Capture The Essence Of New Zealand’s High Country with our Tekapo Scenic Photo Tour
The best Tekapo Activity in a short amount of time. Join us and capture the most beautiful scenery on our short 1.5 Hr Lake Tekapo Scenic High Country Photo Tour.
You’ll journey to a private working Merino Station on the western shores of Lake Tekapo, by travelling through remote hills and mountains for the best and unique vistas on offer.
Capture unique scenery of Lake Tekapo, The Two Thumbs Range, Lake Alexandrina and The Cass Valley Alpine. A wonderful 1.5 Hr tour offering breathtaking views from private land. You may see Black Stilts, lots of Merinos and plenty of farm animals too.
Tekapo Scenic High Country Photo Tour Highlights
Join our 1.5 hour Scenic High Country Photo Tour to get the best photos of The Mackenzie High Country.This quick 4WD Scenic Tour offers access to private and remote High Country stations near Lake Tekapo. The tour offers stunning vistas of the outstanding natural landscapes of The Mackenzie backcountry. Best photos in Tekapo ever!
- Short quick Tour from Lake Tekapo (1.5 hours return)
- Access Stunning Private Lookouts Surrounding Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina , Glaciers & More!
- Scenic Vistas into The Alpine of The Cass Valley Backcountry
- Private access by 4WD Tour through Glenmore Station, NZ’s famous Merino Wool Station
- View Merino High Country Sheep grazing in the mountains, Cows, Red Deer
- Capture The Black Stilt and other Native Birds
Tour Details
Duration
1.5 Hours
Departure
AOTEA GIFTS | Tekapo Township
Departure Time
Minimum Group Size
3 People
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable, Stable Footwear, Warm Jacket, Hat, Sunglasses, Camera
Included
✔️ Driver
✔️ Educational Tour
Not Included
❌ Light Refreshment
❌ Light Snack
❌ Meals
❌ Souvenirs
Season
October – July
Tour Notes
There will be opportunities for photos and breathtaking vistas to enjoy. Light walking to close proximity viewpoints for photos, so stable footwear is recommended.
Olivia Saunders2024-02-24I’ve been travelling for the last month doing a fair few activities and I really think this has been the best one so far!! It’s such an organic and personal tour which I loved because I’ve found so much here can be overly touristy. This is worth every penny for sure.
Dale Thompson2024-02-24We had our wonderful time on our trip up to Cass Valley with Tekapo Adventures. The very knowledgeable guide gave us lots of information about the area, and it was wonderful to be able to get off the beaten path to see the terrain carved out by the glacial activity. It was a privilege to be able to spend time on private land and see the reality of a working station.
Richard Wooster2024-02-14We had an amazing tour with Tekapo Adventures. Chris, our guide, shared his passion and expertise. A truly special trip.
reece peh2024-01-19Booked the 1pm Tour on the 19th of Jan but was contacted a day before giving me the option of changing it to 9am as the weather was going to be unfavourable later in the afternoon by Christina and thank goodness for that. Started to rain just as we ended our tour and winds were crazy strong. Thank you Christina! (: First of, tour was amazing. We had the lovely Christina be our tour guide and she was soooo knowledgable and friendly. Made the entire trip so comfortable and enjoyable despite being an introverted person. Second, views in Lake Tekapo is Amazing, but going on this tour on a 4WD is a whole 'nother level. The views were magestic. Got to see experience views of Lake Tekapo and more that the average New Zealander/Tourist would never get to see without a guided tour. Was going to post photos but i didnt want to spoil it. Pictures WILL NOT do this tours ANY justice. Bonus, we got to see sheepdogs in action herding sheeps, endangered birds in NZ and drink straight from a waterfall. 10/10 would recommend.
Leslie Rupper2024-01-18We had a fantastic experience as part of a small group of six touring the Cass Valley Back Country with Cristina yesterday. She was so knowledgeable and had personal connections with the owners of the private land that we were able to tour, giving us unique access to this stunning scenery. She stopped often to let us walk around, offered to take our picture and even treated us to chocolates and fresh spring water! Highly recommend!!
Max Ward2023-11-18Incredible tours! I went to Tekapo last week to visit for a couple of days and booked the Cass Valley tour. Ben who was our guide did a fantastic job showing us around the landscape! For anyone visiting Tekapo, make sure to book as well! It is more than worth it!
Joel Koo2023-10-16My wife and I booked the Cass Valley Backcountry tour and were not disappointed by it. We were fortunate enough to be the only 2 customers for the trip and Ben was such an awesome guide. During the tour, Ben provided highly informative commentary about the locations that we were visiting. He didnt just simply share generic information about the location but also provided insights into the history of the area. We were also provided with binoculars to spot some of the local bird species. Highlight of the tour was definitely the river crossing as well as the pit stop at one of the huts where we got to drink water straight from the source. Being a city boy, i was definitely apprehensive of drinking unfiltered water, but that was some of the freshest and cleanest water i've ever drunk. We even got to experience a "sheep made" traffic jam (the ewes were being moved from 1 paddock/pen to another). The vehicle was well maintained, clean and comfortable. Ben definitely loves his Land Rovers. I would definitely recommend Tekapo Adventures to anyone visiting Lake Tekapo. You get to explore the Tekapo area from the comfort of the vehicle. If we get the chance to visit Lake Tekapo again, Tekapo Adventures will be the no.1 activity on our to do list.
Dinesh Raj2023-10-14Cristina & Ben beautifully executed an awesome afternoon adventure. The whole family really enjoyed the experience. Ben was very knowledgeable, and made the drive engaging for everyone involved including my toddler. One of the best ways to experience a little bit of pristine outdoors and a glimpse of adventure in NZ. Would definitely recommend and return for an encore!
General Questions
How rough is the 4 wheel driving? Will I be comfortable or is it rough?
Our scenic 4wd tours are more of a scenic experience in comfortable custom fitted 4WD vehicles to ensure a smooth tour, while maximizing the incredible landscapes. You won’t be bouncing around that much. We explore on farm tracks and through side streams and rolling tussock country side, and some rougher terrain.
Is there a lot of walking? How physical are the tours?
Our tours are made for exploring mainly by vehicle, and we take plenty of stops for photographs. They don’t require hiking, or walking far. On The Cass Valley Tour, there is an option for a 20-minute hike uphill to a waterfall, for those who are in relatively decent shape and have adequate footwear. Your guide would be the judge.
Are kids allowed?
Yes indeed! We love sharing nature with kids. Our tours are family-friendly and offer a wonderful experience for little ones to explore pristine nature and marvel at the surroundings and animals. We ask that you bring your car seat for infants or kids needing to be in a car seat.
How long are your tours?
Most of our tours are 3 HRS long. Our private tours are 4 HRS and explore further.
Our 1.5-hour tours are generally only available for groups of 4 or more.
What's so special about where you take people?
We give people access to private land where they cannot travel on their own. Our private access allows guests to experience a slice of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery on their own, away from anyone else.
How many people can you fit in a vehicle?
Our 4WD Vehicles can fit 6 people comfortably.
How big of a group can you take?
We can easily take groups of 18 with 3 4WD Vehicles. With advance notice, we can accommodate up to 30 + people.
Our general day-to-day tours take 6 people per vehicle per tour, some days we could be 2 vehicles on tour.
Where do we meet, and where do your tours depart from?
Our tours depart from Lake Tekapo Township, next to the statue of a Kiwi Bird, Moa Bird, and a Sheep. Right outside AOTEA Gifts, a big red and green sign and across from Kiwi Treasures information center. Your 4WD vehicle & driver will pull up there at the time of your tour.
Trip Questions
What photography equipment should I bring?
We recommend bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens to capture distant landscapes and wildlife. A tripod can be handy for stabilizing shots, especially in low light conditions.
Will there be opportunities to photograph wildlife?
Yes, our tour offers the chance to capture native birds such as the Black Stilt and other wildlife in their natural habitat. However, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Do I need photography experience to join the tour?
No prior photography experience is necessary. Our tour is suitable for both amateur and experienced photographers. Our knowledgeable guide can offer tips and guidance to enhance your photography skills.
Are there restroom facilities available during the tour?
Restroom facilities are limited in the remote areas we visit during the tour. We recommend using the restroom before departure.
About Glenmore Station & The Cass Valley
Glenmore Station is an Iconic New Zealand High Country Sheep Station In the heart of the South Island’s Mackenzie Country. Glenmore is situated on the Western shores of Lake Tekapo and runs deep into the Cass Valley wilderness, bordered to the West by the Lieberg Range. Will & Emily Murray are the 4th generation of the Pioneer Murrays to run this beautiful station which has been farming Merino Sheep since 1912. Its stunning 19,000 hectares in size, is home to 10,000 Merino Sheep, Merino Studs, Angus Cattle, and Red Deer.
This breathtaking High Country has been recognized for supplying the World with some of the finest Merino Wool on offer, including the supply to the famous “Icebreaker” Brand since the start. With more than 19 years of continued Merino Wool supply, this station encompasses New Zealand at heart in many ways. Glenmore Station also holds an immense amount of Natural Landscape Values that are Unique to the Mackenzie Basin. Our 4WD Scenic Tours on this station will allow you to experience the outstanding array of stunning landscapes and natural features, unique to the Mackenzie Basin itself.
The Cass Valley is situated on the western side of Lake Tekapo, offering a world of Natural wonder and beauty. Access to this stunning alpine valley is solely through Glenmore Station. The Cass Valley Encompasses a large block of mountainous country, containing high inherent landscape values of The Mackenzie Country. The overall naturalness of the rocky steep scree slides, the U-shaped valleys carved by glaciation, waterfalls, glaciers, lateral moraines, and tussock-clad terraces, overwhelm the senses and ignite the wonder of such a supremely stunning and unique landscape. The Cass Valley’s braided river system and Delta is also a special environment for some of New Zealand’s most endangered nesting birds such as The Black Stilt, The Wry Bill, The Black Fronted Turn, The Banded Dotterel, The Black Billed Gull, and the Oyster Catcher.
Meet Our Guides
Ben
Founder & Guide
Ben
As kiwi as it gets, hails from a long history of guiding throughout New Zealand and overseas. From The Milford Track, driving jet boats on the Hollyford track, or multi day hiking tours and enduro mountain bike expeditions, he is a man of many talents! Filled with a rich and passionate knowledge of geology and history, and wild places. Ben is the co founder of Tekapo Adventures and enjoys sharing his passion with people from around the globe. On his down time you can find him riding bikes with the kids, hunting and tramping and fixing vehicles!
Cristina
Founder & Guide
Cristina
A Can- Iwi as we call her, shes born in Canada and lives in New Zealand alongside Ben and their little two monkeys. You’ll enjoy her local knowledge and passion for nature and wild places, alongside her rich experience in guiding throughout the southern alps by hiking and Mountain biking for over 16+years. She looks after alot of the admin and marketing and sales and you can also find her behind the driver’s seat too! On her down time you can find her exploring nature with the kids, or doing yoga.
Paul
Guide
Paul
A Tekapo local ( Content To come !) On his down time you can find Paul planting native trees for the community, or spending time with his grandkids.
Why Choose Tekapo Adventures
Choosing Tekapo Adventures means opting for a uniquely immersive experience in the Mackenzie Backcountry. Our intimate knowledge of the land, family roots, and commitment to sustainability make every journey with us not just a trip, but a foray into the heart of New Zealand's natural majesty. Join us to discover why our exclusive access, expert guidance, and diverse, educational adventures set us apart as the preferred choice for discerning explorers.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Join our family. Experience the warmth and personalized service that can only come from a family-run venture.
DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
Whether it’s a peaceful 4WD tour or a challenging Alpine hike, our diverse offerings cater to all adventure spirits.
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS
Expand your horizons. Our trips are infused with insightful narratives about the local ecology, geology, and history.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Unveil the hidden corners of the Mackenzie Country with our unparalleled access to private lands.
EXPERT GUIDES
Learn from the best. Our guides are not only wilderness experts but also storytellers of the land.
SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURES
Journey with a clear conscience. Our eco-friendly approach ensures the preservation of these landscapes for years to come.
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