Mt Cook Small Group Tour From Queenstown With Optional Activities

Exploring the stunning Mt. Cook National Park from Queenstown is an unforgettable adventure. This small group tour offers a personalized experience, taking visitors on a guided hike through the Hooker Valley. With optional activities like scenic flights, glacier boat tours, and kayaking, travelers can customize their day to suit their interests. Priced affordably, the tour includes essential amenities and the expertise of knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, or a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s natural wonders, this tour presents an enticing opportunity to learn about the grandeur of Mt. Cook.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Mount Cook.

Contents hide

5 Reviews and Recommendations

6 Popular Activities

7 Customize Your Tour

8 Getting There and Back

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The tour focuses on exploring the iconic Mt. Cook and the Hooker Valley hike, offering a personalized small group experience.
Inclusions cover snacks, bottled water, transportation, and a guided tour or self-guided hike option, as well as accommodations for children.
The tour starts and ends in Queenstown, with pickup available from select hotels, and transportation in comfortable vehicles for up to 16 travelers.
Opportunities for optional activities, such as scenic flights, glacier boat tours, and guided kayak excursions, allow for customization of the experience.
The tour operates in all weather conditions and is suitable for moderate hikers, with knowledgeable guides providing commentary throughout the journey.

Tour Overview

The Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown offers travelers a chance to explore the picturesque South Island of New Zealand, with a focus on the iconic Mt. Cook and the stunning Hooker Valley hike.

This highly-rated tour, with a maximum group size of 16, provides a personalized and fully guided experience. Priced from $153.15, the tour includes snacks, bottled water, and round-trip transportation to the Hooker Valley Track.

Flexibility is a key feature, as the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With 283 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this small group adventure is an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable encounter with New Zealand’s majestic mountain landscape.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mount Cook.

Inclusions

This tour includes a small group and fully guided experience, providing travelers with snacks, bottled water, and round-trip transportation to the Hooker Valley Track.

Plus, gratuities and souvenir photos (available for purchase) are covered, and lunch opportunities are available along the way.

Participants will also enjoy a guided tour of the Hooker Valley Track, which they can choose to experience as a self-guided hike.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and accommodations are made for children aged 7 and below, who require a child safety car seat (available for an additional fee with 24 hours’ notice).

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can meet the tour at the default pickup location of The Station – Home of Adventure in Queenstown, or they can opt for hotel pickup from various Queenstown accommodations, including Kamana Lakehouse, Mercure Queenstown, and Rydges Lakeland Resort, among others.

Pickup begins 15 minutes before the tour start time, so travelers should check their confirmation for the exact pickup time.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible, and infant seats are available for an additional fee.

Travelers should keep in mind that the pickup and meeting locations may vary, so it’s important to double-check the details in their confirmation before the tour.

Tour Experience

Moderate walking is involved during the tour, which isn’t recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately. Children aged 7 and below require a child safety car seat, which can be provided for an additional NZ$20 with 24 hours’ notice.

The tour’s highlights include scenic views of Mt. Cook and the Hooker Valley hike, which lasts approximately 3 hours. Along the way, guests will have opportunities to take photos and enjoy breaks.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the knowledgeable guides provide engaging storytelling throughout the tour.

Reviews and Recommendations

The tour has earned an overall rating of 5 stars based on traveler feedback, with common praises for its knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, well-organized itinerary, and enjoyable hiking experience.

Reviewers have noted that the tour’s highlights include scenic spots for lunch, engaging storytelling by the guides, and breathtaking views throughout.

While most travelers are satisfied with the experience, some have suggested improvements, such as longer stops at certain locations, extended time for the Hooker Valley hike, and larger transport vehicles for greater comfort.

Here's some more things to do in Mount Cook

Popular Activities

Along with the guided Hooker Valley hike, the tour offers several optional activities for visitors to enhance their Mt. Cook experience.

Guests can choose to embark on a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, providing breathtaking aerial views of New Zealand’s highest mountain and its surrounding glaciers.

Plus, the tour includes the opportunity to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, where travelers can learn about the region’s rich history and the legacy of the famous explorer.

For the more adventurous, a glacier boat tour on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake is available, allowing visitors to witness the impressive size and power of this massive natural wonder up close.

Customize Your Tour

Visitors on the Mt Cook Small Group Tour have the opportunity to customize their experience by selecting from a range of optional activities to suit their interests and preferences.

For thrill-seekers, there’s the option to add on a scenic helicopter flight over the impressive Mt. Cook and the surrounding glaciers.

Those seeking a more immersive adventure can opt for a guided kayak tour on the serene Hooker Lake.

Nature enthusiasts may choose to extend their time on the Hooker Valley Track to capture more stunning vistas.

Regardless of the chosen add-ons, these personalized experiences allow travelers to tailor the tour to their desired level of exploration and excitement.

Getting There and Back

After customizing their tour, travelers can look forward to the convenient transportation arrangements that the Mt Cook Small Group Tour provides.

The tour starts and ends in Queenstown, with pickup locations available at various hotels to ensure a seamless start to the day. Pickup times typically begin 15 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure, so travelers should check their confirmation for the exact timing.

The tour utilizes comfortable vehicles that can accommodate a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide will provide commentary and insights, enhancing the overall experience.

At the end of the tour, travelers will be transported back to their original pickup locations, completing the convenient and well-organized transportation arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel My Booking at Any Time?

You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. After that, cancellation fees may apply. Check the tour’s cancellation policy for full details on refund eligibility.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

There is no information provided about discounts for group bookings. The tour operator’s website or booking page would likely have details on any group booking discounts, if available. Without specifics, it’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides snacks and bottled water, but allowing personal provisions gives travelers more flexibility and control over their meals during the experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

Travelers don’t need to bring any special equipment for this tour. The tour provides necessary items like snacks, bottled water, and hiking gear. However, they should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the moderate walking involved.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended if needed. Most tour providers offer options to extend the tour or add additional activities for an additional cost, subject to availability and guide/transportation capacity.