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NZD $499
Mt Cook Scenic Tour / Incl. Hooker Valley Track
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Queenstown, New Zealand
- Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
- Take the opportunity to visit Mt Cook on an easy one-day tour from Queenstown
- Travel in a specially designed premium Mercedes Sprinter for a comfortable touring experience
- Enjoy a small-group sightseeing tour limited to just 16 people
- Experience multiple scenic stops on the drive, including Cromwell, The Lindis, Omarama, Twizel, and many more
- Benefit from informative and engaging commentary provided by an experienced guide
- Enjoy up to 3 hours to hike the famed Hooker Valley Track (unguided)
- Take advantage of complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (if time allows)
Your Adventure Begins
Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at your Queenstown accommodation or nearby. You'll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. As we depart Queenstown, the first leg of our journey takes us through the Central Otago wine regions of Gibbston and Cromwell. We then cross the dramatic Lindis Pass before making a brief stop in Omarama for refreshments and an opportunity to purchase lunch/snacks (you must bring food/snacks/water with you as there are no other opportunities to purchase prior to your hike).
Welcome to Mackenzie Country
The scenery transforms as we enter Mackenzie Country, and our guide will entertain you with stories and interesting facts as we trace the edge of the Southern Alps. Along the way, we'll pass a network of lakes and canals near Twizel, renowned for its fishing of fresh Mt Cook Alpine salmon. Once we veer off the main road, we'll follow the stunning bright blue waters of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Mt Cook Village.
Mount Cook Adventure & Hooker Valley Track
Welcome to Mt Cook! Arriving at approximately 12 pm, your guide will transport you to the start of the Hooker Valley Track and provide instructions for your pick up later that day. You can choose to shorten the hike, hiking to one of the three swing bridges and returning back to enjoy the village, or you can use the full amount of free time to complete the full trail (3 hours return, medium fitness). Remember to come prepared with enough food and water, dress warmly, and wear appropriate footwear, as the weather can change quickly, no matter the season.
Those not intending to walk the full trail, can do a shortened version and receive complimentary access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located at The Hermitage. This museum and theatre offer insights into Mt Cook's unique history and the adventures of one of New Zealand's most famed explorers.
The Journey Back
At approximately 3:30pm, you will rejoin our guide and van to commence the return journey to Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and take in the views. This day tour spans approximately 12 hours, and our smaller vehicles and attentive guide ensure your comfort and entertainment throughout the journey.
Experience the Unforgettable
Let us take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Cook and discover more with Altitude Tours. The 12-hour Mount Cook day tour departs Queenstown daily at 7:30 am, returning by 7:30 p.m.
*This is a DOC (Department of Conservation) hiking trail, and we recommend those with medium fitness complete the entire trail. We have a strict departure time from Mt Cook Village and all hikers must return by that time.
- Cancellations within 48 hours of departure time receive no refund as do no shows (missing the tour for any reason)
- In the event of the tour being cancelled due to road closures or weather or any other reason outside of our control, Altitude Tours will offer you the opportunity to reschedule and if this is not possible, arrange a refund
- Minimum numbers of four people apply to operate the tour from Queenstown
- Pick-up is from the location specified on your confirmation email, if you are unsure please contact us to confirm
- This is a DOC (Department of Conservation) hiking trail, and we recommend only those with medium fitness complete the entire trail (weather pending). We have a strict departure time from Mt Cook Village and all hikers must return by that time.
- Mt Cook Village is an alpine environment, and those intending to get outdoors should come prepared with warm layers, a waterproof jacket and sensible walking shoes (preferably waterproof) regardless of season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The full-day trip takes approximately 12 hours from Queenstown. This allows us to make plenty of stops en route to ensure you enjoy the journey, with 3.5 hours in Mount Cook Village, you will have up to 3 hours to complete the track in that time.
The Hooker Valley Track is an self-guided walk, however our guide will transport you to the start of the trail and pick you up from the same point later that day.
For all passengers on tour, we also include access to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
This is a DOC (Department of Conservation) hiking trail, and we recommend those with medium fitness complete the entire trail. We have a strict departure time from Mt Cook Village and all hikers must return by that time.
The track leads through the sacred Tōpuni area of the Hooker Valley, which has special significance and values to Ngāi Tahu iwi, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track leads out to the Hooker Lake.
White Horse Hill carpark to first lookout and first swing bridge
Distance from White Horse Hill carpark to lookout: 1 km (about 15 minutes walking time one way.)
The first 700 m of the track passes close to the Alpine Memorial (a great viewpoint) and Freda’s Rock before coming to the viewing point of the Mueller Lake lookout and the first swing bridge.
The track surface to the first lookout is a firm clay/gravel surface with easy grades. It is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
Beyond the first lookout there are several sections of steps which make wheelchair/buggy access difficult.
First swing bridge to second swing bridge
Distance from White Horse Hill carpark to second swing bridge: 2.5 km (about 45 minutes walking time one way.)
From the first of three swing bridges along the way, enjoy the views over the Mueller Lake and listen for the rumbling of avalanches from the distant Mount Sefton. You may be able to spot them before they crash into the Mueller Glacier below.
After crossing the Hooker River, the track goes between old moraine ridges and humps to the second swing bridge.
During red weather warnings or when intense rainfall or high winds are forecast, the Hooker Valley Track will close at the gate at the first swing bridge.
Second swing bridge to third swing bridge and Hooker Lake
Distance from second swing bridge to Hooker Lake: 2.5 km (about 45 minutes walking time one way.)
The second swing bridge may be closed during winds exceeding 80 k/hr and during significant flood events. The bridge was severely damaged during a storm in 2019. There is erosion on both sides which affects its structural integrity during high winds. Engineers have determined the bridge is completely safe when not affected by strong winds and flood events.
From here the vegetation changes to more open tussock and a wider valley floor. There are public toilets located 15 minutes walk further on from the second swing bridge.
A third and final swing bridge then leads to the Hooker Lake, the source of the Hooker River.
The track ends with an amazing view over the iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake and up to majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
Return the same way, enjoying more views down the valley and across to the Sealy Range.
Distance from Hooker Lake back to White Horse Hill carpark: 5 km (about 90 minutes walking time one way.)
- An extra warm layer of clothing
- Camera
- Sunblock & sunglasses
- Wet weather gear
- Hiking shoes
We recommend purchasing food in Omarama (a stop we make on the way) or bringing lunch from Queenstown at the start of the day. We arrive at 12pm, so you will likely be ready for lunch not long after arriving.
If you are only going to walk a short portion of the trail, you can choose to use the remainder of your free time in the village and buy food at a local cafe.
If you intend to do the full hike or spend more than 1 hour on the trail, we recommend purchasing food in Omarama or bringing this from Queenstown at the start of the day.
We don’t want to give too much away! The drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook is stunning and there are plenty of scenic stops enroute, your guide knows the best spots and will choose these on the day.
Yes! You will get up close to the icebergs on the Tasman Glacial Lake, with even the chance to touch them.
We pick up from select Queenstown hotels and the main bus stop routes in Queenstown town centre and along Frankton Road. When booking, type in your accommodation and it will suggest the closest bus stop. If it doesn’t come up just check in with us and we’ll let you know where is closest for you!
As this is a weather dependent tour, if there is risk of adverse weather conditions that will impact the operation of the tour, you will be contacted the day prior to your trip to explore alternative options.
The Hooker Valley Track is exposed, so if you are intending to hike this trail in any weather, you must be prepared and dress accordingly (leave your trendy clothes at home, trust us!).
Due to this being one of the tour operator's most popular tours and wanting to be fair to all who join us they do not offer reserved seating. If you have a request we will do our best to accommodate but we cannot guarantee.