Discover the Southern Alps and the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on a day trip from Christchurch, including a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 12 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Pickup included
- Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave (near the corner of Worcester Blvd), Christchurch Central, Christchurch. Look for a distinctive black Mercedes minibus.
- Small group
- Limited to 15 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the history of the Mount Cook region at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Admire magnificent Southern Alps scenery with scenic stops along the way
- Enjoy a side trip to the Tasman Glacier, a photographer’s dream
- Benefit from the local insights of your lively, entertaining and highly knowledgeable tour guide
- Relax in the comfort of a roomy minibus with free WIFI and extra-large windows for panoramic viewing
Full description
Set off from Christchurch on a small-group day trip for jaw-dropping scenery and an amazing alpine experience in incredible surroundings. Travel in the comfort of a modern minibus, soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Alps. Discover sites such as the Ben Ohau Range, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and even multiple sites from "Middle-Earth". Savor a delicious lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel.
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre's 3D theatre, museum, and Digital Dome Planetarium. Educational and entertaining, you will explore the history of the Mount Cook region through spectacular 2D and 3D experiences. Learn about one of the world’s greatest explorers, pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary.
Enjoy the close proximity and spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest peak in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, located in Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage area. For the more adventurous, you can undertake an included side trip to the Tasman Glacier. Alternatively, relax at Mt Cook Village where you can spend more time at the Alpine Centre, the Hermitage’s Retail Centre, or at the Department of Conservation’s Visitor Centre before being picked up later for the return journey to Christchurch.
Includes
- Return transport by comfortable minibus
- Experienced guide with live commentary
- Scenic stops
- Lunch at Hermitage Hotel
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Entry to Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, including 3D theatre, museum, gallery, and planetarium
- Optional side trip to Tasman Glacier
- Complimentary WIFI and USB charging ports
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Rain gear
Know before you go
- New Zealand weather is unpredictable at any time of the year. Whilst you'll be warm inside the bus, dress or prepare for all seasons as much of Canterbury is surprisingly remote. Wear walking shoes or boots with good grip soles that can cope with a bit of mud in wet conditions.