Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin
Active
12h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Queenstown, Christchurch, or Dunedin.
For Queenstown Pickup: Pass by Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Roaring Meg & Cromwell. Stop at Lindis Pass, and High Country Salmon.
For Christchurch Pickup: Pass through Geraldine and Fairlie, stop at Fairlie Bakehouse, and visit Lake Tekapo.
For Dunedin Pickup: Travel via Waitaki River and Omarama, with stops at Oamaru and High Country Salmon.
Enjoy panoramic stops at Lake Pukaki and a scenic drive to Mount Cook. Take in stunning views, walk the Hooker Valley Track with its swing bridges and Hooker Lake, spot alpine kea, or engage in Tasman Glacier View Walks. Visit the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s history.
Choose to finish at Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin or end journey at Mount Cook. Total road time will be approximately 8.5 hours.
Available options
Christchurch To Queenstown
Duration: 13 hours: Pick at Christchurch & drop at Queenstown. Main Attractions: Lake Tekapo (30 mins), Lake Pukaki(25 mins) & Mt Cook(3 hours).<br/>Christchurch To Queenstown: You'll be picked up in Christchurch and dropped off in Queenstown after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Christchurch, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Pickup&Dropoff at Christchurch
Duration: 13 hours: Pickup and dropoff at Christchurch. Main Attractions: Lake Tekapo (30 mins), Lake Pukaki (25 mins) & Mt Cook (3 hours).<br/>Pickup&Dropoff at Christchurch: You'll be picked up & dropped off in Christchurch after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Christchurch, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Dunedin to Christchurch
Duration: 13 hours: Pick at Dunedin & drop at Christchurch. Main Attractions: Lake Pukaki(30mins) & Mt Cook(3 hours).<br/>Dunedin to Christchurch: You'll be picked up in Dunedin and dropped off in Christchurch after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Dunedin, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Queenstown to Dunedin
Duration: 13 hours: Pickup at Queenstown & dropoff at Dunedin. Main Attractions: Lake Pukaki(30mins) & Mt Cook(3 hours).<br/>Queenstown to Dunedin: You'll be picked up in Queenstown and dropped off in Dunedin after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Queenstown, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Pickup & Dropoff at Queenstown
Duration: 12 hours: Pickup and drop-off at Queenstown City. Main Attractions: Lake Pukaki (30 mins) & Mt Cook (3 hours).<br/>Pickup & Dropoff at Queenstown: You'll be picked up & dropped off in Queenstown after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Queenstown, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Christchurch to Dunedin
Duration: 13 hours: Pick at Christchurch & drop at Dunedin. Main Attractions: Lake Tekapo (30 mins), Lake Pukaki(25 mins) & Mt Cook(3 hours).<br/>Christchurch to Dunedin: You'll be picked up in Christchurch and dropped off in Dunedin after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Christchurch, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Queenstown to Christchurch
Duration: 13 hours: Pickup at Queenstown & drop at Christchurch. Main Attractions: Lake Pukaki(30mins) & Mt Cook(3 hrs).<br/>Queenstown to Christchurch: You'll be picked up in Queenstown and dropped off in Christchurch after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Queenstown, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Pickup & Dropoff at Dunedin
Duration: 13 hours: Pickup and drop-off at Dunedin City. Main Attractions: Lake Pukaki (30 mins) & Mt Cook (3 hours).<br/>Pickup & Dropoff at Dunedin: You'll be picked up & dropped off in Dunedin after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Dunedin, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
Dunedin to Queenstown
Duration: 13 hours: Pick at Dunedin & drop at Queenstown. Main Attractions: Lake Pukaki(30mins) & Mt Cook(3 hours).<br/>Dunedin to Queenstown: You'll be picked up in Dunedin and dropped off in Queenstown after visiting Mt Cook.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Dunedin, New Zealand<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Guide-Driver exclusively for your group
Packaged water bottles
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
For Christchurch pickups only: Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.
2
Stop 2
As we approach Lake Pukaki, enjoy stops at panoramic lookout points. Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.
3
Stop 3
The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake as time permits. Look out for kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Make a brief stop at Mount Cook Visitor Centre and learn more about the history and place or opt for Tasman Glacier View walks.
What's not included
Food & Drinks
Travel Insurance
Anything not described in the inclusions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Queenstown
Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. This vibrant town offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both excitement and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Queenstown Garden
Queenstown Garden is a beautiful public garden located in the heart of the city. It offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown offers a range of activities, including the Skyline Gondola, Luge rides, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city and lake.
Adventure
2-3 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a historic site that showcases the lives of Chinese miners during the Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lamb
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. It's often served with seasonal vegetables and local wines.
Main Course
Contains meat
Green-Lipped Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are a delicacy in New Zealand, known for their unique flavor and texture. They're often served steamed with garlic, wine, and herbs.
Appetizer
Contains shellfish
Pavlova
Pavlova is a popular dessert in New Zealand, made with a crisp meringue shell, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy
Popular Activities
Bungee jumping
Skydiving
Jet boating
Hiking
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Scenic cruises
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and a wide range of outdoor activities. It's ideal for hiking, water sports, and exploring the great outdoors.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Queenstown is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution when engaging in adventure activities and be aware of the weather conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Queenstown Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Queenstown Bus Interchange
Getting around
Public transport
Orion buses provide reliable and affordable transportation throughout Queenstown and to nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Queenstown
Frankton
Arrowtown
Day trips
Milford Sound
120 km from Queenstown • Full day
Milford Sound is a stunning fjord known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. A day trip to Milford Sound includes a scenic drive and a boat cruise through the fjord.
Glenorchy
45 km from Queenstown • Half day to Full day
Glenorchy is a charming village nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It's a great base for hiking, horse riding, and other outdoor activities.
Wanaka
65 km from Queenstown • Full day
Wanaka is a picturesque town known for its stunning lake and mountain views, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Festivals
Queenstown Winter Festival • June
Gibbston Valley Winter Festival • July
Arrowtown Autumn Festival • April
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- Book accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Try local specialties like lamb, green-lipped mussels, and pavlova.
- Explore beyond the city center and visit nearby attractions like Arrowtown and Glenorchy.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
