Travel from Queenstown to the breathtaking Aoraki Mount Cook National Park on a full-day scenic tour. Journey through Mackenzie Country in a premium Mercedes van, stopping at scenic locations before reaching Mt Cook Village.
Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime Ultimate Alpine Experience — a 45-minute combo flight by ski plane and helicopter including a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier. Spend additional time exploring Mt Cook Village and the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre before your scenic return to Queenstown.
Tour Highlights
Premium transport in a Mercedes Sprinter van
Small group tour (max 16 passengers) for a personal experience.
Make several scenic stops along the way, including Cromwell, The Lindis, Omarama, Twizel, and more.
Entertaining and informative commentary from an experienced guide
Unique 45min Scenic Helicopter & Ski Plane Flight
Complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (if time permits).
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Please note: The Ultimate Alpine Experience scenic flight is subject to availability at the time of booking. Our team will confirm once your booking is finalised. This activity is also weather-dependent.
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
Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at your accommodation in Queenstown or a nearby location. You’ll travel in comfort in a premium Mercedes van with only 16 seats, offering a more personal experience. As we leave Queenstown, our first stop takes us through the Central Otago wine regions of Gibbston and Cromwell. We then cross the dramatic Lindis Pass and make a quick stop in Omarama for refreshments, with the option to buy lunch or snacks.
The landscape changes as we enter Mackenzie Country, and our guide will share stories and interesting facts along the way, as we follow the edge of the Southern Alps. We’ll pass beautiful lakes and canals near Twizel, known for its Mt Cook Alpine salmon fishing. Once off the main road, we’ll travel alongside the striking blue waters of Lake Pukaki, before arriving at Mt Cook Village.
Welcome to Mount Cook! You will arrive around 12 pm, where your guide will take you to Mount Cook Airport to check in for your Ultimate Alpine Experience with Mt Cook Skiplanes & Helicopters, provided by INFLITE. After a brief safety briefing, you will embark on a unique 45-minute scenic flight. This is the only place in the world where you can fly in both a skiplane and a helicopter on the same tour! Your flight will take you past Aoraki Mount Cook, over the Tasman Valley, and its glacial lakes, with a special landing on the Tasman Glacier. You will have the chance to step out and enjoy the stunning views before boarding the other aircraft for the return flight.
After your flight, you’ll return to Mount Cook Airport and have free time to explore Mount Cook Village. All guests will also receive complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, where you can learn more about Mount Cook’s fascinating history and the adventures of one of New Zealand’s most famous explorers.
Around 3:30 pm, you will meet your guide again and begin the journey back to Queenstown. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as you travel back. This full-day tour lasts around 12 hours, with smaller vehicles and a dedicated guide ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout.
Please note: The Ultimate Alpine Experience scenic flight is subject to availability at the time of booking. Our team will confirm once your booking is finalised. This activity is also weather-dependent.
Scenic Plane Flights
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Small Group Tours
Day Tours
