Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
Full day · 8 hours
Drive inland to the turquoise Mackenzie Basin lakes, photo stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd and lunch overlooking Lake Tekapo.
Timaru cruise shore excursions.
Port of Timaru 9–10 hours alongside New Zealand
Timaru is a smaller South Island port serving cruise itineraries that want a Mackenzie Country experience without backtracking to Christchurch. The town itself is compact, with Edwardian architecture along Stafford Street and the Caroline Bay foreshore, while the headline excursions head inland to Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.
What to do ashore
Mt Cook alpine scenic drive
Full day · 10 hours
Long day to Aoraki/Mt Cook village with the Hooker Valley lookout walk. New Zealand's highest peak, weather permitting.
Waimate White Wallaby sanctuary
Half day · 4 hours
Family-friendly visit to feed rare white wallabies and explore the Waimate historic district.
Timaru historic city & Caroline Bay
Half day · 3 hours
Walking tour of the bluestone CBD, the South Canterbury Museum and time on the Caroline Bay foreshore.
Getting ashore
Walk-off port. Shuttle to the town centre is usually provided.
Good to know
- —Mt Cook day is weather-dependent — the mountain is often cloud-covered.
- —Inland temperatures can be 10°C lower than the coast; bring layers.
- —Limited food options at Tekapo in summer — pre-booked lunches are wise.
Planning a call at Timaru?
Request a full shore excursion programme with pricing, capacity and backup plans.