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Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo from Queenstown

Offered by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

From

$814.00 per person

4.6 (53 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Fully guided small group tour from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook via Lindis Pass and Lake Pukaki, with ski plane, helicopter and Tasman Glacier snow landing.

Tour Overview

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook on a fully guided small group tour that combines the road journey with scenic flights by ski plane and helicopter, including a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.

Leaving Queenstown, the route follows the Kawarau Gorge, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout before continuing through Cromwell, Lake Dunstan and Lindis Pass. At the top of Lindis Pass, there is a stop at the lookout, then the journey continues across the Mackenzie district to Omarama for a break.

From there, the road turns toward Aoraki National Park, where Lake Pukaki comes into view with Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps behind it. There is time to stop here before checking in for the Ultimate Alpine Experience, a same day ski plane and helicopter flight with a landing on the Tasman Glacier, where you can step out and explore the glacier setting.

Back on the ground, you also have 30 minutes of free time in the national park for short walks or optional activities such as Kea Point Track or the Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre. Weather depending, there are views of Aoraki/Mt Cook from Mt Cook Village.

On the return to Queenstown, the tour stops at High Country Salmon, and in summer may also visit Jacksons Orchard.

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Ultimate Alpine Experience Scenic Flights & Glacier Landing
  • Water available & snacks provided
  • Small Group & Fully Guided Bus Tour

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

    Check-in and get ready for an unforgettable experience flying in a ski plane and a helicopter, on the same day, for the ultimate experience of Aoraki/Mount Cook! This amazing scenic adventure includes a glacier snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.

    30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  8. 8

    Tasman Glacier

    As part of you ultimate alpine experience you will land on the Tasman glacier and get a chance to explore this amazing location.

    20 minutes

    Admission: Included

  9. 9

    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

    While in the national park you have 30 minutes free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include Kea Point Track or the Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre. Whatever 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.

    30 minutes

  10. 10

    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre

    After your flight we arrive at the Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.

    30 minutes

  11. 11

    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.

    15 minutes

  12. 12

    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 some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

    15 minutes

  13. 13

    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

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Flight activities are subject to availability and require confirmation with our airline partner. As dates are not always available, we will inform you accordingly.
  • It is important to note that Ultimate Alpine Flight 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
  • The bus tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • 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).
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Cancellation Policy

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