Fringed by snow grass plains, opalescent glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks, Mount Cook rises 12,218 feet (3,724 m) over the South Island. Spend a day journeying across the rugged landscape of Mount Cook National Park and exploring the icy mass of the Tasman Glacier.
After you're picked up at your hotel, ride across the Canterbury Plains, the foothills of the Southern Alps, and the vast, scrubby expanse of the desert-like Mackenzie Basin.
Make your way to Lake Tekapo, a shimmering, turquoise swath of iridescent water that seems to glow amid the surrounding brush. Walk along the shore and snap a photo of the historic stone Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing up along the banks of Lake Pukaki, an opaque jewel framed by the Southern Alps.
Take in the rocky winterscape as you enter Mount Cook National Park, and then head to the Hermitage Hotel, where a delicious lunch and views over the park await you. After your meal, you have some free time to explore at your leisure, trekking along nature trails or perhaps opting to take a helicopter flight over the glacial terrain. Walk to the viewpoint of the Tasman Glacier to see Lake Tasman. This iceberg-dotted body of water has just formed in recent decades as the glacier has retreated.
As your alpine afternoon comes to a close, begin your return ride to Christchurch, stopping mid-drive for late afternoon tea in the charming high country township of Fairlie.
