Mt Cook Scenic Tour / Incl. Queenstown Flyback

Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown incl. Scenic Fixed-Wing Flyback

Join Altitude Tours and visit Mt Cook in a day from Queenstown with a unique scenic flight back from Mt Cook to 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, with free time in Mount Cook Village to enjoy local walks or activities, and take to the skies on a 50-minute scenic fixed-wing flight down the Southern Alps, back to Queenstown.

• 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 3.5 hours (approx.) of free time to explore Mt Cook Village, with options to sightsee, hike, or join an optional activity (we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot).
• Take to the skies on a 50-minute scenic fixed-wing flight from Mt Cook to Queenstown
• Take advantage of complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

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 (highly recommended for those planning to hike, Heli Hike, or join the Glacier Explorers experience).

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

Welcome to Mt Cook! Arriving at approximately 12pm, you'll have around 3.5 hours to explore at your leisure. Choose from various options such as a self-guided hike, taking a scenic flight for an up-close view of the mountain, participating in a Heli Hike on the Tasman Glacier, or witnessing the icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake with Glacier Explorers. Your guide will assist you in getting to your chosen activity and provide instructions for the remainder of the day. If you're planning to get outside and explore, remember to come prepared with enough food and water, dress warmly, and wear appropriate footwear, as the weather in this alpine town can change quickly, no matter the season.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, all guests 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.

A Flight to Remember

At the end of the day, you will be taken to Mt Cook Airport and introduced to your pilot, who will take you to the skies on a truly incredible scenic flight back to Queenstown. Travelling on a fixed-wing plane, this flight is approximately 50 minutes and offers aerial views of the Mackenzie Basin, Ahuriri Valley and Lake Wanaka, along with the impressive snow-capped mountains, lakes, and rivers in between.

Experience the Unforgettable

Let us take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Cook and discover more with Altitude Tours. The 10-hour Mount Cook Day Tour with Flyback departs Queenstown daily at 7:30am, returning by 5:30pm.

The flight is weather dependent, and in the case of bad weather, you will receive a partial refund and return via road with your Altitude Tours guide, returning by 7:30pm.

This flight requires a minimum number of people booked to confirm, and we will know 48 hours in advance if this flight is operating.