekapo or is it a drive-by?
The itinerary is a scenic coach journey rather than a hop-on-hop-off tour. The route passes through Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, but there are no scheduled stops for independent exploration.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In cases of extreme weather the tour may be cancelled or the itinerary adjusted for safety. If the operator cancels, you will be notified and offered a refund or alternative.
How much does it cost for children?
Children aged four and under travel free of charge. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
Can I be picked up from a different hotel in Mount Cook Village?
The designated pick-up point is The Hermitage Hotel. If you are staying elsewhere in the village, make your way to The Hermitage by 14:15.
Cancellation policy.Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the 14:30 departure are non-refundable.