Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
In the heart of the South Island, New Zealand boasts its tallest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook, also known as the "Cloud Piercer." Nestled among the Southern Alps, above a small alpine town that is home to our longest glacier and many famous hiking tracks.
Embark on a one-day small-group tour to Mount Cook. Departing from Queenstown, you'll experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you journey into Mackenzie Country and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy free time in Mt Cook Village, where you can choose to explore the incredible scenery, on a local short hike, scenic flight, or leisurely afternoon spent in the village.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Mount Cook is an alpine environment and it is important to bring warm clothes, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes for walking.
The Hooker Valley Trek is a DOC (Department of Conservation) hiking trail, and we recommend only those with medium fitness complete the entire trail (weather pending). We have a strict departure time from Mt Cook Village and all hikers must return by that time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Entertaining and informative commentary from your guide
Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
Entrance into the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Approx. 3.5 hours free time in Mt Cook
Lunch and snacks are not included, however there opportunities to purchase throughout the day
Activities are an additional cost
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Cromwell
After departing Queenstown, our first iconic stop is Cromwell, 'Fruit Bowl of the South', and its large fruit sculptures. Cromwell is the hub of Central Otago, the famous wine region for Pinot Noir.
Lindis Pass
On the drive to Mount Cook, we will travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Marvel at the spectacular high country landscape as we pass through from Central Otago into the Mackenzie Basin.
Options
Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown
Pickup included
Reviews
203 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome tour!
Richard R,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour participants should be aware of the activities on the tour and decide what they want to do before leaving. We wanted to hike and had two beautiful hikes once we got there. Fortunately, the weather held out and the scenery was breathtaking! Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable and made the trip interesting and fun. James‘s commentary was very informative and kept us interested and engaged. James did a great job accommodating everyone’s different plans for the day. James also provided a lot of helpful suggestions for different activities once we got there. James was professional, polite and a responsible driver. We always felt like we were in good hands. Thank you, James!
A Great Day Out
Peter H,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day made by our tour guide Beth who was so knowledgable, passionate, enthusiastic and fun !! The walk and sights at Mt Tasman were magical. Recommended
Still great even if raining
carmencN3094MY,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour was great - I very much enjoyed the smaller group size and having the time to explore Aoraki on your own. Our guide, Kevin, was very knowledgeable in the area and was also very flexible - he improvised some additional stops for us which was great. Unfortunately it was raining most of the day which dampened some of the views. We weren't able to stop in Landis Valley for photos because it was raining quite a bit both to and from. Most of the mountains were covered by clouds, but the views were still stunning and I knew what I was getting myself into coming to visit in the spring. The rain let up a bit so I was able to hike Kea Point track with a bit of a drizzle. Had it been a sunny day, it would've been perfect, but I still had a great time!
An amazing tour of Aoraki/Mt Cook with Sinchan
S2154ZYmeganb,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible day from start to finish. Sinchan shared so much of his knowledge with us and catered to everyone’s needs. Scenic photo stops along the way and a fantastic view of Tasman Glacier.
James is good , very good...
Jocelyn H,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00James is good , very good , very frndly highly recommendable , very funny and understand . I will tell everyone to join this tour especially if James will be the driver / tourist guide cos he’s vet impormative too
To Mount Cook and back
CAHgranma,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have a love of high mountains. The Altitude tour to Mount Cook was a wonderful experience. The drive out to Mount Cook was made very interesting by James aur guide and driver. with plenty of facts and figures and just the right amount of humour. The scenery on the drive from Queenstown was really beautiful. Plenty of stops for photo opportunities. Mount Cook is spectacular (a word I seem to be using a great deal whilst staying in Queenstown). It is approximately a three and half hour journey to Mount Cook but well worth the time spent on the very comfortable coach. James you are a brilliant driver and guide ( so won't call you Thomas.) I also hope that you make it to Everest Base Camp someday.
Amazing experience
hannahbN1474MG,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day exploring Mt Cook National Park and the surrounding areas. Our guide Allegra was brilliant and worked the day around to suit the changing weather, making sure to check in with everyone regularly. Luckily the weather cleared and we got some incredible views of the mountain - would definitely recommend!
Fantastic day out!
KDX125,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an excellent tour! We only had four nights on South Island NZ, so we used Queenstown as a base. I didn't want to drive long distances, so taking a tour with Altitude Tours was ideal. Our tour guide was a really nice guy called Andy. We made a coupe of stops on route to Mount Cook, for toilet breaks and something to eat or drink. Just before we got to Mount Cook, we made a stop at Lake Pukaki, where we were able to take some lovely photos of the lake, with Mount Cook in the background. We got about three hours in Mount Cook. While we were there, we took a walk to Kia Point. I had been looking forward to doing the fixed wing flyback from Mount Cook to Queenstown. But unfortunately due either to the weather or low numbers, the flight got cancelled. So we ended up going back in the bus. But all was not lost, with the money we saved on the flyback, we bought a ride in a helicopter, landed on the Tasman Glacier and had a walk around for five minutes. It is well worth doing and I would not hesitate to recommend Altitude Tours. I think they are only a small company, but they are very professional. We really enjoyed the trip!
Great trip to Mt Cook
ron h,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience guided by the fabulous Allegra who gave us an amazing breathtaking day from start to finish. She made sure everyone made the most out of their day to create that perfect visit. This was 5 Star from start to finish.
It was awesome
Sightseer32983582800,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is my second tour with Altitude. I like them as they are very professional. Mount Cook was awesome and our guide Allegra was the cutest guide I have ever seen. Thank you for nice experience:)
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