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Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$275.00 per person

4.9 (423 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Fully guided small group day tour from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook via Lindis Pass and Lake Pukaki, with 2.5 to 3 hours free time in the national park.

Tour Overview

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook on a fully guided small group day tour that balances scenic driving with flexible time in the national park. As you leave Queenstown, the route follows Kawarau Gorge, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout before continuing through Cromwell, across Lake Dunstan, and on toward Lindis Pass.

There is a stop at the Lindis Pass lookout, then the journey continues through the Mackenzie district to Omarama for a break. From here, the landscape shifts again as Lake Pukaki comes into view, framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. In Aoraki National Park, you have around 2.5 to 3 hours of free time to shape the day your way.

You might choose a walk such as the Tasman Glacier View Walk or Kea Point Track, book an optional scenic flight, or simply spend time at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate and mountain views. Please note that the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout while the Department of Conservation replaces a bridge, with full reopening expected in Autumn 2026.

On the return to Queenstown, the tour may stop at High Country Salmon and Jacksons Orchard, time permitting.

What's Included

  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Small Group and Fully Guided Tour

Not Included:

  • Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
  • Guided Hikes - these is to be self guided
  • **Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED. Expected to re open in Spring 2026**

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the areas top highlights.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Kawarau Suspension Bridge

    Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Cromwell

    Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.

    5 minutes

  4. 4

    Lindis Pass

    Pass through Lindis Pass, one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps we stop at the famous lookout.

    15 minutes

  5. 5

    Omarama Sheep Statue

    While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!

    30 minutes

  6. 6

    Lake Pukaki

    Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.

    15 minutes

  7. 7

    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

    While in the national park you have 2.5 - 3 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: - Local hikes - walk Tasman Glacier View Walk, or Kea Point Track for breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities. – Scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier. Which ever activity from these you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.

    3 hours

  8. 8

    High Country Salmon

    Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.

    20 minutes

  9. 9

    Jackson Orchards

    As we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some fabulous and delicious local fruit, fruit ice-cream and pies, or you can just stretch your legs!

    15 minutes

  10. 10

    Queenstown

    Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.

    1 hour

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point. You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minutes prior to your specific pickup time. ...

Or Meet At Meeting point

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown

Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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PICKUP TIME 6:30 AM.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

• Pick-ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pickup time to ensure you do not miss your pickup. We are unable to wait for late guests. No refunds given for no show passengers. • You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice) for NZ$20 per seat
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • The Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Spring 2026 so the track will be inaccessible to the public until then**
  • **Please note - for flight options, our airline partner has a fuel surcharge of NZ$20 per person in place until further notice. This is to be paid directly to the airline upon check-in **

Cancellation Policy

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