Excursion Alpine lakes & mount cook national park tour at Timaru

Travel over farmland until you reach the Mackenzie basin where the landscape and farming changes dramatically. This is the domain of merino sheep and iconic high-country stations, but the landscape is dominated by the Southern Alps and its glacial lakes.

Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Morning Tea

Your first stop is at Lake Tekapo, a small town that faces north over this remarkable turquoise lake with stunning views of the glacial valleys that feed it. On the shores of the lake, you will see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district and is still used as a place of worship. Enjoy a light morning tea.

Mount Cook National Park, Lake Pukaki

Travel to Lake Pukaki over one of the many hydro canals that crisscross the Mackenzie Basin. Sourced from the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest at 29km), Lake Pukaki borders the eastern slopes of New Zealand's greatest alpine park - Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It is the largest of three lakes in the region which also encompasses the country's highest mountains (19 peaks over 3000 metres) and a series of glaciers that cover 40 percent of the park. Aoraki Mount Cook (3754 metres /12300 feet) and the National Park form part of Te Waipounamu - South Westland World Heritage Area in recognition of its outstanding natural values.

Panoramic Views, Kiwi Style BBQ Lunch

Travelling from Lake Pukaki we pass the hydro town of Twizel and Lake Ruataniwha before enjoying a delicious kiwi style BBQ lunch and afterwards some shopping (time permitting) at the town of Omarama, a location renowned for its gliding and clear night skies. The journey then travels out the Waitaki Valley crossing two hydro dams by Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore before travelling through rolling farmlands back to the port of Timaru.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, Lake Pukaki, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 50-100 metres and with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. The coach supply in Timaru is very limited, coaches used are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of larger New Zealand ports.