Travel south and then west across the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. We pass through the rural towns of Geraldine and Fairlie before arriving at Lake Tekapo, the first of two glacial lakes we will see today. Time is available to see the Church of the Good Shepherd and to have a brief stop in the village before leaving for Mount Cook. Try an optional scenic flight to view the glaciers and Mount Cook.

At Pukaki, we leave the main road and follow the shore of Lake Pukaki, past Glentanner high country station to the alpine resort of Mount Cook, nestled amongst the majestic Southern Alps. This afternoon is free at leisure to visit the Mount Cook National Park Headquarters and learn about the interesting flora and fauna of the National Park and to find out about the numerous activities that are available in this region.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel or Mount Cook Motels.