3-Day Luxury Escape to the Magical Mackenzie Region
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Overview
Sitting between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, the Canterbury Plains is an area of pastoral perfection. You'll spend three days soaking up the scenic beauty of Canterbury Plains, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo on this luxury self drive New Zealand tour.
The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snowfields, all set under a star-studded sky. On your first night, you'll bathe in the hot pools of the Tekapo Springs whilst gazing up at the beautiful night sky.
With a day to explore the national park, you'll embark on an alpine explorer helicopter flight which will whizz you to an incredible alpine landing with astonishing views. On the last day, you'll journey back to Christchurch, making stops in the beautiful Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve and the Rakaia Gorge Walkway to take in these spectacular geological areas.
Accompanied by a private guide for the duration of your trip, you'll enjoy delicious breakfasts and gourmet dinners and a number of wonderful activities.
The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snowfields, all set under a star-studded sky. On your first night, you'll bathe in the hot pools of the Tekapo Springs whilst gazing up at the beautiful night sky.
With a day to explore the national park, you'll embark on an alpine explorer helicopter flight which will whizz you to an incredible alpine landing with astonishing views. On the last day, you'll journey back to Christchurch, making stops in the beautiful Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve and the Rakaia Gorge Walkway to take in these spectacular geological areas.
Accompanied by a private guide for the duration of your trip, you'll enjoy delicious breakfasts and gourmet dinners and a number of wonderful activities.
Itinerary
Day 1
Christchurch to Mount Cook & Tekapo Springs Stargazing Tour
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Today, you'll collect your rental car from the airport in Christchurch and then make your way across the Canterbury Plains to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. You'll have the afternoon to get acquainted with this beautiful area and in the evening, you'll head off on an observatory tour and stargazing experience at the Tekapo Springs. The guides will tell you a story about the southern night sky and you'll then have the chance to soak in the hot pools in complete darkness.
Accommodation
Lakestone Lodge★5 star
Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
Activities
Lake TekapoOptional Activity
Stargazing Observatory Tour & Hot Pools at Tekapo Springs
Transportations
Rental Car from Christchurch International Airport to Aoraki / Mount Cook
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Pukaki
Lake Tekapo
Canterbury
Day 2
Explore Mount Cook National Park
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Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snowfields, all set under a star-studded sky. Today, you'll experience this magnificent alpine environment with a high alpine flight over the Ben Ohau Mountains. You'll watch as the landscape changes from low rolling hills, becoming steeper and more rugged as you rise above scarred ridges left by ancient glaciers.
Accommodation
Lakestone Lodge★5 star
Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.Activities
Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkOptional Activity
Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight
Mount Cook Glacier KayakingOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Pukaki
Canterbury
Day 3
Journey Back to Christchurch via Peel Forest Park & Rakaia Gorge Walkway
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Today, you'll begin the journey back to Christchurch signaling the end of your self drive New Zealand tour. You'll make several stops, one at the Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve; the flora and fauna of Peel Forest Park are rich and abundant. You'll also make a stop at the Rakaia Gorge Walkway. The walkway follows the rim of the gorge through spectacular geological areas, showing lava flows of rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite. Upon arrival in Christchurch, your trip will come to an end.
Activities
Peel Forest Park Scenic ReserveOptional Activity
Rakaia Gorge WalkwayOptional Activity
Discovery Jet Rakaia GorgeOptional Activity
ChristchurchOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Aoraki / Mount Cook to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Pukaki
Peel Forest
Windwhistle
Christchurch
Included in Price
- 2 nights accommodation
- 2 activities
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Entrance fees
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
Not Included in Price
- Airport transfer
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
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Low season price starting fromAU$1,990
per traveller sharing Terms and Conditions
Book with Flexibility
Flexible Payment
Book this trip today with a deposit and pay the rest 60 days before departure.
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Our dedicated Travel Concierge Team will work with you to manage any unforeseen changes, where possible.
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