Get your discount tickets for the Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown, save up to 9% !
Overview
Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime. ***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.***
Meeting and Pickup
PICKUP TIME 6:30 AM. If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select this location for now. You can update this later!
Redemption Instructions
• Pick-ups start 20 mins before the tour time. Please check your pickup time to ensure you do not miss your pickup. We are unable to wait for late guests. No refunds given for no show passengers. • You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel signwriting on it.
Pickup Information
- 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! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. 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 areas top highlights.
2. Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning 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.
3. 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.
4. Pass through Lindis Pass, one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps we stop at the famous lookout.
5. 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)!
6. 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 just 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.
7. While in the national park you have 2.5 - 3 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: - Local hikes - walk Tasman Glacier View Walk, or Kea Point Track for breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities. – Scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier. Which ever activity from these 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.
8. 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.
9. As we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some fabulous and delicious local fruit, fruit ice-cream and pies, or you can just stretch your legs!
10. Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Inclusion
Water available & snacks provided
Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
Exclusion
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
Guided Hikes - these is to be self guided
**Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED. Expected to re open in Autumn 2026**
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
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) for NZ$20 per seat
**Please note: the Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Autumn 2026 so the track will be inaccessible to the public until then**
Reviews
4.9
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Explore other options
Balloons watching Tour w/ PickUp, Breakfast
Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project Day Tour From Chiang Mai
Electric scooter tour in the Valley of the Temples Agrigento
Tokyo: Daikoku JDM Car Meet & Night Car Culture Tour
Milton Keynes iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience - 2 Flights & Certificate
Queenstown Wine Tour - Gibbston Valley Cave | Kinross | Amisfield
Sunrise Session - The #1 Paddleboard Tour On The Caribbean Sea
Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour
Shark Cage Diving - Adventure Meets Conservation!