Mt Cook Day Tour with Hooker Valley Track Hike

South Island

Altitude Tours

from

NZ$249

per adult

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Two people hiking the Hooker Valley Track with Mount Sefton and Southern Alps behind.

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 12 hours

Details

Small Group Tour to Mt Cook & Hooker Valley

Spend the day immersed in New Zealand’s dramatic alpine scenery on this full-day small group tour from Queenstown to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Travel by premium Mercedes van with panoramic windows, hosted by a friendly local guide, and enjoy spectacular stops at Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama, and Lake Pukaki.

On arrival at Mt Cook, stretch your legs on the renowned Hooker Valley Track — a scenic self-guided trail with swing bridges, glacier views, and a clear sightline to New Zealand’s highest peak. Hike at your own pace before meeting your guide for the journey back to Queenstown.

⚠️ Please note: While the Hooker Valley Track is open, access is currently limited to the Mount Sefton Viewpoint. The track beyond this point is closed due to bridge replacement works by DOC.

Scenic road leading directly towards Mount Cook on a clear day in the South Island

Premium small group tour van parked with Mount Cook and Southern Alps in the distance.

Tour group arriving at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park trailhead by premium minivan.

Aoraki/Mount Cook rising above Lake Pukaki with a clear blue sky and snow-covered peaks

Tour group taking photos at Lindis Pass lookout on the way to Mount Cook.

Aerial view of The Hermitage Hotel surrounded by Mount Cook National Park mountains.

Native alpine plants in front of snow-covered peaks in Mount Cook National Park.

Turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with snow-capped Mount Cook in the background.

Sweeping view of Mueller Glacier and its meltwater lake with Mount Cook towering in the distance

Scenic drive along Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook

Tour Highlights:

Make the most of a hassle-free one-day trip to Mt Cook from Queenstown.
Travel in comfort aboard a premium Mercedes Sprinter, designed for touring and limited to just 16 passengers, ensuring a relaxed and intimate experience.
Enjoy scenic stops along the way, including Cromwell, The Lindis, Omarama, and Twizel, while your experienced guide shares fascinating stories and insights.
Spend up to 3 hours walking the famous Hooker Valley Track at your own pace, and, if time permits, take advantage of free access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Cancellations & Refunds

More than 48 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 48 hours of travel: No refund
48 hours to 6pm day prior to travel with CCP: Cancellation & Change Protection (CCP) will protect you if you change your mind or need to cancel your booking for any reason, up until 6pm the day prior to departure. CCP allows you to change your tour date or put 100% of your tour value towards another experience with the tour operator. Want to cancel altogether? When you have CCP you can cancel your booking and claim a 75% refund.**

**Note: Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Begin your day by meeting our friendly local guide at your accommodation in Queenstown or a nearby spot. You'll travel comfortably in a premium Mercedes van designed for small group tours, with only 16 seats on board.

As we leave Queenstown, our journey takes us through the scenic Central Otago wine regions of Gibbston and Cromwell. We’ll then cross the dramatic Lindis Pass before stopping briefly in Omarama to stretch your legs, grab refreshments, and pick up any lunch or snacks you might need. Please ensure you bring enough food, snacks, and water as there won’t be other chances to buy supplies before your hike.

The scenery changes as we enter Mackenzie Country, with our guide sharing stories and interesting facts while we travel along the edge of the Southern Alps. Along the way, we'll pass a series of lakes and canals near Twizel, famous for fishing the fresh Mt Cook Alpine salmon. As we leave the main road, we'll follow the stunning bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki, leading us to Mt Cook Village.

Welcome to Mt Cook! You will arrive around 12 pm, and your guide will take you to the start of the Hooker Valley Track, where they'll explain when and where to meet later that day. You can choose to shorten your hike by going to one of the three swing bridges and then returning to explore the village, or you can use the full time to complete the entire trail (3 hours return, for those with medium fitness). Be sure to bring enough food and water, dress warmly, and wear appropriate footwear, as the weather can change quickly, regardless of the season.

If you’re not planning to complete the full trail, you can do a shorter version and get complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at The Hermitage. This museum and theatre provide fascinating insights into Mt Cook's history and the adventures of one of New Zealand's most famous explorers.

Around 3:30pm, you will meet up with your guide and get back into the van to begin the return journey to Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. This day tour lasts around 12 hours, and with our smaller vehicles and attentive guide, you’ll be comfortable and entertained throughout the trip.

Please note: While the Hooker Valley Track is open, access is currently limited to the Mount Sefton Viewpoint. The track beyond this point is closed due to bridge replacement works by DOC.