Visit two stunning natural sights in one day with this private day trip from Queenstown to an alpine lavender farm and Mount Cook National Park. This trip celebrates the best of summer's beauty in New Zealand, from fragrant blooms to stunning mountainscapes.
Yes, Tasman Lake is famous for floating icebergs that calve off the Tasman Glacier, and they remain visible through summer. The walk to the Tasman Lake viewpoint takes around 40 minutes round trip and offers one of the easiest iceberg views in the world. Boat tours are available with separate operators if you'd like to get closer to the icebergs and learn more about the glacier.
Aoraki Mount Cook Village sits about 165 miles (265 km) northeast of Queenstown, with a driving time of roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes each way. The scenic route passes Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Tekapo, offering some of the most photographed landscapes in New Zealand. Your private driver handles the long but stunning route, so you can focus on the changing alpine scenery from the window.
Yes, the trip works well for mixed-age groups, since most stops involve gentle walking on flat or paved paths. Kids enjoy iceberg spotting at Tasman Lake, lavender ice cream at the farm, and the dramatic views around Lake Pukaki. The day is long, with about 7 to 8 hours of driving total, so factor in rest, snacks, and bathroom stops. Your driver can adjust the pace to suit your group.
The Mackenzie Country region around Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook is known for high country lamb, salmon from nearby alpine farms, and locally roasted coffee. The Alpine Lavender Farm sells unique items like lavender ice cream, certified organic lavender oils, soaps, honey, and aromatherapy products. Pair these with manuka honey, merino wool goods, and New Zealand pinot noir for memorable South Island souvenirs.
Several short walks suit a 2-hour stop in the village, including the easy 30-minute Governors Bush Walk, the Bowen Bush Walk, the Glencoe Lookout for mountain views, and a section of the Hooker Valley Track. The 1-hour walk to Tasman Lake and the viewpoint offers year-round icebergs and a glacier panorama. Choose routes that fit comfortably within your stop time so you can enjoy them without rushing.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook, standing at about 12,218 feet (3,724 m). The park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area, with more than 19 peaks above 9,800 feet (3,000 m), glaciers like the Tasman, and turquoise lakes. It is also a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, making evening visits popular for stargazing.
Pack layers, since alpine weather can shift quickly between sunny, breezy, and cool. A windproof and waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, sunglasses, a hat, and strong sunscreen are essential, especially around the snowy peaks. Bring snacks, water, and a camera with an extra battery. Cash for the lavender farm cafe and small purchases is also handy in this remote alpine area.
New Zealand's Alpine Lavender Farm near Lake Tekapo blooms from mid-December through late January, the height of the Southern Hemisphere summer. Peak color usually arrives in early to mid-January, with soft early-morning light producing the best photos. Bloom timing varies each year based on alpine weather, so check the farm's website before your trip and aim for a clear-sky day to enjoy the snowcapped mountain backdrop.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.