Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier lookout Small Group Tour from Queenstown

4.8
(273 reviews)

12 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint walk.

***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.***

What's Included

Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
Scenic stops
Water available & snacks provided
Gratuities
Lunch - opportunities to purchase along the way.
Walks are self guided

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select The Station - Home of Adventure for now. You can update this later. - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.

OR
Meeting point

PICKUP TIME: 6:30 AM - - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select The Station - Home of Adventure for now. You can update this later.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 12 hours (approximately)
  • Queenstown (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 area’s top highlights.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    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

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 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 free
  • 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 free
  • 5

    While in the national park we will stop and explore some of the amazing sites and get those bucket list photos before heading to the departure point for your hike.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Tasman Glacier Viewpoint – From the car park, walk past the Blue Lakes shelter and meander up past the Blue Lakes to a viewpoint on the moraine wall. There are good views of the lower Tasman Glacier and lake, icebergs, and the mountains at the head of the valley. A side trip to the Blue Lakes offers good swimming in summer. At about 22 km long, the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unfortunately, glaciers the world over are shrinking, with the Tasman receding over 100 m per year.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 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 free
  • 8

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Queenstown

    Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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 spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 273 273 reviews
5 stars
246
4 stars
17
3 stars
6
2 stars
1
1 star
3
from per person
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