Join us on a three day expedition into the MacKenzie Basin, in the heart of the South Island, based out of the spectacular lakeside township of Lake Tekapo

Duration

3 Days

About

Three magical days ex Christchurch to explore the entirety of the MacKenzie Basin, including of course and Day Tour into the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. During this scenic tour we explore the area around Lake Tekapo in depth and go as far south as the famous Lindis Pass before making our way out to the Coast, and Christchurch, via the Waitaki Valley

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Depart Christchurch early in the morning and start tracking towards the quaint land-locked town of Geraldine where we stop for morning tea. Resuming our journey we soon arrive in Fairlie before approaching and surmounting Burkes Pass. Arriving in Tekapo in time for lunch, we now explore the Tekapo area including Lake Alexandrina, a short drive up the road, before returning to the township for our night’s accommodation.

Day 2:

Departing Lake Tekapo we head for the spectacular alpine-village that is Aoraki Mt Cook. Set deep in the heart of the national park that carries the same name, the village has spectacular views of the surrounding ranges, including, the summit of them all, Aoraki-Mt Cook himself. On this day we lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel, and further explore and enjoy the area before returning to Lake Tekapo in time for dinner and perhaps a dip in the local hot pools

Day 3:

This day sees us departing for the area around Lake Ohau, and the Lindis Pass before heading out to the coast via Omarama, where we stop for lunch, and the Waitaki Valley with its Hydro dams. The lakes created by the dams are a spectacle in their own right, and well worth photographing, especially in the right weather conditions! We join SH 1 just north of Waimate for the remainder of our journey back to Christchurch, arriving late afternoon

Inclusions:

• Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
• Expert, knowledgeable guide
• Activities and Permits
• Photography tuition (if required)
• Late model, air conditioned transport
• All meals including lunch, dinner, breakfast*
• Accommodation*
• Snacks, beverages, and drinks
• Scenic stops

*Meals & Accommodation are available on Premium only. Please select "Premium" when booking

Optional Extra:

• Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight (45 min flight, $465 per person, Min of 2 people)
• Enjoy a dip at the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools