From Queenstown: Lake Pukaki & Aoraki/Mount Cook Day Tour - Lunch Included

Depart Queenstown and
head into the Mackenzie region

After pickup from designated hotels in Queenstown, travel north in a Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle. Stop briefly for photos at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, pass through Cromwell, and stop at Ōmārama and the Lake Ruataniwha viewpoint. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Māori place names, the legend of Aoraki, and the landscape.

Pass Lake Pukaki and
arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

After a photo stop at Lake Pukaki, enter Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Established in 1953, the park is about 40% covered in glaciers and has 19 peaks over 3,000 m. Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and is regarded as a sacred ancestor of the Ngāi Tahu iwi.

You have 2–2.5 hours to explore the park. Walk the Tasman Glacier View Track along the moraine of Haupapa (Tasman Glacier), New Zealand's longest glacier at about 23 km, for views of the glacier and Tasman Lake, or visit the visitor centre in Mount Cook Village. Scenic flights and heli-hiking can be booked separately through your guide on the day.

Stop at the Clay Cliffs and
Lindis Pass on the way back

On the return journey, take photos at the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs, ancient glacial formations rising like rocky pinnacles, and, time permitting, stop at High Country Salmon to feed the fish and buy fresh salmon. Enjoy the tussock-covered valleys from the Lindis Pass lookout, then take a short break in Wānaka. Lunch is collected by your guide at the Wānaka stop.

Enjoy final views at Cardrona Hotel
and the Crown Range

Stop at the Cardrona Hotel, built in 1863 during the Otago gold rush, then take in panoramic views of Queenstown and The Remarkables from the Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest main road. The tour ends with drop-off at designated locations in Queenstown.

※ Stops at the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs and High Country Salmon depend on time and weather and may be skipped.
※ From November 1, 2026, the Kawarau Gorge stop will be replaced by a stop in Wānaka.
※ Scenery and views may vary depending on the weather.