Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown
Overview
Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 12-hour day trip from Queenstown to the turquoise wonder of Lake Tekapo. Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes, charming towns, and shimmering lakes — with the freedom to stop anywhere along the way.
- 12-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace
- Travel via Wanaka or Cromwell (Your Journey, Your Way!)
- Visit Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel, Lake Pukaki, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd
- Enjoy fresh salmon at Lake Pukaki and seasonal lupin blooms (late spring/early summer)
- Optional stop at the unique Clay Cliffs near Omarama
- Flexible itinerary — add photo stops, short walks, or local food breaks anytime
- Comfortable, modern vehicles with your own friendly local driver-guide
- Perfect for couples, families, small groups, or solo adventurers
Breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and total flexibility — this is the ultimate way to experience Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie region in a single day.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Wi-Fi is available onboard for all travellers; however, please note that connectivity is dependent on mobile network coverage and may be limited in remote areas.
- Fuel is fully included for all journeys — unlimited, worry-free, and hassle-free, so you can relax and enjoy the trip without any additional costs.
- Parking fees are fully covered throughout the journey — no extra charges, no hassle, just a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Full freedom to explore with a custom itinerary — stop anywhere, anytime for photos, coffee, or more
- Tea and coffee Coffees are not included, but we’re happy to fit your preferred café into the schedule or suggest a local favourite along the way.
- Meals Meals not included, but we’re happy to arrange your preferred restaurant or suggest a local favourite to fit your schedule.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickups are available from the driveway of your Airbnb or house, hotel reception, or any location with a valid street address on sealed road. Please be ready 5–10 minutes before your scheduled time. If your pickup spot is hard to find, you can leave a note during booking — we’ll make sure to find you.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Queenstown (pass by)
Lake Hayes
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Kawarau Suspension Bridge
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cromwell
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cromwell Heritage Precinct
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Lindis Pass (pass by)
Omarama
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Clay Cliff
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Lake Pukaki
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Lake Tekapo
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Church of the Good Shepherd
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This trip is best suited for travellers with good mobility to fully enjoy the walking and outdoor stops.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-5590256P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 15 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- Private transportation.
- Wi-Fi is available onboard for all travellers; however, please note that connectivity is dependent on mobile network coverage and may be limited in remote areas.
- Fuel is fully included for all journeys — unlimited, worry-free, and hassle-free, so you can relax and enjoy the trip without any additional costs.
- Parking fees are fully covered throughout the journey — no extra charges, no hassle, just a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Full freedom to explore with a custom itinerary — stop anywhere, anytime for photos, coffee, or more.
- Tea and coffee. Coffees are not included, but we’re happy to fit your preferred café into the schedule or suggest a local favourite along the way.
- Meals. Meals not included, but we’re happy to arrange your preferred restaurant or suggest a local favourite to fit your schedule.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This trip is best suited for travellers with good mobility to fully enjoy the walking and outdoor stops.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Private transportation
- Wi-Fi is available onboard for all travellers; however, please note that connectivity is dependent on mobile network coverage and may be limited in remote areas.
- Fuel is fully included for all journeys — unlimited, worry-free, and hassle-free, so you can relax and enjoy the trip without any additional costs.
- Parking fees are fully covered throughout the journey — no extra charges, no hassle, just a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Full freedom to explore with a custom itinerary — stop anywhere, anytime for photos, coffee, or more
- Tea and coffeeCoffees are not included, but we’re happy to fit your preferred café into the schedule or suggest a local favourite along the way.
- MealsMeals not included, but we’re happy to arrange your preferred restaurant or suggest a local favourite to fit your schedule.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This trip is best suited for travellers with good mobility to fully enjoy the walking and outdoor stops.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
