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Offered languages
- English
Take a break from the hectic Queenstown streets with this trip into the mighty Southern Alps. Spend the day at Mount Cook Village, nestled in the shadow of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Enjoy free reign to set your own schedule, whether it’s hiking around the Alps or learning more about the mountains at Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center.
Enjoy stunning sights on the way up the mountains, including super-blue Lake Pukaki
If you need tips on what to do in the village, your guide is on hand to help
Visit an alpine salmon farm where you can feed salmon and try some salmon snacks
No-fuss hotel transfers are available from select Queenstown hotels
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
06:30 am Kamana Lakehouse 06:31 am Mercure Resort 06:32 am Heritage Hotel Queenstown 06:35 am Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown 06:36 am St Moritz Queenstown 06:37 am QT Queenstown 06:38 am Crown Plaza Queenstown 06:39 am Pinewood Lodge 06:40 am Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel 06:41 am The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers 06:42 am Novotel Queenstown Lakeside 06:43 am Nomads Hostel Queenstown 06:46 am Tahuna Pod Hostel 06:46 am Aspen Lodge Backpackers 06:47 am Scenic Suites Queenstown 06:47 am Heartland Hotel Queenstown 06:48 am Holiday inn Express and Suites 06:49 am Ramada Queenstown Central 06:50 am Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront 06:51 am Millenium Hotel Queenstown 06:52 am Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview 06:53 am Swiss Belsuites Ponamu Queenstown 06:54 am Oaks Queenstown Shore Resort 06:55 am The Rees Hotel Luxury Apartments 06:56 am Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road 06:57 am Sherwood Queenstown 06:58 am Airport / Frankton Area 07:00 am Wyndham Garden Queenstown 07:01 am Sudima Queenstown 5 Five Mile 07:30 am Cromwell I-SITE information Centre
Itinerary
-
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
1
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Pass through Lindis Pass, one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps we stop at the famous lookout.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
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)!
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6
While in the national park you have 4 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: The Hooker Valley hike – thought to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful hikes. Heli Hike - this adventure on the Tasman Glacier is the ultimate way to enjoy the area. Scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier. Whatever 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.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
7
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
8
During summer months when the sun is still up as we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Mrs Jones Suncrest Orchard to try or buy her fabulous and delicious local fruit and pies.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
9Queenstown
Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour duration includes the sightseeing and transportation
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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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