Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all the key highlights of the area with the flexibility to enjoy extra activities of your choice—something many other tours don’t offer. Led by our passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, who are notorious for bringing the journey to life with fascinating stories and a deep understanding of the region, you'll travel in comfort in modern minibuses packed with extras to ensure your safety and relaxation throughout the day.

Please note, lunch is not included on this tour. If you plan to hike the Hooker Valley or any other trails during your Mt Cook tour, we recommend bringing a light lunch or picking something up when we stop in Omarama. If hiking is not on your agenda, there will be opportunities to purchase food along the way and at Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Highlights:

• Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
• Lake Pukaki
• Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Southern Alps, and High Country Salmon
• Free time for walks & activities

Itinerary:

Queenstown – Your adventure begins in the beautiful city of Queenstown. As we leave the city, your guide will share insights about the day ahead and point out some of the area’s top highlights.

Kawarau Suspension Bridge – We drive through the scenic Kawarau Gorge, taking in stunning views, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time permitting, we'll stop for your first great shot of the tour.

Cromwell – Leaving the gorge, we enter Cromwell, a region known for its vineyards and fruit-growing. We’ll pass vast fields of vines, cross Lake Dunstan, and follow the lake toward Lindis Pass.

Lindis Pass – As we climb in altitude, enjoy breathtaking views over the valleys. A stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass is a must for a fantastic photo.

Omarama – We continue through the vast Mackenzie Plains, spotting the famous Merino sheep, before stopping in the charming town of Omarama. Here, you’ll have time to relax, and if you like, try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!

Lake Pukaki – Entering Aoraki National Park, the stunning blue waters of Lake Pukaki come into view, framed by Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. This is a perfect spot for photos, and we’ll point out Lord of the Rings filming locations nearby.

Mt Cook Information Centre – Upon arriving at Mt Cook Village, we’ll hopefully be treated to magnificent views of the mountain itself. Standing at 3,724 meters, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, visible from the village at just 750m above sea level.

• The Hooker Valley hike – widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most stunning trails.
• Heli Hike – embark on an unforgettable journey across the Tasman Glacier, an experience like no other.
• Scenic Flights – soar above the breathtaking landscape with aerial views of the region, including a chance to land on the glacier itself. 

High Country Salmon – On our way back to Queenstown, we make a stop at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm where you can feed the fish and sample some of the freshest, tastiest salmon in New Zealand.

Jacksons Orchard – In the warmer months, we often stop at Jacksons Orchard for some delicious local fruit or a refreshing real fruit ice cream as we approach Queenstown.

Queenstown – Sadly, our adventure concludes as we return to Queenstown, where we’ll say our goodbyes.

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Fully Guided Tour
• Water and snacks provided

Optional Extras:

• One-way flight from Mt Cook to Queenstown
• One-way tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook
• Scenic flights with glacier landings
• Heli Hike
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
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We at Cheeky Kea Tours believe that it’s in the small things, the hidden surprises, and the secret stops that make your adventure one to remember. With comfortable and specially designed vehicles, and individually packaged refreshments will ensure you enjoy the journey with us!

See More, Do More, Spend Less

*Tour operated by Cheeky Kiwi Tours