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Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour 1 way, this small group, fully-guided transfer allows you to travel to Mt Cook in style and see all the key highlights on the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Please be aware that while lunch is not provided on this tour, there will be several opportunities for you to purchase food along the way.
**Please note: the Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Autumn 2026 so the track will be inaccessible to the public until then**
Highlights:
Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
Lake Pukaki
Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass and the Southern Alps
Itinerary:
1. Queenstown - 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 areas top highlights.
2. Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning 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.
3. Cromwell – 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.
4. 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.
5. 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)!
6. 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 and we will point them out for you.
7. Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level. Your guided transfer ends here but you adventure to explore Mt Cook is only just beginning.
Inclusions:
Small Group
Fully Guided Tour
Water available & snacks provided
Optional Extras:
Scenic flights with Glacier landings
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Terms: Tours will only run if at least 5 people have booked on the tour, we reserves the right to alter the tour due to weather or operational needs.
A full refund will be issued for cancellations made a minimum of 10 days prior to the scheduled departure time.
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23 reviews
pandamaki423,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I chose this tour because I wanted to enjoy the journey to Mt. Cook as well, and it turned out to be a great decision. Although it was an early start, thanks to that we were able to see the beautiful scenery along the way in the best conditions. Our driver and guide gave us fascinating explanations about history and nature, and even after we arrived, he kindly made suggestions tailored to each guest’s needs. We also had plenty of time to enjoy the café and souvenir shop we stopped at, and the views of the Lindis Pass and Lake Pukaki were absolutely stunning. I’m truly glad I joined this tour, and I would definitely love to join again.





Mark B,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing trip, highly recommend this tour Kristian our driver and guide was extremely professional and informative. Great stops along the way.
P7902MUcb,
Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Lynette was awesome! Lynette was so knowledgeable and gave us so much information. The tour was also very well organised and we had plenty of stops and time to go.
165jiachengl,
Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour was well-organised, and our guide Kamberly was friendly and knowledgeable, providing useful information about both Queenstown and Mt. Cook.

shannonadcock,
Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kimberly was a fantastic guide and driver. We really enjoyed her commentary and flexibility. This is a great way to transit to Mt. Cook/Aoraki without the stress of driving ourselves.
dawn w,
Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
Beautiful drive and perfect way to get to Mt cook without a car. Van was comfortable and Hannah ( great driver and guide) made lots of stops for views and food along the way. Stayed 2 nights in Mt cook and took a return trip to Christchurch. Great way to relieve driving stress
738lenad,
Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was my third Queenstown to Mt Cook with Cheeky Kiwi. My guide Hannah still managed to keep me entertained with her commentary and gave me new info I had not heard before. The tour works as a combi, arriving in Mt Cook somewhere between 11 am and 11:20, departing at 14:30. Some passengers are dropped off for scheduled heli flights and some for the Hooker Valley hike. For those doing neither, Hannah had other suggestions, such as hanging out at The Hermitage Hotel, or doing other hikes. The driver can fit in other drop-offs if these fit within the logistics, which must include her statutory 30 min break. Since I was staying at Mt Cook, I could be dropped off at The Tasman Glacier car park with my plan to walk/hitch back to my accomodation. This worked a treat for me, it may not always be possible. My recommendation is to come prepared for a short hike, the one to Kea Point is easy 35 min each way and outstanding scenery of Mt Sefton and Mt Cook. The amble around the village and the Visitor's Centre is also worth doing.
Roving42535815490,
Jan 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing trip! The tour guide was very professional, providing detailed and entertaining explanations throughout the journey. The schedule was well-planned, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the Hooker Valley Track at Mt. Cook. Thank you very much for helping us store our luggage and assisting with the transfer to another shuttle bus!

edodiv,
Dec 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great shuttle! TJ was extremely friendly and knowledgeable not only as drive for the whole group, but also as a guide in explaining the sorroundings and their history.
228mauror,
Nov 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
A good way to travel in NZ, more fun than taking a bus or a plane. This vain trip had a friendly and knowledgeable guide from NZ (Ted), who stopped a scenic places to take pictures or walk.
Queenstown, New Zealand
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