Explore Mount Cook from Christchurch - Christchurch, New Zealand

Travel by road to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain, through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains. A short stop at either the Tin Shed (an old shearing shed selling discount sweaters) or at Barkers Winery (the largest fruit winery in NZ) for tastings of wines, sauces and jams. Continuing through the foothills of the Southern Alps from Geraldine to Fairlie and through the MacKenzie Basin, with its brown snowgrass-covered landscape which has an almost desert like aspect, to Lake Tekapo. There is the opportunity to take an idyllic photograph of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of magnificent alpine scenery.

Next, it's onto Lake Pukaki where the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin with Mount Cook and the surrounding snow covered peaks in the background. Lunch is at the Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park. Following lunch an alpine flight over the National Park can be arranged with Mount Cook Airlines (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Glacier landings by ski planes are also available (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Please note scenic flights are subject to suitable weather conditions.

Next, you'll explore the Tasman Glacier where a twenty minute climb by foot will take you to the top of the terminal moraine, this vantage point provides views of both the Tasman Glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. Return by coach in the afternoon, stopping at the Canterbury high country town of Fairlie for late afternoon tea.

Once in the air it takes only a short time to see why this region is so unique and unsurpassed by anything else. Discover the sights of some of New Zealand's untouched country as your plane soars up high and offers a birds eye view before landing in Christchurch, where you will be transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.