Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown

Highlights:

• Hooker Valley, Hooker Lake & Hooker Glacier
• Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park
• Lake Pukaki
• Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, High Country Salmon

Itinerary:

1.      Queenstown - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.

2.      Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the impressive Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting, we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.

3.      Cromwell – Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass. 

4.      Lindis Pass – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.   

5.      Omarama – While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!

6.      Lake Pukaki – Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you. 

7.      Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – While in the national park we will stop and explore some of the amazing sites and get those bucket list photos before heading to the departure point for your hike.  

8.      Hooker Valley Hike – Being dropped off at the start of the Hooker Valley Track you will depart on a self-guided, 3 hour return easy but spectacular hike. The hike includes amazing views of Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier and Mt Cook (weather dependant). You also get the chance to spot ice bergs and cross the three famous swing bridges. It is easy
to see why this is one of New Zealand’s favourite walks. After this sprit lifting experience, our guide will pick you back up again from the start of the track.   (PLEASE NOTE YOU MAY NOT HAVE TIME TO COMPLETE FULL HIKE )

9.      Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some more amazing shots of the mountain itself.  At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.

10.   High Country Salmon - Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.

11.   Mrs Jones Fruit Stall – During summer months when the sun is still up and as we get close to Queenstown, we often stop at Mrs Jones Suncrest Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.

12.   Queenstown – Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes. 

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Fully Guided Tour
• Bottled Water & Snacks

We at Cheeky Kea Tours believe that it’s in the small things, the hidden surprises, and the secret stops that make your adventure one to remember. With comfortable and specially designed vehicles, and individually packaged refreshments will ensure you enjoy the journey with us!

*Tour operated by Cheeky Kiwi Tours