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Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

Offered by Altitude Tours

From

$279.00 per person

4.9 (236 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

12 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

One-day small group tour from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook via Cromwell, Lindis Pass and Lake Pukaki, with free time in Mount Cook Village.

Tour Overview

Travel from Queenstown into the heart of the South Island on this one day small group tour to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak. The journey begins with a stop in Cromwell, known as the Fruit Bowl of the South, where the large fruit sculptures mark this Central Otago town and its well known Pinot Noir region.

From there, the road climbs through Lindis Pass, where the high country landscape shifts as you leave Central Otago and enter the Mackenzie Basin. A short stop in Omarama gives you time to pick up a snack or takeaway lunch before continuing past the Twizel canals and on to the bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki.

Before reaching Mount Cook Village, you’ll stop beside Lake Pukaki for views of Aoraki, also called the Cloud Piercer. In Mount Cook Village, you have free time to spend as you choose. You might walk to Lake Mueller for a closer view of Mt Sefton’s glaciers, hike part of the Hooker Valley Track, or simply stay in the village and take in the alpine setting within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

After time in the village, the tour returns to Queenstown, with scenic breaks along the way and arrival back at approximately 7.30 pm.

What's Included

  • WiFi on board
  • Entertaining and informative commentary from your guide
  • Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
  • Entrance into the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
  • Approx. 3.5 hours free time in Mt Cook

Not Included:

  • Lunch and snacks are not included, however there opportunities to purchase throughout the day
  • Activities are an additional cost

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Cromwell

    After departing Queenstown, our first iconic stop is Cromwell, 'Fruit Bowl of the South', and its large fruit sculptures. Cromwell is the hub of Central Otago, the famous wine region for Pinot Noir.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Lindis Pass

    On the drive to Mount Cook, we will travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Marvel at the spectacular high country landscape as we pass through from Central Otago into the Mackenzie Basin.

    10 minutes

  3. 3

    Omarama

    We make a brief stop at the quaint village of Omarama where you have the opportunity to get a snack or food to take away for lunch in Mt Cook. From here we’ll make our way past the Twizel canals, heading towards the bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki.

    20 minutes

  4. 4

    Lake Pukaki

    Before entering Mount Cook Village, we will take stop alongside the shores of Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in the area, proudly showing off New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/ Mount Cook.

    10 minutes

  5. 5

    Mt. Cook Village

    Welcome to Mount Cook Village. Here you will have some free time to enjoy this dramatic location. Choose to take a walk to Lake Mueller for a close-up view of Mt Sefton’s glaciers, hike along the Hooker Valley Track or take the chance to experience one of the incredible activities Mt Cook has to offer.

    3 hours

  6. 6

    Twizel

    We then start the journey back to Queenstown. After a busy day taking in the sights, take the chance to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery. We will give you the chance to stretch your legs throughout the journey, returning back to Queenstown at approx 7:30 pm.

    20 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

Please note that your selected pickup location may not be exact; we will pick up either at or near your requested location. After you book, our team will contact you to provide your exact pickup location details. If you are unsure of the best pickup point, please inform the activity provider of your accommodation, and we will advise the most suitable pickup location. The 0730 AM departure time applies to the central Queenstown pick-up, however, times can vary between 7 AM and 8 AM, depending on your location. Please take note of the time our team reconfirms with you and be at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your departure time. Our guide will wait up to 5 minutes after your departure time. Any late arrivals who miss the tour will not be entitled to a refund.

Additional Info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Mount Cook is an alpine environment and it is important to bring warm clothes, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes for walking.
  • The Hooker Valley Trek is a DOC (Department of Conservation) hiking trail, and we recommend only those with medium fitness complete the entire trail (weather pending). We have a strict departure time from Mt Cook Village and all hikers must return by that time.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.