Mount Cook: Day Trips and Tours from Queenstown

Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki in Maori, is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Standing tall at over 3,700 meters above sea level in the Southern Alps, Mount Cook is a favorite among mountain climbers across the world.

As one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, it is easy to organize a day trip tip Mount Cook from Queenstown.

Easily accessible by car, yet fair away from the light pollution of the cities, Mount Cook offers spectacular panoramic views of the New Zealand landscape. The mountain range is also an ideal destination for stargazing.

Here is everything you need to know about Mount Cook, one of the most exciting day trips in Queenstown.

How to get to Mount Cook from Queenstown?

Mount Cook is about 275 kilometers northeast of Queenstown and is easily accessible via car and public transportation.

From Queenstown to Mount Cook by car

The fastest route to Mount Cook from Queenstown is via State Highway 8. From Queenstown, you take State Highway 6 to Cromwell and follow the signs to Christchurch or Dunedin to get on State Highway 8B.

You then head north on State Highway 8 and follow the signs to Omarama and then to Lake Pukaki. From there, you take State Highway 80 and continue north until you reach Mount Cook. The journey by car should take about 3.5 hours.

From Queenstown to Mount Cook by bus

To get to Mount Cook by public transportation, you first take the Queenstown to Christchurch bus and get off at Twizel, which takes about 3 hours. From there, Mount Cook Village is about 1.5 hours away by shuttle.

Guided tour to Mount Cook from Queenstown

The easiest way to get to Mount Cook from Queenstown is with a guided tour. Aside from offering a convenient hotel pickup, they ensure that you will enjoy the scenic drive to the Southern Alps.

Alternatively, you may also book transportation to Mount Cook via helicopter, saving even more on time.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your journey to Mount Cook begins at your hotel, from where you will be picked up. Leaving Queenstown, you will pass the Kawarau, the vineyard region of Cromwell, Lake Dunstan, the Lindis Pass, Omarama and Lake Pukaki.

Along the way, you will also get to make some stops to stretch your legs and take photos of the breathtaking landscape. When you reach Mount Cook, you can admire the view from the village and then continue to the national park.

There you can go for a walk or hike to explore the mountain, or even book a scenic helicopter tour for a better view of the Tasman Glacier. When your visit concludes, you return to Queenstown.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mount Cook?

Guided tours to Mount Cook from Queenstown

The easiest way to visit Mount Cook from Queenstown is by booking a guided tour. These tours include round-trip transportation via bus and the services of a tour guide. Along the way, there will be a few stops to take photos.

When you arrive at the national park, you can either go on one of the free walks or hikes, or book an additional activity (such as a flight).

Guided tour and helicopter flight to Mount Cook from Queenstown

For an even greater experience on Mount Cook, consider booking a guided tour from Queenstown that includes a helicopter flight. After being picked up from your hotel, you will travel to an airfield near Mount Cook by van or minibus.

When you arrive, your journey will take to the skies and after enjoying the view from above. You can continue your tour on a glacier on foot, with the help of a local guide.

Private tour to Mount Cook from Queenstown

Should you be interested in greater flexibility in your excursion from Queenstown, your best option is to book a private tour. Private tours to Mount Cook are ideal for smaller groups, offer greater comfort and include a personal guide.

How much does a day trip to Mount Cook from Queenstown cost?

A guided tour to Mount Cook from Queenstown usually costs between US$120 and US$150 per person. This includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel.

For a guided tour to Mount Cook from Queenstown with a helicopter or airplane flight, expect to pay US$380 to US$500 per person. The cost of these tours depends on the length of the flight and additional activities.

The cost of a private tour to Mount Cook from Queenstown can range from about US$1,000 to over US$2,000 per person. These tours typically offer luxury transportation and greater flexibility in your itinerary.

What will you see and do?

Mountain walks and hiking

The Mount Cook National Park has many well-marked paths for short walks and hiking on the mountain. Beginners may wish to try out the Governor's Bush Walk, Bowen Bush Walk, Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Walk or Glencoe Walk.

These trails take about an hour to complete, while the Red Tarns Track, Kea Point and Hooker Valley Track take about 2 hours. Those more experienced in alpine hiking can go through the Mueller, Copland and Ball passes.

Skiing on glaciers

Should you desire a more exciting and thrilling excursion on Mount Cook, you can arrange to go to one of the glaciers. To access the glaciers, you will need to take a helicopter or ski plane.

There you can explore the glaciers and caverns with the help of a guide or go for skiing. Intermediate skiers should check out Tasman Glacier, which is the largest glacier in New Zealand.

More experienced skiers will also enjoy the Murchison, Darwin and Bonney glaciers.

When is the best time to visit Mount Cook?

The best time to visit Mount Cook is during spring, between the months of September and November. The weather over the summer (from December to April) is ideal, however the area will be more crowded as it is the peak tourist season.

Are there any tours to Mount Cook from other cities in New Zealand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in New Zealand:

• Day trips to Mount Cook from Christchurch

Travel tips

• The weather can be unpredictable and shift suddenly, so pack warm clothes and a raincoat.
• Sturdy hiking boots are essential if you want to explore the area and go on any hiking trails.
• While a permit is not required to climb the mountain, you will be requested to fill out a form on trip intentions at the Department of Conservation Visitor Center.