Small Group Mount Cook Day Tours
Mount Cook Small Group Scenic Tour
Join our small-group, fully guided day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook, where you’ll experience the region’s must-see highlights with the flexibility to enjoy optional activities at your own pace.
From NZD $240 per person
Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
Maximum 16 guests
12 hours duration (Approx)
What's Included
- Central pickup and drop-off locations in Queenstown
- Return transport in a modern, air-conditioned minibus
- Experienced local guide with in-depth commentary
- Multiple scenic stops and photo opportunities along the way, including Lake Pukaki and Lindis Pass.
- Free time to explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with options for short walks or optional activities
- Complimentary snacks and water on board (bring a reusable bottle)
Optional Extras
- Free time to enjoy self-guided hikes, photography, or optional activities like scenic flights or glacier experiences.
ITINERARY
Departure Time: 6.30am or 7.30am
Please note: lunch is not included. If you're planning to do one of the hikes, we recommend bringing a light lunch or picking something up during our stop in Omarama. If hiking isn’t on your agenda, you’ll still have the chance to purchase food either en route or once we arrive in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
1. Queenstown – Tour Departure
Your adventure begins with a central pickup in Queenstown. Settle into our premium Mercedes Sprinter and meet your friendly local guide - ready to share stories, history, and fun facts throughout the day. As we head north, your guide will introduce the route and point out notable sights along the way.
2. Kawarau Gorge – Scenic Drive & Commentary
Enjoy stunning views as we travel through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, home to turquoise rivers and rugged cliffs. Your guide will share insight into the area’s gold rush history and its connection to adventure tourism.
3. Cromwell – Fruit Bowl of the South
Pass through Cromwell, a charming town known for its orchards and wineries. We'll pause for a quick photo stop and a chance to stretch your legs.
4. Lindis Pass – Alpine Views
Climb into the high country through Lindis Pass, where tussock-covered hills and alpine peaks dominate the landscape. A great opportunity for scenic photos and a quick refresh.
5. Omarama – Refreshment Stop
We stop in Omarama for a comfort break. You’ll have time to grab a coffee or snack before continuing the journey. This high-country town is also famous for gliding and vast, open skies.
6. Lake Pukaki – Turquoise Waters & Mount Cook Views
Get your cameras ready—Lake Pukaki’s vivid turquoise waters and sweeping views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on a clear day are simply breathtaking. This is one of the most iconic photo spots in the South Island.
7. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Explore the Heart of the Alps
Arriving at Mount Cook Village around midday, you’ll have about 3.5 hours to discover this stunning alpine destination at your own pace.
Choose from a variety of unforgettable experiences:
- Take a self-guided hike along scenic walking trails such as the Hooker Valley Track or Kea Point, perfect for all fitness levels.
- Experience a thrilling heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier, stepping onto the ice for a truly unique adventure
- Soar above the Southern Alps on a scenic ski plane or helicopter flight for breathtaking aerial views of glaciers and peaks
- Cruise Tasman Glacier Lake with Glacier Explorers, a chance to see icebergs and stunning glacial landscapes up close.
- Explore Mount Cook Village, where you can visit The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about the area’s rich mountaineering history, or relax and enjoy lunch at one of the charming local cafés.
With plenty of options to tailor your visit, your time at Mount Cook promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your New Zealand journey.
Please note: Optional activities are not included in the tour price and may change depending on the weather, season, or availability on the day. Walking trails are self-guided, but your guide will make sure you're dropped off at the right spot and will share helpful tips to ensure you have the best experience.
Please note that the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond the Mount Sefton View Lookout while the second bridge is being replaced. However, there are plenty of other wonderful walks to explore in the area.
8. Return Journey – Scenic Drive Back to Queenstown
After a day of exploring, sit back and relax as we begin our journey back to Queenstown. We’ll make a comfort stop en route and arrive back in the early evening, filled with incredible memories and photos of Aotearoa’s highest mountain.
This full-day tour runs for approximately 12 hours and is designed with comfort and immersion in mind, making it the perfect way to explore the majesty of Milford Sound in a single, unforgettable day.
16-Seater Tour Vehicle
Luxury Vehicle with Luggage Trailer
Adjustable Leather Seats
16-Seater Luxury Bus
New Zealand's Best Tour Vehicles
Luxury Small Group Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz vehicles
Luxury leather seats
Unlimited WIFI
Air Conditioning
USB charging port at every seat
Big windows for amazing views
Make the most of your time on the road in your 16-seater luxury tour vehicle. Fitted out with luxury leather seats, USB ports, unlimited WIFI, stereo, air con, and big windows to admire those amazing views. New Zealand has some of the world’s most scenic roads and this is the best way to experience them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Milford Sound Day Tours travel in premium Mercedes Sprinter vans with only 15 seats onboard. These vans have been designed for long-distance touring with extended legroom, modern interior, and those ever-important panoramic windows for amazing views!
Traveling with kids is a lot of fun, and helps you embrace your inner child as you visit new places around the world.
Kids are able to travel with us to Milford Sound, however, as many of us in the team have children ourselves, this is not something we actively recommend. You will be traveling in the van for approx. 10 hours which can be a long time for small humans who love to run around, or may be prone to car sickness.
Our vehicles are 16 seaters, so this will be your maximum group size on the bus, making for a more personal, small group experience.
Once you arrive in Milford Sound, we join a small boat nature cruise that can take up 60-75 people onboard, depending on the weather.
There is no minimum age for this tour. It is of course a long day of travel which can be challenging for babies, and young children.
We can provide a pre-booked packed picnic lunch for $40 per person which will include a sandwich, fruit, and a range of snacks.
If you don’t choose this option we suggest bringing your own lunch. We do stop in Te Anau on the way, however, we cannot guarantee their lunch supplies and there is no food in Milford Sound or on the boat.
We partnered with two cruise operators, who are both small boat experiences in Milford Sound. They’ll provide a 1-hour 45-minute cruise through the sound, getting up close to the towering waterfalls and providing informative commentary.
