Mt Cook Scenic Tour
- Duration: 13 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Queenstown, Otago
Mt Cook Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown
Join Altitude Tours and visit Mt Cook in a day from Queenstown.
Experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel with us through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with free time in Mount Cook Village to enjoy local walks or activities.
- Take the opportunity to visit Mt Cook on an easy one-day tour from Queenstown
- Travel in a specially designed premium Mercedes Sprinter for a comfortable touring experience.
- Enjoy a small-group sightseeing tour limited to just 16 people.
- Experience multiple scenic stops on the drive, including Cromwell, The Lindis, Omarama, Twizel, and many more.
- Benefit from informative and engaging commentary provided by an experienced guide.
- Enjoy 3.5 hours (approx.) of free time to explore Mt Cook Village, with options to sightsee, hike, or join an optional activity (we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot).
- Take advantage of complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Your Adventure Begins
Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at your Queenstown accommodation or nearby. You'll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. As we depart Queenstown, the first leg of our journey takes us through the Central Otago wine regions of Gibbston and Cromwell. We then cross the dramatic Lindis Pass before making a brief stop in Omarama for refreshments and an opportunity to purchase lunch (highly recommended for those planning to hike, Heli Hike, or join the Glacier Explorers experience).
Welcome to Mackenzie Country
The scenery transforms as we enter Mackenzie Country, and our guide will entertain you with stories and interesting facts as we trace the edge of the Southern Alps. Along the way, we'll pass a network of lakes and canals near Twizel, renowned for its fishing of fresh Mt Cook Alpine salmon. Once we veer off the main road, we'll follow the stunning bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Mt Cook Village.
Mount Cook Adventure
Welcome to Mt Cook! Arriving at approximately 12 pm, you'll have around 3.5 hours to explore at your leisure. Choose from various options such as a self-guided hike, taking a scenic flight for an up-close view of the mountain, participating in a Heli Hike on the Tasman Glacier, or witnessing the icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake with Glacier Explorers. Your guide will assist you in getting to your chosen activity and provide instructions for the remainder of the day. If you're planning to get outside and explore, remember to come prepared with enough food and water, dress warmly, and wear appropriate footwear, as the weather in this alpine town can change quickly, no matter the season.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, all guests receive complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located at The Hermitage. This museum and theatre offer insights into Mt Cook's unique history and the adventures of one of New Zealand's most famed explorers.
The Journey Back
At approximately 3:30pm, you will rejoin our guide and van to commence the return journey to Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and take in the views. This day tour spans approximately 12 hours, and our smaller vehicles and attentive guide ensure your comfort and entertainment throughout the journey.
Experience the Unforgettable
Let us take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Cook and discover more with Altitude Tours. The 12-hour Mount Cook day tour departs Queenstown daily at 7:30am, returning by 7:30pm.