What to do and see in Mackenzie District, South Island: The Best Tours

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that provide exquisite views. Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd & Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo. Admire Lake Pukaki & the stunning views of Mount Cook from a distance. Soak up & unwind in Tekapo Springs offering Hot Pools, Spa, waterslide & aqua play area for kids. Tour Highlights: • Sample award-winning cheese at a local cheese factory in Geraldine • Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo • Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery • Visit to a Salmon Farm. • Drive to the summit at Mt. John Observatory. • Soak in the renowned Tekapo Springs with alpine scenery.

Inclusions: Private tour (i.e. only for one party), Professional guide., Transport in luxurious van (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz), Hotel Pick up and Drop Off., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI., Complimentary light refreshments., Hotel pickup and drop-off., Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Meals.

Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.

Inclusions: Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Travel in a small group from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a scenic walk in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the Alpine Lavender farm in a pristine environment of crystal clear skies; snow capped mountains, and turquoise colored lakes of glacial melt.

Inclusions: Approximately 3 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National park., Bottled water., Buffet Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook., Complimentary light refreshments., National Park fees., Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel / apartment in Christchurch included., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz Minivan.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions:

A breathtaing scenic 4WD Tour through a stunning alpine braided river valley in Lake Tekapo's Backcountry. The Cass Valley is situated on the western side of Lake Tekapo, offering a world of Natural wonder and beauty. Access to this stunning alpine valley is solely through our private access and expert driver guides. This scenic 4WD Tour encompasses a large block of mountainous country, containing high inherent landscape values of The Mackenzie Country. Travel through pristine rivers and Merino Sheep. The overall naturalness of the rocky steep scree slides, the U-shaped valleys carved by glaciation, waterfalls, glaciers, lateral moraines and tussock- clad terraces, overwhelm the senses and ignite the wonder of such a supremely stunning and unique landscape. An authentic High Country scenic tour awaits you.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Coffee and/or Tea, Light Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: WiFi on board

On this full-day 12-hour tour you’ll experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel with us from Queenstown through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (‘Cloud Piercer’). Upon arrival, enjoy approx 3.5 hours in Mt Cook Village to explore some of the incredible walks and activities available (at your own expense), or extend your stay and opt for an overnight stay at the Hermitage Hotel. Altitude Mt Cook tours are limited to a maximum of 16 passengers, ensuring small groups so everyone can enjoy the best New Zealand hospitality that we have to offer as well as enjoying lots of fun and informative commentary from your local guide and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Bottled water, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Complimentary Queenstown hotel transfers, On board Kiwi music (download our Spotify playlist!)

Exclusions: Lunch, Activities are an additional cost

There are no wild animals on this safari – just tonnes of beautiful snow! It’s an early start on Day 1 as we meet at 6am for breakfast in Christchurch, before we head off to Mt Hutt. Each evening, you are welcome to relax at your accommodation, soak in the local hot tub, cook in, eat out, enjoy the nightlife or even night skiing... whatever takes your fancy. As you build your tour online, you will see many optional activities available to add – but remember, none of these are compulsory. Not sure which activities to choose? No problem. Once you’ve paid a deposit and secured your seat you can add activities anytime until 45 days prior to departure. Activities can also be purchased on tour – just let your tour guide know, they’ll be happy to help. As we can’t always guarantee availability when booking on tour, we suggest if there are any activities you definitely want to do that you pre-book them.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Orientation Tour of Every Mountain - We give you the low-down on every location , All Transport and Mountain Transfers - Taking you to our favourite snow locations , High-End Hostel Accommodation, dorm share - upgrades available, Small Groups - Because you're more than just a number!, Hot pools in Tekapo, 6 lift passes to 6 different mountains

Exclusions: Meals such as lunch & dinner are at own expenses - unless specified, Lessons and equipment hire (can be added-on to your tour), Equipment hire (can be added-on to your tour)

Over 24 unforgettable days you will experience it all: secluded beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, Māori culture, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you could ever wish for. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe), and even a greenstone carving experience. You will see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Continental Breakfast Every Day - heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!), Orientation Tours - we give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable Transport - with plenty of room to spread out, High-End Hostel Accommodation - dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small Groups - Max 16 people. You are more than just a number, Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand, 2 dinners Fish'n'Chips in Paihia and a traditional cooked hangi in Murupara to full your puku! (belly), Experience a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua during the Cultural Experience Night, Visit Te Puia - cultural centre about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland on Day 24

Exclusions: Additional activities - such as bungy jumping, Lunch and dinner are own costs - unless specified

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Hooker Valley Hike. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking