Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Overview
Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Travel beyond the main tourist route through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass, with scenic stops at Lake Pukaki and opportunities to discover local favourites along the way. Once at Mt Cook, enjoy free time to choose how you experience this remarkable landscape, from walking the famous Hooker Valley Track to simply taking in the views of New Zealand's highest peak. With personalised guiding, plenty of photo opportunities, and a relaxed pace, this tour offers more than just a transfer—it’s a memorable journey into the heart of the Southern Alps.
What’s included
- Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Complimentary hotel pickup & drop off (select locations only)
- Small Group & Fully Guided Tour with Local Guide
- Water available & snacks provided
Not included
- Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
- Walks are self guided
- Restroom on board
Meeting and pickup
PICKUP TIME: 6:30 AM. Please meet your guide at The Station Home of Adventure / Marmolada Cafe
Itinerary
- 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.
- Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the impressive 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)!
- 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.
- Once at Mt Cook, enjoy free time to choose how you experience this remarkable landscape, from walking the famous Hooker Valley Track to simply taking in the views of New Zealand's highest peak
- 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.
- 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.
- Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Additional information
- 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A large 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.
Before you go
*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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