Queenstown: Kawarau Gorge, Lake Pukaki & Aoraki Mt Cook Tour
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past.
This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie District to Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Your guide leads the day with local knowledge, te reo Māori place names, and stories of the land.
At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have two to two and a half hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, New Zealand's longest glacier, or explore Mt Cook Village. Scenic flights and Heli Hike available on the day.
Heading home: the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs, High Country Salmon, the Cardrona Hotel (1863), and a Crown Range lookout over Queenstown from the highest main road in Aotearoa.
Lunch, water and snacks included. WiFi and USB charging on board. Group capped at 16. Carbon neutral within the national park.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress in layers. There is a significant temperature difference between Queenstown and Aoraki Mt Cook.
Bring a waterproof jacket. Alpine weather can change rapidly.
Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track involves uneven and stony terrain.
Bring sunscreen. UV is strong at altitude, particularly in summer.
The Ōmārama Clay Cliffs and High Country Salmon stops are time-dependent and weather-dependent. They may be omitted.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The walks at Mt Cook involve uneven ground and require a moderate level of physical fitness.
Children aged 7 and under require a child safety car seat. If you need one provided, request it at booking with at least 24 hours notice.
Service animals are permitted.
The tour departs near public transportation.
Wānaka-based travellers: you can join and alight at the Wānaka stop. Select this option at time of booking.
Not recommended for travellers with serious back conditions, heart conditions, or who are pregnant.
Expert local guides: deep knowledge of Māori history and the Mackenzie region.
Lunch, water, Kiwi snacks, WiFi and USB charging all included.
Wānaka, #ThatWānakaTree, Cardrona Hotel and Crown Range: stops rivals skip.
Small group: maximum 16 guests & Carbon neutral tour.
What To Expect
Depart heading north. Guide introduces the day as we leave New Zealand's adventure capital. Departure: 6:30 AM.
We follow the Kawarau Gorge along State Highway 6. The icy blue water and historic Suspension Bridge, birthplace of New Zealand's bungee jumping, are visible from the road. Note from November 1, 2026 this will be replaced with the stop in Wanaka.
Options
Queenstown: Kawarau Gorge, Lake Pukaki & Aoraki Mt Cook Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Transport in a modern Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle
Live guide commentary throughout
WiFi & USB charging on board
Bottled water and Kiwi snacks
Collected by your guide at the Wānaka stop
Carbon neutral tour of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Gratuities
Attraction: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre entry
Additional Activity: Scenic flights (available to book on the day via your guide, sold separately)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dreamlike landscapes at Mount Cook.
Alejandra B,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dreamlike landscapes; it is very cold, so you need to wear good footwear and warm clothing. I recommend watching the three movies of The Lord of the Rings before the excursion; also, if you have difficulty walking, I suggest bringing trekking poles, as they will help a lot during the trekking.
We waited at the pick up...
Maria E,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We waited at the pick up point and nobody showed up. I called Viator and they said it was canceled. We were never informed that they canceled it. We waited for almost an hour.
Great!! Highly recommend
Danielle G,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Glen was amazing! He was very informative and made the experience memorable. He took us to beautiful sites and did not rush us in between breaks. I highly recommend him
Go on a nice viewing day
cynthia s,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Not worth it if the weather is cloudy. Stops are more of touristy on the way there. Bus was comfortable seating but was cold and could not hear quide from back.
Bumpy ride
Genna J,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Destination fantastic however the trip there was unpleasant. In a van with only seat available was back seat which is slightly more elevated then others. My tall husband couldn’t see out window without leaning over. Ride more bumpy, noise from road and heater fan right over our head, which made it almost impossible to hear tour guide who mumbled half of his sentences. He missed his turn a few times and seemed to be a bit unorganized. Very long day. But views fantastic. Very little time allowed for the hike, felt very rushed.
mt cook experience
Donna A,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed the driver Marina, being so informative about the region and new zealand history and random facts. She made the time travelling more interesting. She was a pleasure. The only problem was that viator promised water and light snacks but we never got them. We needed the water for our trek and was fortunate that we found out in time to buy water ourselves. It was supposed to be provided by another driver who was meeting us with other passengers but there was a communication issue with the administrative staff. This was not Marinas fault.
Shrek the sheep
Jeanne P,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Felix was a great guide with a lot of local information which I enjoy. Lupines and many sheep everywhere. Shrek the sheep information and kids books at Tarras as well as real fruit ice cream. The Hooker track to closure was beautiful and rainy. My son enjoyed the fresh salmon at the salmon farm. Recommend.
Great day tour with our...
Seng L,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day tour with our guide Jeff. The ride over to Aoraki was comfortable and the pick up and drop off locations were convenient. The views of Lake Pukaki and Mt. Cook were beautiful! It is most definitely worth it.
Great!
MTY2004,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Punctual, clean and comfortable service and minibus. Phil, our Guide, was friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend this company.
Absolutely amazing!
Monika M,Oct 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip!! Dion (sp?) the tour guide is an absolute gem! Very knowledgeable, very thorough in providing information and educating in fun facts and history of nearby places. Excellent experience, multiple stops for toilet and a snack, very well and enjoyable spent time. Loved it!
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Operated by Cheeky Kea Tours