Exploring Aoraki/Mt Cook on Your Small Group Journey
Travelling from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook offers an unforgettable mix of alpine beauty and vibrant South Island charm. The route showcases turquoise waters, snow-capped peaks and vast high-country landscapes. With expert guides, travellers gain deeper insights into the region’s rich history and natural wonders.
Along the way, highlights include the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki, with Aoraki/Mt Cook towering in the distance. Optional stops at Tasman Glacier or the Hooker Valley Track allow for breathtaking walks and photo opportunities. The journey ends in lively Queenstown, where adventure, food and culture complete the experience.
Inclusions
Small Group Tours
Carbon Neutral Travel
Fully Guided Tour (except walks)
Expert Commentary
Bottled Water
Kiwi Snacks
Free Wi-Fi
USB Charging Available
Pre-ordered lunch from Fairlie bakehouse
100% Authentic Kiwi Experience
Luggage Information (transfers & Shuttles)
Since this is a one-way tour, luggage is included with your booking. Each person is allowed one standard check-in bag weighing up to 23kg and one carry-on bag. If you have extra or overweight baggage, additional charges will apply. Please advise the number of extra or overweight bags on the extras page during booking.
Age Information
Adults: 15 years and over
Children: 4-14 years
Cancellations & Refunds
Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund
**Less credit card or booking fees if applicable.
Note: Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
Itinerary
10:00AM Meet and greet at Lake Tekapo/ Church of the Good Shepherd, where we'll pick you up. Here you'll find clusters of wild lupins along the lake edge. Head towards the most popular photo spots in the country The Church of The Good Shepard for those social media worthy pictures.
10:15AM Enjoy uninterrupted views of Mt Cook, which seems to rise majestically from the head of the Lake Pukaki This glacier fed lake is unique compared to its alpine partners. The colours can change from ice blue to a dark deep blue depending on the weather conditions.
12:30PM - Arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Here you will have the choice to embark on either of the following:
Hooker Valley - where you will walk alongside an ice-covered cliff face all the way to an ice filled lake with Mt Cook at its end.This track is one of the highest rated day walks in New Zealand. Please note it takes 3hrs round trip to complete this track.
Tasman - This track leads through the glacier’s old terminal moraines, and there you will find amazing views of the glacier, river, and lake.
Mt Cook Information Centre (DOC) – Take it all in by spending the day in the information centre with a coffee. Learn the history of the national park, ask questions and just be in moment.
2:30PM - Our driver will collect you to continue onto Queenstown, starting with a scenic drive along the picturesque Mt Cook highway, offering stunning views of the glacier-fed Lake Pukaki.
We’ll stop at the local salmon farm, High Country Salmon Farmwhere you’ll have the chance to feed the fish and taste some of New Zealand’s freshest salmon—a true treat for seafood lovers.
Next, we wind through the breathtaking Lindis Pass, an alpine road surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
Depending on daylight, we may stop at Mrs Jones’ Fruit Stall for some locally grown fruit and delicious ice cream, a refreshing break on our way to Queenstown.
As we pass through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, you’ll be treated to stunning viewpoints like the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the Roaring Meg Lookout, a perfect introduction to the region's natural beauty.
We arrive in the adventure capital, Queenstown, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation. We bid you farewell and hope your time here is filled with unforgettable adventures!
Transfers and Shuttles
Family-friendly Tours
Small Group Tours
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