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Queenstown: Kawarau Gorge, Lake Pukaki & Aoraki Mt Cook Tour

Offered by Cheeky Kea Tours

From

$249.00 per person

4.3 (12 reviews)

Check Availability

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

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

Tour Overview

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie District to Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Your guide leads the day with local knowledge, te reo Māori place names, and stories of the land. At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have two to two and a half hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, New Zealand's longest glacier, or explore Mt Cook Village. Scenic flights and Heli Hike available on the day. Heading home: the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs, High Country Salmon, the Cardrona Hotel (1863), and a Crown Range lookout over Queenstown from the highest main road in Aotearoa. Lunch, water and snacks included. WiFi and USB charging on board. Group capped at 16. Carbon neutral within the national park.

What's Included

  • Transport in a modern Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle
  • Live guide commentary throughout
  • WiFi & USB charging on board
  • Bottled water and Kiwi snacks
  • Collected by your guide at the Wānaka stop
  • Carbon neutral tour of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Not Included:

  • Gratuities
  • Attraction: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre entry
  • Additional Activity: Scenic flights (available to book on the day via your guide, sold separately)

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Depart heading north. Guide introduces the day as we leave New Zealand's adventure capital. Departure: 6:30 AM.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge

    We follow the Kawarau Gorge along State Highway 6. The icy blue water and historic Suspension Bridge, birthplace of New Zealand's bungee jumping, are visible from the road. Note from November 1, 2026 this will be replaced with the stop in Wanaka.

    15 minutes

  3. 3

    Cromwell

    Pass through Cromwell, a Central Otago township known for its vineyards and stone fruit. Views of Lake Dunstan.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. 4

    Wanaka

    This stop is only included on tours after November 1, 2026. Here the Guide collects lunch while you explore the lakefront, home of #ThatWānakaTree. Views towards Mt Aspiring National Park. Wānaka-based travellers join here.

    15 minutes

  5. 5

    Omarama

    Stop in Ōmārama, "the place of light" in te reo Māori. The nearby Ahuriri Valley was a filming location for Disney's live-action Mulan.

    5 minutes

  6. 6

    Lake Ruataniwha

    A man-made lake built for the Mackenzie Basin's hydro-electricity network. Popular for rowing, fishing, and water skiing.

    5 minutes

  7. 7

    Lake Pukaki

    Glacier-fed lake shifting from ice blue to deep aqua. On clear days, Aoraki rises directly from the water's edge.

    5 minutes

  8. 8

    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

    Approximately 40% of the park is covered by glaciers. Nineteen peaks exceed 3000 metres. Options: Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track (free), Mt Cook Village and Visitor Centre, scenic flights or Heli Hike (sold separately). Collection time 2:15 pm.

    2 hours

  9. 9

    High Country Salmon

    Feed the fish and buy fresh local salmon. Omitted if the tour is running late.

    20 minutes

    Admission: Included

  10. 10

    Clay Cliff

    Ancient glacial formations built into craggy pinnacles. Omitted in bad weather or if running late.

    10 minutes

  11. 11

    Lindis Pass

    Tussocked valleys in every direction. Merino sheep common in the area.

    Pass by without stopping

  12. 12

    Wanaka

    Drop off Wānaka-based travellers before the Crown Range.

    Pass by without stopping

  13. 13

    Cardrona Hotel

    Established 1863 to service the Otago Gold Rush. One of New Zealand's most-photographed historic buildings.

    5 minutes

  14. 14

    Crown Range Road

    The highest main road in Aotearoa. Panoramic views over Queenstown and the Remarkables.

    Pass by without stopping

  15. 15

    Queenstown

    Drop-off point confirmed with your guide at the start of the day.

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

06:30 am Kamana Lakehouse 06:31 am Mercure Resort...

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress in layers. There is a significant temperature difference between Queenstown and Aoraki Mt Cook.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket. Alpine weather can change rapidly.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track involves uneven and stony terrain.
  • Bring sunscreen. UV is strong at altitude, particularly in summer.
  • The Ōmārama Clay Cliffs and High Country Salmon stops are time-dependent and weather-dependent. They may be omitted.
  • This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The walks at Mt Cook involve uneven ground and require a moderate level of physical fitness.
  • Children aged 7 and under require a child safety car seat. If you need one provided, request it at booking with at least 24 hours notice.
  • Service animals are permitted.
  • The tour departs near public transportation.
  • Wānaka-based travellers: you can join and alight at the Wānaka stop. Select this option at time of booking.
  • Not recommended for travellers with serious back conditions, heart conditions, or who are pregnant.
  • Expert local guides: deep knowledge of Māori history and the Mackenzie region.
  • Lunch, water, Kiwi snacks, WiFi and USB charging all included.
  • Wānaka, #ThatWānakaTree, Cardrona Hotel and Crown Range: stops rivals skip.
  • Small group: maximum 16 guests & Carbon neutral tour.

Cancellation Policy

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