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A hiker in a yellow jacket on a mountain ridge with a view of a valley below. 1
A paved path leading through a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks in the background. 2
A person hiking on a mountain trail with a blue jacket and a backpack, surrounded by green vegetation and snow-capped mountains. 3
A person sitting on a rock by a calm lake with snow-capped mountains in the background. 4
A white vehicle with 'CHEKY'S ADVENTURE TRIPS' branding, parked with people standing nearby. 5
By Cheeky Kea Tours

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $209 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 13h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

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 Hooker Valley, or explore Mt Cook Village. Scenic flights available on the day.

    Heading home: the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs, 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.

Activity location

  • Wanaka
    • Wanaka, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Wanaka
    • Wanaka, New Zealand

Check availability

Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown via Wānaka and Pukaki

  • Activity duration is 13 hours13h
    13h
  • English

Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 7:00AM
Price details
CA $208.95 x 2 AdultsCA $417.90
Total
Price is CA $417.90
Until Mon, Nov 16

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Transport in a modern Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle
  • Inclusions
    Live guide commentary throughout
  • Inclusions
    WiFi & USB charging on board
  • Inclusions
    Bottled water and Kiwi snacks
  • Inclusions
    Collected by your guide at the Wānaka stop
  • Inclusions
    Carbon neutral tour of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
  • Exclusions
    Service charge
  • Exclusions
    Attraction: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre entry
  • Exclusions
    Additional Activity: Scenic flights (available to book on the day via your guide, sold separately)

Know before you book

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Not recommended for travellers 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 sun cream. 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 transport.
    • 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.

Activity itinerary

Queenstown (Pass by)

We start by leaving Tāhuna Queenstown; New Zealand’s adventure capital. Heading north, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into the local region as we pass several prominent landscapes and wineries on our way to the Kawarau Gorge.

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge (Pass by)

As we round the bend on State Highway 6, we follow the mighty Kawarau Gorge. This is widely considered the origin of New Zealand’s rich bungee jumping history, with the nearby Suspension Bridge still used today for those brave enough to give it a go. While we unfortunately won’t have time to stop here, the icy blue water is certainly a beautiful sight to behold.

Cromwell (Pass by)

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

Wanaka

  • 15m
This stop is only included on tours after November 1, 2026. It is here that we make our first official stop of the tour. While your guide choices up your lunch and fellow travellers joining us from this beautiful alpine township, enjoy the lakefront views towards Mt Aspiring National Park and the sights surrounding #ThatWānakaTree.

Omarama

  • 5m
After our morning ventures, we make a stop in Ōmārama. Translating to ‘the place of light’ in te reo Māori, the town is an important hub of the broader Waitaki district. This region, and the nearby Ahuriri Valley was even used as the setting for Disney’s live action re-make of Mulan.

Lake Ruataniwha

  • 5m
We make a brief stop at Twizel to take in the sight of Lake Ruataniwha. Famous for its blue water and rowing regattas, this man-made lake is indicative of the area's hydro-electricity projects and is supported by the Ben Ohau and Pukaki canal networks. The area is also popular in the summer for water skiing, fishing, and other recreational activities.

Lake Pukaki

  • 5m
Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

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

Clay Cliff

  • 10m
Departing Mt Cook National Park, we return down State Highway 80 to Ōmārama; this time stopping for a quick photo opportunity at the town’s famous clay cliffs. These unique structures are the product of repeated ancient glacial flows, which over time, have built up to the craggy pinnacles you see today. Please note that this stop is omitted on bad weather days where it is deemed unsafe and if the tour is delayed.

Lindis Pass (Pass by)

Returning back through the Lindis Pass, we stop at a scenic lookout. The breathtaking tussocked valleys are a sight to behold year round, warranting a photo stop. With many stations in the area running Merino sheep, keep your eyes peeled as it is not uncommon to see these on route.

Wanaka (Pass by)

We return home via Wānaka to drop off our fellow Wānaka based travellers, before turning towards the famous Crown Range.

Cardrona Hotel

  • 5m
Our final stop of the day is at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Established in 1863 to service Otago’s famous Gold Rush, the historic building still carries its unique charm thanks to restoration efforts during the 1980s through to the early 2000s, facilitating its gradual re-opening. In addition to being a popular bar, restaurant, and hotel, the Cardrona Hotel remains a popular photo stop for locals and tourists alike.

Crown Range Road (Pass by)

As the highest main road in Aotearoa, this spectacular range offers amazing views. Similar to the landscape of the Lindis, the Crowne Range is tussocked and jaw dropping year-round. We will make a stop at a popular lookout point overlooking Queenstown and the Remarkables, giving perspective as to the magnitude of the work that went into engineering this iconic Kiwi road. After a quick photo opportunity, we continue into the Wakatipu Basin and head for home.

Queenstown (Pass by)

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

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Wanaka
    • Wanaka, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Wanaka
    • Wanaka, New Zealand

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