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Personalized DestinationMt Cook & Lake Tekapo Stargazing
Leave the city of Christchurch behind and uncover the raw beauty of the Southern Alps. This carefully crafted Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Stargazing Tour invites you to experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations in just two days. From glacier-fed lakes and towering peaks to one of the clearest night skies on Earth, this adventure blends nature, culture, and wonder in perfect balance.
Mount Cook (Aoraki), rising 3,724 meters high, is New Zealand’s tallest peak and a sacred place in Māori culture. It’s a must-visit for those seeking raw, untamed beauty. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive beside the glacier-fed waters of Lake Pukaki. Snow-covered peaks reflect off the surface like a mirror, creating picture-perfect views. Learn more about Aoraki Mount Cook National Park here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/
Once you arrive, take in the grandeur of the Southern Alps. If weather permits, explore short alpine walks such as the Hooker Valley Track—one of the most scenic and accessible hikes in the region.
Then, continue your journey to Lake Tekapo, just a short drive away. This glacial lake is known for its vibrant turquoise hue and peaceful vibe. In addition, don’t miss the charming Church of the Good Shepherd—one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. The lake’s glow comes from rock flour suspended in the water, which reflects sunlight in a unique way.
As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Lake Tekapo lies within one of the world’s largest certified Dark Sky Reserves. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the sky comes alive with stars. You may see the Milky Way stretching overhead—or even a shooting star. Discover more about the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve: https://www.darkskyreserve.org.nz/
Whether you’re an adventurer, a romantic, or a dreamer, this tour offers a rare chance to connect with the pure heart of New Zealand.
Experience Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo Stargazing Tour as they bring your story to life!
Trip overview
- Start
- Christchurch
- Finish
- Christchurch
- Theme
- History and Astronomy
- Style
- Classic
- Days
- 2
- Locations
- 3
- Countries
- 1
- Trip code
- CD03
Why you will love this trip:
Explore: Unmissable stargazing at Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook- Be entertained: Feeding Alpacas, one of the most fun and memorable experiences in New Zealand
Exchange cultures: Connect with your tour guide and fellow group members to share and learn about different cultures- Discover: Visit Mt. Cook Village, one of the most charming towns nestled beneath the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Create eco-friendly activities: Embrace sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and avoiding plastic.
Explore: Unmissable stargazing at Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook
Be entertained: Feeding Alpacas, one of the most fun and memorable experiences in New Zealand
Exchange cultures: Connect with your tour guide and fellow group members to share and learn about different cultures
Discover: Visit Mt. Cook Village, one of the most charming towns nestled beneath the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook
Create eco-friendly activities: Itinerary
Day1: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo (Stargazing)
Your pickup is scheduled for 8:00 AM and begins our journey to Mt Cook. On the way, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the McKenzie region, with its wild landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Passing by lake Pukaki, where you will be captivated by its beautiful colour. Next, visit an alpine lavender farm, the largest in New Zealand, where you can also enjoy some fresh, homemade ice cream.
Upon arrival at Mt Cook village, have lunch and then set out on the Hooker Valley Track, known as one of the most beautiful trails in New Zealand. Try to reach out to the second bridge to take in the stunning view where the river meets the mountain. For an enhanced experience, take an optional helicopter ride to the summit of Mt Cook, where you can step onto the snow and ice for a truly unique alpine adventure. Say goodbye to Mt Cook then we will head to Lake Tekapo for an evening of stargazing. After checking in and enjoying dinner, get ready for a night of unforgettable stargazing experience, where you will be dazzled by thousands of stars, all clearly explained by your guide. End your day with an overnight stay at lake Tekapo (Please book your own accommodation).
Day 2: Lake Tekapo – Alpacas farm – Ashburton – Christchurch (Tour ends)
This morning, there’s no need to rise early – we know you thoroughly enjoyed last night. After breakfast, take your time exploring Lake Tekapo, visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd, and learning about the history of religious missions in New Zealand then continue your adventure to Mt. John, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Tekapo. Bid farewell to Lake Tekapo and begin our journey to Burkes Pass, where we will find a charming collection of 19th-century merchandise.
Next, we will head to Alpacas local farm, where you can meet the friendly alpacas and enjoy feeding them for a fun, interactive experience. Afterward, take a lunch break at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse—home of what many call the best pies in New Zealand. Then we drive back to Christchurch, making a stop at Ashburton to enjoy a tea break with biscuits and hot tea, savor these last moments of the tour before we drop you off at your accommodation around 4:30 PM and concluding our trip.
Note: If you find yourself wanting to explore Christchurch further and delve into its attractions, feel free to get in touch with us ahead of time. We would be delighted to assist in arranging extra accommodation, subject to availability. Safe travels, and we hope the memories from your New Zealand adventure stay with you.
Inclusions
Meals
2 afternoon tea breaks
Transport
Luxury 10-seater van
Accommodation
Feel free to book on your own, or contact us for assistance once you've finalized your booking
Included activities
- Lake Pukaki Lookout
- NZ Alpine Lavender Farm (Available from October to march)
- Local Alpacas Farm
- Mt Cook village and the Hooker Valley Track
- Stargazing at Lake Tekapo
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Mt. John lookout
- Burkes Pass
- Afternoon tea with biscuits and hot tea
Add on activities
- Meals during the tours will be at local restaurants with the cost being your own responsibility
- Accommodation is to be booked by you, with costs being your responsibility. Alternatively, contact us for assistance once you’ve finalized your booking
Important Notes
We aim to achieve zero waste in our tour packages. In New Zealand, tap water is safe to drink, so we’ll provide you with a bottle of water on the first day and additional bottles if needed. That would be helpful for the environment if you reuse the initial bottle and refill it throughout the trip. However, if you can’t drink tap water and require extra bottles, we’re always happy to provide.
itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate the weather condition or specific requirement of the group. Any changes to the itinerary will be confirmed with you for approval.
The minimum age to join our tours is 12 years. Participants from 12 to under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If your group includes travelers outside this age range, please inform us, and we will arrange a suitable tour for you.
Dates and availability
No dates available for this product.
Daisy –
We went on 2-day trip of Lake Tekapo Stargazing from Christchurch with fiveE Travel. We book directly with this company and 100 percent satisfied with tour service. From the tour confirmation process to the itinerary, everything was perfect. Especially, our tour guide is so knowledgeable, He explain lots about stargazing and we were so lucky to see milky way. We Absolutely recommend this company.