MT Cook Tour Itinerary:

At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from nearby Aoraki/Mt Cook village which is just 750m above sea-level, making this fully guided, small group day tour perfect for all fitness levels.  

Your guided tour begins with hotel pick-ups in Queenstown (selected pick up points only). We then make our way through the stunning Kawarau gorge, Cromwell and the quaint township of Omarama, where you'll have the option to taste the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)! We will then climb up through Lindis Pass, one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps. 

Our next stop is Lake Pukaki, one of the bluest lakes you will ever see, framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We will also see the location of several scenes from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Arriving at the alpine village of Aoraki/Mt Cook and The Hermitage (home of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre) you then have 4 hours to explore many of the village’s popular activities and attractions including hikes & walks, glacier boats trips, heli-hikes and scenic flights and the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center.  

Whatever you choose to do, whether relaxed or adventurous you will have four hours to enjoy the simply outstanding region of Aoraki/Mt Cook, and we’ll transport you to wherever you want to go.

At the end of the day we farewell Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and make our way back to Queenstown for hotel drop offs. On the way, 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, selecting from the farm’s fresh salmon-based menu. 

Choose Cheeky Kiwi, the small-group tour specialists for an enjoyable, informative, and above all, unforgettable experience of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook and surrounding region. Our tours are never just about the destination; the journey matters too and this is one journey you won’t want to miss!

Optional ACTIVITIES and attractions:

Hikes and walks: Free

Multiple walks in the area, from the Tasman glacier lake short walk to the 3-hour Hooker Valley Track. We can drop you off at and pick you up from the start of the walks if you don’t want the added distance and time required if starting from the Hermitage. Our guides are well-versed in the local tracks and are more than happy to help you choose the right walk or track for you.

Helihiking - $585 per person

Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre - $20 per person

Scenic Heli-Flight - Glacier Encounters - $380 per person

Ultimate Alpine Experience - $399

Grand Circle - $595

Tour Details:

(Prices in NZD)

Adult from: $199 per person

Child from: $175 per person

Departs from: Queenstown at 6:45 am

Tour Duration 12 hours

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Fully guided small group return tour from Queenstown (maximum 16 passengers)

• Hotel pick ups and drop offs (specified hotels and points only)

• Regional Highlights Tour including Kawarau Gorge and Suspension Bridge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps, Lake Pukaki, The Hermitage, and The Salmon Farm

• Aoraki/Mt Cook Village Highlights Tour

• Refreshments and snacks whilst driving

• On screen entertainment during the drive

• Multiple stops to purchase food, buy souvenirs or take photos 

• Wifi and charging ports available in vehicle

• Transport in modern and comfortable 11 or 16 seater minibuses