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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
Cromwell (Pass by)
Pass through Cromwell, a Central Otago township known for its vineyards and stone fruit. Views of Lake Dunstan.
Admission ticket free -
1Wanaka
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 picks 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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Omarama
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Lake Ruataniwha
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Lake Pukaki
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
6Clay Cliff
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
Wanaka (Pass by)
We return home via Wānaka to drop off our fellow Wānaka based travellers, before turning towards the famous Crown Range.
Admission ticket free -
7Cardrona Hotel
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
Queenstown (Pass by)
Drop-off point confirmed with your guide at the start of the day.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers 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 sunscreen. 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 transportation.
- 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.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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