Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
$305
per adult
Private Tours in Lake Tekapo
THE 10 BEST Lake Tekapo Private Tours
Private Tours in Lake Tekapo
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22 results sorted by featured
- Our Featured sort order ranks tours, activities, and experiences by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, your individual user browsing history and preferences while using Tripadvisor, the frequency of user clicks generally, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
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Day Trips
8–9 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$1,435
per adult
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$5,400
per adult
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$4,650
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$750
per adult
Overnight Tours
2 days
Free cancellation
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from
$2,100
per adult
Private Sightseeing Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
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$5,650
per adult
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
from
$3,175
per adult
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 4 days in advance
from
$3,175
per adult
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$4,550
per adult
Day Trips
10–12 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$500
per adult
Day Trips
10–13 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$1,700
per group
Car Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
$1,300
per adult
Day Trips
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$5,050
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
$1,400
per group
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$3,500
per adult
Day Trips
12–13 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$2,499
per group
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
20. Customized South Island Tour
20. Customized South Island Tour
Multi-day Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$15,300
per group
Private and Luxury
12–13 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$10,000
per group
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
$1,190
per group
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Local Tours and ShuttleQueenstown, New Zealand5 contributionsWe had wonderful service by this company. Driver was very professional. He knew his way around very well. Great area knowledge and professional service. Will use their services in the future. Highly recommend!Written 13 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Voyager231174379501 contributionWe had one of the most otherworldly scenic trips from Queenstown to Christchurch and then from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Our guide was Dave Sanford(request him). Along a 6 hour trip he talked us through the history and geography of what we were seeing with strategic and memorable stops along the way. He is an excellent driver (and on these roads that is exactly what you want). So intelligent and conversational. So enjoyable to be with on a long journey.Written 5 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Margret D1 contributionBooking a private tour for our New Zealand South Island trip was the best decision we have made, and it was absolutely incredible! Traveling from Christchurch to Queenstown, we explored stunning destinations like Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and breathtaking Hooker Valley trek, which led us to a mesmerizing glacier lake. One of the highlights was helicopter ride to a glacier, where we landed and captured unforgettable photos. Queenstown, with its vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty, was the perfect finale to our journey.
What made this trip truly exceptional was our private tour guide. He took care of everything, recommending great restaurants and cafes, made adjustments and ensuring our comfort throughout. He was always attentive, flexible and ready to customize the trip according to our preference. Because of his expertise we could fully enjoy the experience without any stress.
If you are planning to visit New Zealand, booking this private tour is the best way to explore hassle-free while making the most of this beautiful country. highly recommended!Written 21 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ann-deemSan Diego, CA7 contributionsIf you're looking for an unforgettable experience in South New Zealand, this 5-day adventure is absolutely perfect! From breathtaking landscapes to adrenaline-pumping activities and unique wildlife encounters, every moment was magical.
We started in Queenstown and made our way to Milford Sound, taking in the jaw-dropping scenery along the way—lush rainforests, towering peaks, and mirror-like lakes. The fjord cruise was mesmerizing, with cascading waterfalls, playful dolphins, and dramatic cliffs that felt straight out of a movie. Later, we visited the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where we floated through dark tunnels illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms—a truly surreal experience.
The next day, we returned to Queenstown for an adrenaline-packed adventure. The jet boat ride was a thrilling rush, speeding through the crystal-clear waters with heart-stopping spins! We also took the Gondola ride up to Skyline Queenstown, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Watching the sunset from the top was pure magic.
From there, we traveled to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The alpine scenery was stunning. Along the way, we stopped at a charming lavender farm, a picturesque and fragrant spot perfect for photos and locally made souvenirs and ice cream.
One of the biggest highlights of our trip was the helicopter ride over the Southern Alps, landing on a pristine glacier—an absolutely surreal experience! Afterward, we drove to Lake Tekapo, where we experienced the famous stargazing tour. The night sky was unbelievably clear, and seeing the Milky Way stretch across the sky was a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We wanted to go horse trekking through Lake Tekapo instead of the originally planned visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd and sightseeing around the lake, so we asked our guide to adjust our itinerary. They made it happen, and it was absolutely worth it!
We embarked on an amazing horse trek with Mackenzie Alpine Horses. The experience was made even better by the kind and passionate people who run it—they truly care for their horses and create such a welcoming environment. Riding through the stunning alpine landscapes, we let the horses drink from the lake while taking in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tekapo. Trekking through the forest added another layer of adventure, making it an unforgettable experience.
After our trek, we took the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch, often called one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The landscapes shifted from alpine peaks to lush Canterbury Plains. We spent the night in Christchurch, enjoying the city's relaxed atmosphere and great dining options.
The next day, we traveled to Akaroa, a charming coastal town with a strong French influence. There, we took a nature cruise, spotting Hector’s dolphins and fur seals in the sparkling waters. To end the trip on a high note, we visited an alpaca farm, where we got up close with these adorable, fluffy creatures.
A special shoutout to our tour guide, Rago, who was incredibly knowledgeable and so kind throughout the entire journey. His insights, local expertise, and warm personality made the trip even more enjoyable!
Every single experience was unforgettable. The mix of adventure & nature made for a perfect itinerary. If you’re visiting South New Zealand, this is the ultimate bucket-list trip!
📌 Must-Do Highlights: Helicopter glacier landing, Milford Sound cruise, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, horse trekking at Lake Tekapo, and visiting the alpaca farm.
Would 100% recommend this trip to anyone ready for an adventure! ❤️Written 28 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Danny CAuckland Central, New Zealand135 contributionsI should start by being clear, this trip was the second we experienced with NZSI this week. The first was a day trip to Arthurs Pass taking the optional train ride out and using their transport to return. In both case we were picked up and dropped off at our accommodation.
First of all I should mention our guide/driver Anuj. He was very pleasant, mannerly, considerate, punctual and professional. The vehicles used were both modern, comfortable and well maintained. When we were picked up we were provided with a face mask, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and some candies.
I could really write a great deal of both experiences but I really want to keep your attention. Anuj kept us occupied with his incredible knowledge of the towns and sights and stopped regularly for photo stops and the occasional breaks for coffees, lunches and shopping. There was never any pressure to hurry.
I would definitely recommend this company and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.Written 24 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NinaChicago, IL4 contributionsMy adult sons and I have spent the last two weeks traveling around New Zealand. We decided to take a two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt. Cook and booked our transport with Canterbury Trails. Our guide and driver was Hugo. He picked us up at the Airbnb place we rented in Christchurch and we were dropped off at our hotel in Queenstown. We traveled in a new, very comfortable, clean van. Water bottles at each seat. We stopped at a couple bakeries and cafes along the way (sampled some tasty pies and smoothies) and explored the magnificent natural points of interest. Our trip was safe, stress-free, and fun. Exactly what we needed. Hugo was kind, entertaining, and knowledgeable with both his recommendations -- what to do and where to eat -- and history.
We had the most positive experience we could have imagined! We're thankful🙏🏼😊Written 26 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Glen HSingapore4 contributionsWe just wrapped up an amazing 3 dat tour of Queenstown, and it was one of the best travel experience we have had as a family. From the jaw dropping views of Mt Cook to the scenic drive through Arthur's Pass and the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, every moment felt like new adventure. You can really picture yourself standing there, taking all in- its that incredible.
Our guide was fantastic, super knowledgeable and genuinely cared about making our trip memorable. Every recommendation he gave, weather it was a spot for lunch or a hidden gem to check out, was spot on. He knew the area like the back of his hand and made sure we got the most out of every stop.
If you are planning a trip to Queenstown, this tour is a must. It's perfect for the one who looking to explore best of what this stunning region has to offer. It's worth the money you spend. Highly recommend!Written 21 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ryan D5 contributionsWe were group of 4 an initially thought the tour was a bit pricey. But after comparing everything included like 4 to 5 star hotels with breakfast, tickets to famous activities, a comfy vehicle, and more, we found it was actually great value for money, so we booked it. To our surprise everything went beyond our expectations! The guide, Raghav, was super helpful and made sure everything went seamless. The mix of travel, fun activities, and time to relax was just perfect. We loved ending each day in a comfortable and luxurious hotels as we don't prefer camping or staying in motorhomes. We were also given options of hotel at each location for selection. We had tricky last minute request to return to Christchurch and Raghav effortlessly arranged us a flight to Christchurch. If you want an easy, well-planned trip with great service, flexibility and no hassle, this tour is a fantastic choice. Thank you WJ team for making our trip special.Written 16 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shreya G2 contributionsThis 5 Day tour was the ultimate way to explore New Zealand South Island, covering top destinations like the breathtaking Milford Sound and majestic Mt. Cook. Our guide was outstanding - knowledgeable, flexible, and attentive to every detail. From stocking our favorite snacks to tailoring activities to our preferences, they ensured a smooth and personalized experience. The private tour allowed us for a relaxed pace, spontaneous photo stops, and comfortable travel in a spacious vehicle.
Highlights included exploring the Glowworm caves at Te Anau, thrilling adventures in Queenstown, and the tranquil beauty of Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo. With seamless planning and thoughtful touches, this trip was truly unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone seeking stress-free South Island Journey!Written 27 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - StevieOCMelbourne, Australia14 contributionsA fantastic experience and wonderful service. Our driver and guide, Anuj, took good care of us on our trip to lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. His commentary and local knowledge was appreciated, as was his flexibility in moving the schedule around owing to a change in the weather (making for some stunning views). The journey makes for a long day, but the transport and company makes for a comfortable ride. I highly recommend NZSI tours and would use them again.Written 11 November 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joy O1 contributionVery informative and friendly guide. I had injured my knee and couldn’t go on trail walks Jakob took me to Visitor Information Centre and Cafe and stayed with me for a while and collected me from cafe. Jakob was the essence of cheeky and made our trip very enjoyable and is not a bad photographer either. Very helpful. Also food supplied was delicious from Fairlie Bakehouse. Cheeky tours also provided a snack pack of water, chips and chocolate.
The scenery was breathtaking. Thank you.Written 11 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
