Dari
Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip
combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Hooker Valley
Hike.
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.
Highlights:
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
area’s top highlights. **
2. ** Kawarau Suspension Bridge –** Departing Queenstown we then
make our way through the impressive 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. ** Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park** – While in the national park we
will stop and explore some of the amazing sites and get those bucket list
photos before heading to the departure point for your hike.
8. ** Hooker Valley Hike** – Being dropped off at the start of the
Hooker Valley Track you will depart on a self-guided, 3 hour return easy but
spectacular hike. The hike includes amazing views of Hooker Lake, Hooker
Glacier and Mt Cook (weather dependent). You also get the chance to spot ice
bergs and cross the three famous swing bridges. It is easy to see why this is
one of New Zealand’s favourite walks. After this sprit lifting experience, our
guide will pick you back up again from the start of the track.
9. ** Mt Cook Information Centre** – Arriving at Mt Cook Village,
weather depending, we should get some more 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.
10. ** 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.
11. ** 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.
12. ** Queenstown –** Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-
enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Inclusions:
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. . 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. 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 at the bottom of our
home page.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel