Bungee jumping Paraparaumu

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited in 1894 by Tom Fyfe, Jack Clarke, and George Graham and remains a popular ascent to this day. However, as a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) which have since become home to one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful National Parks.

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, we head north via Wānaka - home to #thatWanāka Tree - before travelling via the Lindis Pass to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park on this 1 way trip. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that little bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget! 

Highlights and inclusions:

• Small group size
• Carbon neutral one way tour from Queenstown to Mt Cook
• Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views
• Unique photo opportunities at Wānaka (including #ThatWānakaTree)
• Lookout over Lake Pukaki
• Aoraki Mt Cook Village and National Park - including optional walks
• Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks
• WiFi and USB charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi as experience

Itinerary:

Queenstown - We start by leaving Tāhuna Queenstown; New Zealand’s adventure capital. Heading north, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into the local region as we pass several prominent landscapes and wineries on our way to the Kawarau Gorge.

Kawarau Gorge and Suspension Bridge - As we round the bend on State Highway 6, we follow the mighty Kawarau Gorge. This is widely considered the origin of New Zealand’s rich bungee jumping history, with the nearby Suspension Bridge still used today for those brave enough to give it a go. While we unfortunately won’t have time to stop here, the icy blue water is certainly a beautiful sight to behold.

Cromwell - Famous for its rich horticultural (especially cherries, apricots, and other summer stone fruits) and viticultural industries, we pass by this classic Central Otago township on our way to Wānaka. On route, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Dunstan.

Wānaka (15 minutes) - It is here that we make our first official stop of the tour. While your guide picks up your lunch and fellow travellers joining us from this beautiful alpine township, enjoy the lakefront views towards Mt Aspiring National Park and the sights surrounding #ThatWānakaTree.

Lindis Pass - After our Wānaka stop, we weave our way back towards the Lindis Pass; the primary link connecting the Mackenzie District with Central Otago. The breathtaking tussocked valleys are a sight to behold year round, warranting a photo stop. With many stations in the area running Merino sheep, keep your eyes peeled as it is not uncommon to see these on route. 

Ōmārama - After our morning ventures, we make a stop in Ōmārama. Translating to ‘the place of light’ in te reo Māori, the town is an important hub of the broader Waitaki district. This region, and the nearby Ahuriri Valley was even used as the setting for Disney’s live action re-make of Mulan.

Lake Pukaki - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park (2 - 2.5 hours*) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. Once you arrive, you have the option to embark on the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track or explore Mt Cook Village, taking in sights such as the Visitor Centre and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic flight for you and your group (booked and sold separately).

Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track - Leading through old terminal moraines of the Haupapa, this track offers incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river and Tasman Lake.

*Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to drop you off in Mt Cook village.

Aoraki Mt Cook Village - It is here that we drop you off as you embark on the next stage of your Aotearoa adventure. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

See More, Do More, Spend Less.

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited in 1894 by Tom Fyfe, Jack Clarke, and George Graham and remains a popular ascent to this day. However, as a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) which have since become home to one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful National Parks.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, we head north via Wānaka - home to #thatWanāka Tree - before travelling via the Lindis Pass to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park on this 1 way trip. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that little bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!


Highlights and inclusions: Small group size Carbon neutral one way tour from Queenstown to Mt Cook Picture perfect scenery and panoramic views Unique photo opportunities at Wānaka (including #ThatWānakaTree) Lookout over Lake Pukaki Aoraki Mt Cook Village and National Park - including optional walks Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks WiFi and USB charging Commentary 100% Kiwi as experience

Itinerary:
Queenstown - We start by leaving Tāhuna Queenstown; New Zealand’s adventure capital. Heading north, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into the local region as we pass several prominent landscapes and wineries on our way to the Kawarau Gorge.


Kawarau Gorge and Suspension Bridge - As we round the bend on State Highway 6, we follow the mighty Kawarau Gorge. This is widely considered the origin of New Zealand’s rich bungee jumping history, with the nearby Suspension Bridge still used today for those brave enough to give it a go. While we unfortunately won’t have time to stop here, the icy blue water is certainly a beautiful sight to behold.


Cromwell - Famous for its rich horticultural (especially cherries, apricots, and other summer stone fruits) and viticultural industries, we pass by this classic Central Otago township on our way to Wānaka. On route, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Dunstan.


Wānaka (15 minutes) - It is here that we make our first official stop of the tour. While your guide picks up your lunch and fellow travellers joining us from this beautiful alpine township, enjoy the lakefront views towards Mt Aspiring National Park and the sights surrounding #ThatWānakaTree.


Lindis Pass - After our Wānaka stop, we weave our way back towards the Lindis Pass; the primary link connecting the Mackenzie District with Central Otago. The breathtaking tussocked valleys are a sight to behold year round, warranting a photo stop. With many stations in the area running Merino sheep, keep your eyes peeled as it is not uncommon to see these on route.


Ōmārama - After our morning ventures, we make a stop in Ōmārama. Translating to ‘the place of light’ in te reo Māori, the town is an important hub of the broader Waitaki district. This region, and the nearby Ahuriri Valley was even used as the setting for Disney’s live action re-make of Mulan.


Lake Pukaki - Our final stop before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is Lake Pukaki. With its shifting colours ranging from ice to deep blue depending on the weather, this glacier-fed lake stands out from other alpine lakes in the region. On clear days, enjoy uninterrupted views of Aoraki rising from the lake’s edge.


Aoraki Mt Cook National Park (2 - 2.5 hours*) - Welcome to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park! Established in 1953, roughly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, with Haupapa being the longest at approximately 23 kilometres. Impressively, 19 mountains - including Aoraki - within the area also stand at over 3000 metres tall. Once you arrive, you have the option to embark on the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track or explore Mt Cook Village, taking in sights such as the Visitor Centre and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Alternatively, if you’d prefer an aerial view of the mountains, we can arrange a scenic flight for you and your group (booked and sold separately).
Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track - Leading through old terminal moraines of the Haupapa, this track offers incredible views of the glacier, surrounding river and Tasman Lake.
*Please note that due to potential delays from other customers or road conditions, the allocated time in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to explore may be less than advertised. This may mean that you might be unable to fully complete walks etc. Your friendly guide will be able to assist you on the day with the best options available. At 2:15pm, please follow their instructions as they will provide the collection time to drop you off in Mt Cook village.


Aoraki Mt Cook Village - It is here that we drop you off as you embark on the next stage of your Aotearoa adventure. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!


Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
See More, Do More, Spend Less.