Mt Cook Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Mt Cook Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key
highlights in the area with the time and options to enjoy extra activities of
your choice, unlike many other tours. 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 lunch is not provided on this tour. If you plan to embark
on the Hooker Valley hike or any other trek during your Mount Cook tour, it's
advisable to bring along a light lunch or grab some food when we stop in
Omarama. If you do not plan on embarking on one of the local treks, there will
be opportunities for you to purchase food along the way & while you are in
Aoraki / Mt Cook.

Highlights:

• Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
• Lake Pukaki
• Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps and High Country Salmon
• Free time for activities & walks

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.

8. ** Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park** – While in the national park
you have 3 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra
optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: The Hooker Valley
hike – thought to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful hikes. Heli Hike -
this adventure on the Tasman Glacier is the ultimate way to enjoy the area.
Scenic flights – see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier.
Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need
to go and make sure you are well looked after.

9. ** High Country Salmon** - Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a
local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest
salmon in New Zealand.

10. ** Jacksons Orchard** – During summer months when the sun is still
up as we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or
buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

11. Queenstown – Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter
Queenstown and say our goodbyes.

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Fully Guided Tour
• Water available & snacks provided

Optional Extras:

• One-way flight from Mt Cook to Queenstown
• One-way tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook
• Scenic flights with Glacier landings
• Heli Hike
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at
Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and
the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife
viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many
other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

For further information on luggage, pickup locations, cancellation policy etc
please read our FAQ's