Post-Conference Tour

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo with Dark Skies Experience
Date/Time: 22-23 March, 2024
Duration: 2 days/1 night
Cost:

• Single Adult – NZ$959.00 per person [approximately USD$587.00]
• Two Adults, twin sharing in double or twin room –  NZ$735.00 per person [approximately USD$450.00]
• Child Rate (up to and including 15 years) – NZ$525.00 per child [approximately USD$321.00]
  Please note that children under 10 years of age are not permitted on the Dark Skies Summit Experience

Book This Tour

Friday, 22 March

You will be collected from your Christchurch accommodation and travel by road to Mount Cook through the rural pastural land of the Canterbury Plains, and through the rolling foothills of the Southern Alps, via the country townships of Geraldine and Fairlie, before ascending Burkes Pass and arriving at the Tekapo Plateau. On route a stop will be made in Geraldine where there will be time for a coffee and to explore some of the craft shops and local produce this area has to offer.

Arrive at Lake Tekapo with a stop at the Church of the Good Sheppard and the McKenzie Monument, where there are some wonderful photo opportunities with the Church and the turquoise-colored waters of the lake.
From Lake Tekapo the tour continues onto Lake Pukaki with the snow covered Southern Alps including Mount Cook towering over the western and northern sides of the lake, for great photo opportunities.

The tour then arrives at Aoraki / Mount Cook where there will be time for lunch (lunch is by own arrangements).

After lunch there will be time to explore both the Mount Cook village and the surrounding National Park at one of its three glaciated valleys. The tour will take you into the car park below the terminal moraine of the Tasman Glacier, where a 20-minute hike up the moraine deposit will bring you to the lookout over the retreating glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. Over the past 40 years whilst the top third of the glacier has retreated, the remaining ice has been steadily melting – forming this new lake. From the lookout you will hear the ice cracking and breaking off and falling into the lake, creating floating icebergs.
Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required for this walk.

Also offered are the following activities, both of which are optional extras which can be purchased while at the National Park.

1. A Glacier tour which includes a boat tour on the Tasman Glacier, this is a 2.5 hour tour and costs NZ$179.00 per adult and NZ$79.00 per child (4 - 14 years) Please note that moderate fitness is required us you will be required to walk 1.5 kilometers (just under a mile) in 25 minutes.

2. Ultimate Alpine Experience - Mount Cook Ski Plane Flight with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, and then the return helicopter flight with views of the Tasman Terminal Lake, Grand Plateau, Hochstetter Icefall, and cloud-piercing Aoraki/Mt Cook. The option costs NZ$479.00 per adult and NZ$429.00 per child (2-12 years).

In the late afternoon we will depart the National Park and return to Lake Tekapo by road.

On arrival back in Lake Tekapo, check into your evening accommodation at the Bluewater Peppers Resort.

Once checked in there will be free time at your leisure to explore the township and have some dinner (on your own). This evening, after dark, you will join the Dark Skies Summit Experience where you will be taken up to the Mount John Observatory, home to a world-renowned astronomical research center -- the University of Canterbury Mount. John Observatory. Here you will do some stargazing using 9 ¼” - 16“ telescopes. High atop Mount John’s 1,029-meter peak, you’ll be at the heart of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Skilled guides will explain the Southern night sky with captivating tales and facts.

Saturday, 23 March

Breakfast will be offered at the hotel.
Mid-morning once you have checked out, you will be taken to the Tekapo Springs – a thermal reserve on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Here you can soak in the stunning lake or mountain view pools. There are three hot pools, or chill out in the Aqua Play Area with cooler pools. Temperatures range from 28° C to 38.5° C. Here you can completely relax and unwind before we depart for the return to Christchurch.

In the early afternoon we will depart Lake Tekapo with a stop en route in Farlie where you may choose to experience one of their great pies, claimed to be the best meat pies in New Zealand. We will also have a stop in Ashburton.

In the late afternoon we arrive back to your accommodation in Christchurch, or directly to the Christchurch Airport should you have a departing flight.