Mt Cook Scenic Tour / Incl. Hooker Valley Track
- Duration: 13 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Queenstown, Otago
- Product code: MCHV
Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown incl. Hooker Valley Track (self-guided)
Join Altitude Tours and visit Mt Cook in a day from Queenstown. Experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel with us through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and hike the famous Hooker Valley Track for an impressive view of Mt Cook “Cloud Piercer”.
- Take the opportunity to visit Mt Cook on an easy one-day tour from Queenstown
- Travel in a specially designed premium Mercedes Sprinter for a comfortable touring experience.
- Enjoy a small-group sightseeing tour limited to just 16 people.
- Experience multiple scenic stops on the drive, including Cromwell, The Lindis, Omarama, Twizel, and many more.
- Benefit from informative and engaging commentary provided by an experienced guide.
- Enjoy up to 3 hours to hike the famed Hooker Valley Track (unguided).
- Take advantage of complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (if time allows).
Your Adventure Begins
Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at your Queenstown accommodation or nearby. You'll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. As we depart Queenstown, the first leg of our journey takes us through the Central Otago wine regions of Gibbston and Cromwell. We then cross the dramatic Lindis Pass before making a brief stop in Omarama for refreshments and an opportunity to purchase lunch/snacks (you must bring food/snacks/water with you as there are no other opportunities to purchase prior to your hike).
Welcome to Mackenzie Country
The scenery transforms as we enter Mackenzie Country, and our guide will entertain you with stories and interesting facts as we trace the edge of the Southern Alps. Along the way, we'll pass a network of lakes and canals near Twizel, renowned for its fishing of fresh Mt Cook Alpine salmon. Once we veer off the main road, we'll follow the stunning bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Mt Cook Village.
Mount Cook Adventure & Hooker Valley Track
Welcome to Mt Cook! Arriving at approximately 12 pm, your guide will transport you to the start of the Hooker Valley Track and provide instructions for your pick up later that day. You can choose to shorten the hike, hiking to one of the three swing bridges and returning back to enjoy the village, or you can use the full amount of free time to complete the full trail (3 hours return, medium fitness). Remember to come prepared with enough food and water, dress warmly, and wear appropriate footwear, as the weather can change quickly, no matter the season.
Those not intending to walk the full trail, can do a shortened version and receive complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located at The Hermitage. This museum and theatre offer insights into Mt Cook's unique history and the adventures of one of New Zealand's most famed explorers.
The Journey Back
At approximately 3:30pm, you will rejoin our guide and van to commence the return journey to Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and take in the views. This day tour spans approximately 12 hours, and our smaller vehicles and attentive guide ensure your comfort and entertainment throughout the journey.
Experience the Unforgettable
Let us take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Cook and discover more with Altitude Tours. The 12-hour Mount Cook day tour departs Queenstown daily at 7:30 am, returning by 7:30 p.m.
*This is a DOC (Department of Conservation) hiking trail, and we recommend those with medium fitness complete the entire trail. We have a strict departure time from Mt Cook Village and all hikers must return by that time.