Mt Cook to Queenstown Scenic Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Scenic drive along Lake Pukaki
- Photo opportunities at Lindis Pass
- Comfortable small group experience
- Expert commentary from local guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Comfortable transportation
- Professional driver-guide
- Scenic stops at Lake Pukaki and Lindis Pass
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Departing 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. The total duration includes transport time to get from one place to another.
Travelling along one of the most beautiful roads in the world 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. You are sure to get some amazing photos and 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.
Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and making our way 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.
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.
Pass by: 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.
You'll see stunning views of the Kawarau Gorge as we wind our way through the Gorge travelling towards Cromwell. We also make a stop at the incredible Roaring Meg Lookout for a great photo oportunity.
Your tour ends in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will point out and guide you past some of the areas top highlights before dropping you off in central Queenstown and at central hotel locations
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
Know before you go
- Dress in layers to accommodate varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged for photo opportunities.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Traveler reviews
Excellent Transfer Service!
I did the Queenstown to Mt. Cook and the reverse trip a few days later. Both were with Cheeky Kiwi, and both trips were excellent. Our driver, Raj, was excellent. Efficient, knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, and accommodating. He shared many highlights along the way & stories to support our journey. The Mercedes Sprinter Vans were well equipped and made for a comfortable ride. Lots of cool photo stops and other stops (salmon farm, lunch & coffee stops where you could buy some local merino wool). I support the highest recommendation possible for Cheeky Kiwi. Everything was amazing, and I’ll use them again when I return.
"Check-the boxes" experience with Benny
This tour felt pretty much like a check-the-boxes experience from Mount Cook to Queenstown. Benny did exactly what was mentioned in the tour description, and the commentary along the way felt scripted. Benny did not really engage with the travellers on the bus, and felt a tad inauthentic. Don't get me wrong; the stops- Lake Pulkaki and Lindis Pass were scenic and amazingly stunning. Had a great taste of the freshest salmon at High Country Salmon and managed to squeeze in a fresh fruit ice Crean at Jackson Orchards.
Short and sweet tour
The tour from Mt Cook to Queenstown is a short one, starting from 2.30pm, with pickup at Hermitage Hotel level 2 lobby. We head to Lake Pukaki, which was gorgeous. Then to Lindis Pass. We reach Queenstown at about 6.30-7pm, depending on the stops we make. Our guide, Raghav, was very entertaining and friendly. He had some fun stories to share along the way. He dropped us off at our accommodations and also gave us his recommendations for dinner :)
Scenic drive, knowledgeable guides and perfect placed stops along the way
10/10- Mt Cook was awesome, as well as every stop along the way. Beautiful landscape along the route and JOE was a great guide, very knowledgeable and awesome storyteller!
Aoraki/Mt Cook to Queenstown
Our experience with Cheeky Kiwi exceeded our expectations! We had Joe as our guide and he was so knowledgeable on the history and culture of NZ. He was an amazing storyteller and we absolutely loved the tales he told of the Indigenous Māori people and land. It was such a special tour for us. Thank you Joe! We’d book again if Joe was our guide again!!!