Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier lookout Small Group Tour from Queenstown

4.8
(309 reviews)

12 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park on this unforgettable small-group adventure from Queenstown. Travel through spectacular South Island landscapes as your knowledgeable guide shares stories and insights along the way.

Journey through dramatic alpine scenery including the rugged Kawarau Gorge and the sweeping views of Lindis Pass, with scenic stops at iconic locations such as the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. You may also visit local favourites like High Country Salmon and seasonal fruit stalls.

At Mt Cook National Park, enjoy free time to explore this remarkable alpine environment. Walk to the Tasman Glacier lookout for panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest glacier, glacial lakes, and towering peaks.

NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This section still offers beautiful views, with the full track 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
  • Kawarau Suspension Bridge (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
  • Cromwell (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Lindis Pass

    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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Omarama

    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
  • 3
    Lake Pukaki

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

    You will have approximately 2.5 - 3 hours of free time. Take a scenic walk to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint, where you’ll witness the vast scale of New Zealand’s longest glacier. The trail offers incredible views of the ice-covered valley, Tasman Lake, and surrounding mountains.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 5
    High Country Salmon

    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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Jackson Orchards

    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
  • Queenstown (Pass by)

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

    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
Private and Luxury
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
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 309 309 reviews
5 stars
278
4 stars
20
3 stars
7
2 stars
1
1 star
3
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