Animal Encounter Timaru

Kia ora and welcome to Timaru! Nestled in the heart of South Canterbury, the town is the perfect gateway to New Zealand's famous Mackenzie District. Join us on this ultimate shore excursion as we venture inland along State Highways 8 and 80 to some of our backyard's most iconic scenery. From alpine lakes and mighty mountains, to tussocked terrain and panoramic views, this action-packed day to the central South Island is only available from Timaru and is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this shore excursion is one you won't want to miss!

Highlights and inclusions:

• Small group size
• Carbon neutral shore excursion of Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
• Pick up/drop off to and from Timaru docking
• Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views
• Fairlie Bakehouse
• Church of the Good Shepherd (Lake Tekapo)
• Lookout over Lake Pukaki
• Lunch (pre-ordered from Fairlie Bakehouse), bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
• WiFi and USB Charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi as experience

Itinerary:

Timaru - We pick you up from the ship's docking in Timaru and head inland towards Fairlie. On route, our guide will point our local highlights and share history of the surrounding areas.

Fairlie Bakehouse (15 minutes) - Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!

Lake Pukaki (10 minutes) - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.

Mt Cook National Park (1 hour) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. Upon arrival, you will have the option to explore the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track (leads through old terminal moraines of Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, offering views of the river, glacier, and Tasman Lake) or take in sights at the Visitor Centre/Mt Cook Village area.

*Please note that due to potential delays from port and road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available for the allotted time.

Lake Tekapo and The Church of the Good Shepherd (10 minutes) - On our way back, we make a brief stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd before returning to Timaru.

Timaru - Departing Tekapo, we return to Timaru to ensure you embark prior to departure. Sit back and relax after a day exploring the stunning Mackenzie district. With your camera roll full, this excursion will definitely be something to brag about!

PLEASE NOTE - Timings vary from tour to tour and will depend upon the length of the port day, weather, and traffic conditions. In line with our terms and conditions, cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are non-refundable; refunds of any kind are also not provided if the ship is unable to dock in Timaru. As such, we recommend all guests travelling with travel insurance and are happy to provide evidence to support travel insurance claims should guests not be able to attend the tour if the ship does not dock.

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

See More, Do More, Spend Less.

Kia ora and welcome to Timaru! Nestled in the heart of South Canterbury, the town is the perfect gateway to New Zealand's famous Mackenzie District. Join us on this ultimate shore excursion as we venture inland along State Highways 8 and 80 to some of our backyard's most iconic scenery. From alpine lakes and mighty mountains, to tussocked terrain and panoramic views, this action-packed day to the central South Island is only available from Timaru and is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this shore excursion is one you won't want to miss!


Highlights and inclusions:
Small group size Carbon neutral shore excursion of Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Pick up/drop off to and from Timaru docking Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views Fairlie Bakehouse Church of the Good Shepherd (Lake Tekapo) Lookout over Lake Pukaki Lunch (pre-ordered from Fairlie Bakehouse), bottled water, and Kiwi snacks WiFi and USB Charging Commentary 100% Kiwi as experience
Itinerary:

Timaru - We pick you up from the ship's docking in Timaru and head inland towards Fairlie. On route, our guide will point our local highlights and share history of the surrounding areas.


Fairlie Bakehouse (15 minutes) - Nestled in the charming farming township of Fairlie, this stop is always popular with guests. It is especially stunning in autumn as the trees lining the streets and Burkes Pass turn a vibrant orange. It is here that you can enjoy a famous Fairlie Bakehouse pie. Our team’s personal favourite is the classic steak and cheese!


Lake Pukaki (10 minutes) - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.


Mt Cook National Park (1 hour) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. Upon arrival, you will have the option to explore the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track (leads through old terminal moraines of Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, offering views of the river, glacier, and Tasman Lake) or take in sights at the Visitor Centre/Mt Cook Village area.



*Please note that due to potential delays from port and road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available for the allotted time.


Lake Tekapo and The Church of the Good Shepherd (10 minutes) - On our way back, we make a brief stop at Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie District’s distinct tussocked landscape, you will be greeted with panoramic views. From late November to early January, the famous lakeshore is adorned with clusters of wild lupins. While here, we will stop at one of New Zealand’s most photographed locations; the Church of the Good Shepherd before returning to Timaru.


Timaru - Departing Tekapo, we return to Timaru to ensure you embark prior to departure. Sit back and relax after a day exploring the stunning Mackenzie district. With your camera roll full, this excursion will definitely be something to brag about!


PLEASE NOTE - Timings vary from tour to tour and will depend upon the length of the port day, weather, and traffic conditions. In line with our terms and conditions, cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are non-refundable; refunds of any kind are also not provided if the ship is unable to dock in Timaru. As such, we recommend all guests travelling with travel insurance and are happy to provide evidence to support travel insurance claims should guests not be able to attend the tour if the ship does not dock.


We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

See More, Do More, Spend Less.