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Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$1,210.00 per person

4.8 (64 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Small-group guided day trip from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook with a Tasman Glacier heli hike, scenic flights, glacier equipment and road stops.

Tour Overview

This small group, fully guided day trip from Queenstown combines a road journey through the South Island interior with a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike in Aoraki National Park.

Leaving Queenstown, your guide sets the scene as you travel through the Kawarau Gorge, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout. The route continues through Cromwell, across Lake Dunstan and up to Lindis Pass, where there is a stop at the lookout at the top of the pass. From there, the tour crosses the Mackenzie district and pauses in Omarama for a break before turning west toward Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook.

At Aoraki/Mt Cook, you check in for the heli hike with return scenic flights to and from the Aoraki/Mt. Cook base. On the Tasman Glacier, you land on a remote section of the ice and explore its formations on foot with a guide, who cuts steps into the glacier as needed. Equipment is provided, including leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons or snowshoes, walking poles, a waterproof jacket and over trousers.

On the return to Queenstown, the tour stops at High Country Salmon, where you can feed the fish and taste fresh salmon. In summer, there may also be a stop at Jacksons Orchard for local fruit or real fruit ice cream, before arriving back in Queenstown.

What's Included

  • Small Group Fully Guided Bus Tour
  • 2 Scenic Helicopter Flights
  • Tasman Glacier Heli Hike including all equipment
  • Leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons/snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket, over trousers
  • Water available & snacks provided

Not Included:

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
  • Restroom on board

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 area’s top highlights.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Kawarau Suspension Bridge

    Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the 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

    Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.

    15 minutes

  5. 5

    Omarama

    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 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

    Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters

    Helihike - check-in and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike. Your trip with Inflight includes return Scenic flight to & from the Aoraki/Mt. Cook base.

    10 minutes

    Admission: Included

  8. 8

    Tasman Glacier

    As part of your Helihike you will land on and explore the Tasman Glacier. Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the stunning scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will fly to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier before beginning a guided exploration of the amazing ice formations. Follow your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from NZ’s mountain pioneers.

    3 hours

    Admission: Included

  9. 9

    High Country Salmon

    Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook 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

  10. 10

    Jackson Orchards

    During summer months when the sun is still up and as we get close to Queenstown, we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

    15 minutes

  11. 11

    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

- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select The Station - Home of Adventure for now. You can update this later....

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 - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select The Station - Home of Adventure for now. You can update this later.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

Hotel Pick ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pick up time to ensure you do not miss your pickup. We are unable to wait for late guests. You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it.

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • Heli Hike is subject to availability and require confirmation with our airline partner.
  • It is important to note that Heli Hike is very dependent on the weather. The decision to fly is made by our flight partner on the day and may be cancelled last minute due to weather conditions
  • Please dress in 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing and no jeans
  • Children under 12 years are not permitted for this activity.
  • A large amount of hiking is involved. This tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities
  • Passengers 116kg and over will only be able to fly depending on the weights of other passengers on the day, at check-in

Cancellation Policy

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