From Queenstown: Mount Cook and Hooker Valley Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Queenstown to explore the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of Mount Cook and Hooker Valley. This guided tour takes you through scenic routes, including the picturesque Kawarau Gorge and Lake Pukaki, before immersing you in the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Witness the stunning Hooker Lake and Glacier as you hike the iconic Hooker Valley Track, and cap off your adventure with a visit to a local salmon farm. With a refreshing stop in Omarama along the way, this 12-hour journey promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s South Island.

Key Points

• Guided day trip from Queenstown to explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the Hooker Valley, featuring scenic routes and iconic attractions.
• 12-hour tour includes stops in Omarama for refreshments and a 2.5-hour self-guided hike along the Hooker Valley Track.
• Highlights include breathtaking views of Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, and Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.
• Tour includes transportation, local guides, and opportunities to learn about the region’s natural wonders and wildlife.
• Flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickups from 30 locations around Queenstown.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided day trip from Queenstown to Mount Cook and Hooker Valley provides an immersive exploration of the region’s natural wonders. Spanning 12 hours, the excursion takes adventurers on a scenic journey through Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell, Lindis Pass, and Lake Pukaki.

After a stop for refreshments in Omarama, the main focus turns to the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the renowned Hooker Valley Track. Along the way, travelers can admire the stunning vistas, including the Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, and the majestic Mount Cook.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickups from 30 convenient locations, this day trip offers a hassle-free opportunity to discover the best of New Zealand’s South Island.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided day trip encompasses a scenic route through the South Island, including traversing the Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell, Lindis Pass, and the picturesque Lake Pukaki.

Along the way, the tour makes several stops. First, it’s a 30-minute break in Omarama for coffee, tea, brunch, or local snacks.

The main focus is exploring the stunning Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where guests embark on a 2.5-hour self-guided hike along the Hooker Valley Track. This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, and the majestic Mount Cook.

Route and Stops

The guided day trip begins with a scenic drive through the Kawarau Gorge, offering participants captivating views of the rugged terrain.

From there, the route continues through the towns of Cromwell and Lindis Pass, leading to the breathtaking Lake Pukaki, which serves as the gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The first scheduled stop is Omarama, where travelers can enjoy a 30-minute break for coffee, tea, brunch, or local snacks.

The main focus of the tour is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to the iconic Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley Track.

During the 2.5-hour self-guided hike, visitors can marvel at the stunning Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, and the majestic Mount Cook.

Omarama Break

On the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the tour makes a 30-minute stop in Omarama, allowing participants to refuel with coffee, tea, brunch, or local snacks.

This charming town in the heart of the Mackenzie Country provides a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and admire the surrounding mountain vistas.

Some recommended local treats to try include:

1. Delectable cheese scones from a renowned bakery

2. Hearty lamb pies, a New Zealand classic

3. Creamy, smooth Flat White coffees

This break in the journey helps prepare travelers for the stunning scenery and outdoor adventure that awaits in the national park.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

At the heart of the day trip lies the crown jewel – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where participants enjoy the grandeur of New Zealand’s highest mountain and the surrounding alpine landscapes.

As the tour winds its way through the dramatic Mackenzie Basin, the imposing presence of Aoraki/Mount Cook comes into view, its snow-capped peaks reaching skyward.

The primary focus of the day is the Hooker Valley Track, a 2.5-hour self-guided hike that offers stunning vistas of the Hooker Glacier, Hooker Lake, and the majestic Mount Cook itself.

Along the way, travelers can pause to snap photos and soak in the serene mountain environment, a truly awe-inspiring highlight of the excursion.

Hooker Valley Track

Winding through the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Track is a 2.5-hour self-guided hike that showcases the park’s stunning alpine landscapes.

As part of the day trip, visitors can explore this iconic trail, which offers:

1. Breathtaking views of Hooker Lake, where icebergs float in the turquoise waters below the towering presence of Mount Cook.

2. The chance to witness the Hooker Glacier, a dramatic ice formation that has retreated significantly in recent years due to climate change.

3. A front-row seat to the majestic Southern Alps, with opportunities to spot native flora and fauna along the way.

The Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Aotearoa’s highest mountain.

High Country Salmon

As the tour makes its return journey, visitors get the chance to stop at the High Country Salmon farm, where they can learn about the region’s thriving salmon industry and perhaps even sample some fresh, locally-sourced delicacies.

The 15-minute visit offers an inside look at the farm’s operations, from the feeding of the salmon to the processing of the fillets.

Guests can observe the salmon swimming in their crystal-clear ponds and chat with the knowledgeable staff about the unique challenges and rewards of raising salmon in this remote alpine environment.

For many, this stop is a delightful hands-on addition to an already memorable day exploring the natural wonders of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Tour Experience and Essentials

Travelers on the Mount Cook and Hooker Valley day trip from Queenstown can expect a comfortable and insightful journey, courtesy of the tour’s local guides. These knowledgeable experts provide fascinating insights into the history, geography, and natural wonders of the region throughout the excursion.

The tour’s transportation is clean and spacious, with large windows allowing guests to soak in the stunning scenery.

Plus, the following essentials will help ensure a memorable experience:

1. Dress in layers and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as New Zealand’s climate can be unpredictable.

2. Pack a light lunch or snacks, as the tour doesn’t include a provided meal.

3. Bring a fully charged camera to capture the breathtaking vistas along the way.

Recap

This epic day trip from Queenstown to Mount Cook and Hooker Valley delivers an unforgettable experience.

Travelers will be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes, from the Kawarau Gorge to the stunning vistas of Hooker Lake and Glacier.

The self-guided hike through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the visit to a salmon farm provide an enriching journey through New Zealand’s South Island.

This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the region’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: