How to Plan Your Aoraki-Mt Cook Tasman Glacier & Alpine Centre Scenic Day Tour from Christchurch

Are you looking for a day trip from Christchurch that will take you to some of the most beautiful vistas in New Zealand? Look no further than the Aoraki-Mt Cook Tasman Glacier & Alpine Centre scenic day tour! This tour provides round-trip transport from Christchurch, so you don’t have to worry about driving or navigating. Plus, admission tickets and a delicious lunch are included in the price, making this tour completely hassle-free.

Overview of the Tour

The trip will start from Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, where you will be picked up by your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. From there, you will travel through beautiful landscapes to reach the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand.

The tour will showcase scenic viewpoints along the way such as Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and the Ben Ohau Range. You’ll also have the opportunity to see filming locations from the movie Lord of the Rings.

Once you reach Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you’ll visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Instead of waiting in long lines to purchase admission tickets, your tour includes admission to the centre. The centre houses a museum dedicated to the history and achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to conquer Mount Everest.

After the Alpine Centre visit, you’ll take a short drive to reach the Tasman Glacier, which is surrounded by impressive mountains and glacial lakes. You’ll get to witness the beauty of the glacier up close, and your guide will provide you with interesting facts about the glacier and its history.

Finally, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the Hermitage Hotel, which is located in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The hotel has stunning views of the mountains and glaciers, making for a perfect end to your scenic day tour.

What’s Included

– Round-trip transport from Christchurch
– Admission tickets to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
– Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel
– Morning & Afternoon tea, coffee, and snacks
– GST (Goods and Services Tax)
– Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is Canterbury Museum in Christchurch. However, if you prefer, you can request pickup at your preferred location within Christchurch.

Booking the Tour

Ready to book your Aoraki-Mt Cook Tasman Glacier & Alpine Centre scenic day tour from Christchurch? Simply click here to book your tour. Viator is a reputable company that offers many tours and activities, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.

Tips for the Tour

– Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the glacier and the Alpine Centre.
– Dress warmly as it can get chilly in the mountains.
– Bring your camera to capture the stunning views.
– Bring extra cash for any souvenirs you may want to purchase.

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your Aoraki-Mt Cook Tasman Glacier & Alpine Centre scenic day tour from Christchurch. This tour is a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand without the hassle of driving and navigating. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning scenery on the planet!

Insider’s Guide to Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, is a vibrant and cultural hub that offers a host of experiences for the visitor. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, innovative architecture, and dynamic creative scene. In this insider’s guide, we will explore some of the best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch.

Local Attractions

Christchurch is a place that offers endless possibilities for tourists. A must-visit attraction is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which sprawl across 21 hectares in the city center. Here, you can see a wide array of exotic and native plants, meticulously maintained in numerous themed gardens.

Next stop, the Christchurch Cathedral, which is a beloved landmark of the city and was famously damaged in the earthquakes that struck Christchurch in 2011. It is still standing though and is open to the public on weekends.

A trip over to the Christchurch Art Gallery is also worthwhile, as it houses a variety of contemporary and modern art. The eye-catching building features a wide range of exhibitions that cater to all tastes.

Dining Spots

Christchurch has some of New Zealand’s most exciting eateries that offer everything from traditional Kiwi fare to world-class fine dining. For breakfast, head over to The Caffeine Laboratory, where you can enjoy some of the best coffee and homemade pastries in the city.

For lunch, head to Casa Publica, which serves up an excellent menu of delicious Mexican cuisine. They offer great drinks too, perfect for taking the edge off after a long day of sightseeing.

If you’re a meat lover, a visit to Fush is a must. They are a fantastic restaurant that offers both traditional New Zealand dishes, including locally sourced seafood and lamb delicacies, as well as favourites like pizza and burgers.

Cultural Experiences

The Canterbury Museum is ideal for culture lovers. It houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts that relate to the region’s natural and cultural history, including the world’s largest paua shell that weighs in at over 700 kilograms.

The Theatre Royal is an excellent place to experience the performing arts, as it has showcased theatre, dance, opera, and ballet performances since 1908. You can catch a show there any day of the week.

If you’re interested in Maori culture, the Ko Tane – Maori Cultural Experience is a great place to start. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions and customs of the Maori people through storytelling, song, and dance.

Local History

Christchurch is rich in history, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Canterbury Heritage Museum. It hosts numerous artifacts that trace the history of the region from the first settlers to the present day.

The Christchurch Tramway is another excellent attraction that allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks, such as the Christchurch Arts Centre and the Canterbury Museum.

The Quake City Museum commemorates the devastation caused by the 2011 earthquakes, allowing visitors to understand the impact that such an event can have on the community and the city.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, how about a trip to the hills of Banks Peninsula? It offers a range of great outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and cycling.

Another great option are the Riccarton Farmers’ Markets, which are held every Saturday morning and are an excellent place to sample locally grown produce and support the city’s vibrant farming community.

Christchurch is also home to an impressive street art scene that is well worth exploring. You can pick up a free map from the tourism office and take a self-guided tour of the city’s murals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christchurch, New Zealand has a lot to offer. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and thriving food and arts scene, this city is a must-visit for anyone traveling in the South Island. Whether you prefer indulging in fine dining, exploring local history, or experiencing contemporary culture, there’s something for everyone in Christchurch.