Enjoy a fully guided tour from Queenstown to the majestic Mount Cook and the surrounding area. Marvel at the beauty of the Kawarau Gorge, Lake Pukaki, flora, and fauna of the region.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 12 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: - Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option & meet us there! If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we recommend selecting The Station - Home of Adventure for now. You can update this later if needed! - 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. - 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.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Patricia k – United States

Clear communication of guide. Great driving. Would liked to have known that there were stairs on the hike near the bridge at Mount Cook.

Dakshi – Canada

Dayton was great, van was super clean, had an amazing day!

Itinerary

32 pickup location options:
Crowne Plaza Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Nomads Queenstown Hostel, Sofitel Queenstown - Hotel & Spa, Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu, Queenstown, Mercure Queenstown Resort, The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers - BBH, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Heritage Queenstown, Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Pinewood Lodge, Ramada Queenstown Central, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery, Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort, The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences, JUCY Snooze Queenstown, Aspen Lodge Backpackers, Wyndham Garden Queenstown, Sherwood Queenstown, Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road, an IHG Hotel, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown, Frankton Terminus, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Sudima Queenstown Five Mile, QT Queenstown, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Cromwell Fruit Sculpture, Kamana Lakehouse, Tahuna Pod Hostel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel
Kawarau Gorge, Otago
Pass by, Scenic drive
Lake Dunstan, Central Otago
Pass by, Scenic views on the way
Lindis Pass
Photo stop, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Omarama
Break time, Photo stop, Free time, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (30 minutes)
Lake Pukaki
Photo stop, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)
Mount Cook
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic views on the way, Wildlife viewing (3 hours)
High Country Salmon
Break time, Photo stop, Visit (15 minutes)
Jackson Orchards
Photo stop, Visit, Local snacks, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)
32 drop-off locations:
Sofitel Queenstown - Hotel & Spa, Pinewood Lodge, The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Cromwell Fruit Sculpture, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Sudima Queenstown Five Mile, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers - BBH, Mercure Queenstown Resort, Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort, The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery, Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, JUCY Snooze Queenstown, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Aspen Lodge Backpackers, Kamana Lakehouse, Heritage Queenstown, Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road, an IHG Hotel, Sherwood Queenstown, Ramada Queenstown Central, Wyndham Garden Queenstown, QT Queenstown, Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu, Queenstown, Frankton Terminus, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown, Nomads Queenstown Hostel, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Tahuna Pod Hostel

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Be captivated by New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook
Lake Pukaki: Gaze upon the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki
Small Group: Our small group sizes allow for a more personalized experience
Flexible Itinerary with Optional Activities: Customize your experience

Full description

This full-day adventure offers breathtaking landscapes, rich storytelling, and a comfortable small-group experience led by knowledgeable local guides.

As you travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southern Alps, you’ll experience the grandeur of the South Island’s iconic landscapes, ancient glaciers, pristine lakes, and remote mountain valleys.

Take advantage of optional activities to suit all fitness levels, from short walks through alpine trails to viewpoints with stunning panoramas. For those seeking a thrilling experience, consider adding a scenic flight or glacier hike.

Join us for a remarkable day of discovery, adventure, and inspiration. Our Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting a taste of New Zealand’s rugged alpine wilderness.

***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.***

Includes

Pickup and drop-off at selected hotels
Guided tour with entertainment
Snacks provided and water available

Price of optional activities at Mt Cook
Child safety seats (available to rent for 20 NZD)
Lunch (there are several opportunities to purchase food along the way)
Guided hikes (walks are to be self guided)
Please note: the Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED until Autumn 2026

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Rain gear

Not allowed

Drones
Non-folding wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs

Know before you go

New Zealand weather is unpredictable at any time of the year. Whilst you'll be warm inside the bus, dress or prepare for all seasons
Wear walking shoes or boots with good grip soles that can cope with a bit of mud in wet conditions
Please advise the ages of any children on the booking.
Child seats are needed for children under 7. Rental fee is $20 per seat or you can supply your own.
If booking scenic flights please provide all guests names & weights. This information is required to confirm your flights.

Top destinations

Nearby destinations

From Queenstown: Mount Cook Scenic Day Tour