Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Small Group Tour from Queenstown
Overview
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Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint walk.
If you plan to embark on any hikes during your Mount Cook tour, it's advisable to bring along a light lunch or grab some food when we stop in Omarama.
Description
If you plan to embark on any hikes during your Mount Cook tour, it's advisable to bring along a light lunch or grab some food when we stop in Omarama.
PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.
Highlights:
- Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Walk (Guests cannot walk on the glacier)
- Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
- Lake Pukaki
- Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, High Country Salmon
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. Tasman Glacier View Walk – At about 22 km long, the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unfortunately, glaciers the world over are shrinking, with the Tasman receding over 100 m per year.
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.
What‘s Included
Small Group
Fully Guided Tour
Water available & snacks provided
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
Cancellation Policy
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.
Reviews
321 reviews
Awesome
Sonamravi6 7,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was absolutely awesome on the Mount Cook & Tasman Valley tour! Her energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitude made the whole experience even more enjoyable. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and kept everyone engaged throughout the trip. The scenery was breathtaking, and her interesting commentary and excellent organization made the day seamless. Thank you for making this such a memorable experience. Highly recommended!"
Unique experience
idetorresmd,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sonya was a very good driver and tour guide. The entire experience was amazing. Tasman glacier. Scenic bus ride. Helicopter and airplane ride. All epic and unforgettable
Jeff was awesome
keryno2026,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day. Weather was perfect and there was snow on the mountain tops but our guide Jeff made the day super special. His commentary and knowledge on just about everything was next to none and we learnt so much about New Zealand. He really did make our day
Recommend
Nikita Ng,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Late for around 10-15 mins, except this, all are excellent!
happy tour
304uyenp,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am very happy with the tour and the driver. Thanks so much
Awesome holiday trip
kimlH6525UD,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Abby took us, it was an early start and such a full day. She was awesome, so thoughtful and explained everything very clearly, included everyone and gave us choices. It was one of the highlights of our South Island visit, very appreciative. We had a great day.
Perfetto trip!
sabatinos662,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing Mount Cook tour! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with incredible views all along the way. A big thank you to our drivers, Rob and Angelo – they were friendly, professional, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended!
More than 5 stars!
Julienne K,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite the miserable weather, this experience still deserves more than 5 stars. Shura was a fantastic guide—very helpful, caring, and reassuring, especially while we were all soaked. She also adjusted the itinerary thoughtfully to suit the weather, which we really appreciated. She has an easygoing, friendly vibe that made everyone feel comfortable. Even with the weather not cooperating, she kept things enjoyable with interesting “did you know” moments and created a great sense of camaraderie among the group.
This was a very long tour...
Vicki W,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very long tour but well worth it. There were stops along the way to stretch and grab a bite to eat. When we reached Mt cook Didn’t think we could do the hike up. Was very tiring and pretty high up there. But so glad we did the view of the glaciers was so spectacular. Took a lot of pictures. Hike down was much easier. Saw another path lake view wish I could have seen that one too. But it took us to long to climb up the mountain. When we got the bus they took us to where the trails was where we had our free time. A lot of different hikes to take. Which we ended up by a suspension bridge which was so pretty.After went to high county salmon. The salmon was so fresh and delicious had to hurry up and eat was only there for a short time. Then went to the orchard where we bought some goodies there . Can’t remember the drivers name. Did a really good job.We had done so many different tours but we would highly recommend this one if you want to venture out.
nice trip
Adventure52334849515,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kristina who's our guide also driver is kind and friendly. She adjust the schedule for us so that we may see the best view. It's worthy.
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