Aoraki / Mount Cook Private Tour

A More Personal Way to Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook

Discover New Zealand’s highest mountain with a journey designed around you
Remarkable Scenic Tours invites you on a fully private journey from Queenstown to Aoraki / Mount Cook, travelling through some of the South Island’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes. With your own local guide and comfortable European touring vehicle, the day unfolds at a relaxed pace with scenic photo stops, local insight and the flexibility to shape the experience around your interests. From the golden tussock country of Lindis Pass to the icy blue waters of Lake Pukaki, every part of the journey feels like a destination in itself.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Scenic drive through Central Otago: Travel from Queenstown through Cromwell, Lake Dunstan and the dramatic Lindis Pass with regular stops for photos and short walks.

  • Lake Pukaki viewpoints: Experience one of New Zealand’s most famous alpine roads, where the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki stretch towards Aoraki / Mount Cook.

  • Explore Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park: Enjoy up to three hours of free time in New Zealand’s most iconic alpine region, surrounded by glaciers, snow-capped peaks and walking trails.

  • Hooker Valley Track option: Walk one of New Zealand’s most famous easy alpine trails, crossing swing bridges with glacier views and dramatic mountain scenery.

  • Optional alpine activities: We can help arrange scenic flights, glacier landings, heli-hikes, ski plane experiences, glacier lake cruises or visits to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

  • Relaxed private experience: Unlike larger coach tours, the day moves at your pace with flexibility for extra scenic stops, photography and personal interests.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Private vehicle and local guide: Your own experienced South Island guide for the entire day.

  • Scenic stops throughout the journey: Including Lindis Pass, Lake Pukaki and high-country landscapes.

  • Comfort stop in Omarama: Time to refresh and stretch your legs before reaching the mountains.

  • Optional salmon farm stop: Opportunity to visit a local high-country salmon farm.

  • Flexible free time in Mount Cook Village: Explore the region your way, whether that’s walking, relaxing or joining an optional activity.

  • Queenstown accommodation pick-up and drop-off: Door-to-door private touring convenience.

Know Before You Go

  • Departure: Around 7:00 AM from Queenstown accommodation.

  • Duration: Approximately 12 hours return.

  • What to bring: Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, camera and water.

  • Walking options: Short walks range from easy lakeside strolls to the Hooker Valley Track.

  • Weather: Alpine conditions can change quickly, so warm clothing is recommended year-round.

  • Customisation: The day can be adjusted to suit your pace and interests within the available timeframe.

  • Call us on +64 (03) 441 8867 between the hours of 8.30am and 6.30 pm if you have any questions.

Pricing & Tour Options

Private tour – up to 5 guests: $2200 NZD

Private tour – 6 to 11 guests: $2585 NZD

Private tour – 12 to 17 guests: $3075 NZD

Multi Day option POA

RST Signature Tour - POA

Please note optional experiences are not included in the private tour price and can be arranged separately.

FAQs

  • Yes. This is a fully private experience with your own vehicle and local guide, designed around your group and your interests.

  • Most guests enjoy around three hours free time in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, depending on your chosen activities and walking pace.

  • No. The private tour price covers your vehicle, guide and scenic journey. Optional experiences such as scenic flights, glacier cruises and heli-hikes can be arranged separately.

  • Yes, families are welcome. However, this is a long full-day journey of around 12 hours, and younger children may find the travel time tiring. Please contact us to discuss whether the experience is suitable for your family.

  • Popular short walks include the Hooker Valley Track and Kea Point Track, both offering incredible alpine scenery and glacier views.

  • Absolutely. We can tailor the journey to include an overnight stay in Mount Cook Village or Lake Tekapo so you can experience more of the region at a relaxed pace

  • Yes. Scenic flights back to Queenstown can often be arranged as an optional upgrade, weather permitting.

Scenic view of a glacier-fed lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with icebergs floating on the water at Mt Cook

Short Walks in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Discover some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand with our favourite short walks in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Towering as the country’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook provides a dramatic alpine backdrop to every step.

We’ve handpicked four accessible and rewarding tracks, perfect for a range of fitness levels. None are overly steep or long, making them ideal for relaxed exploration. Whether you’re seeking glacier views, suspension bridges, or wide-open valleys, each trail offers its own unique charm—plus unforgettable views of Aoraki / Mount Cook at every turn.

Take it at your own pace and let the mountains move you.

Explore our four favourite short walks
Flight over Mt Cook
Person stargazing with a telescope under a starry sky and the Milky Way.
Stone church at Tekapo

Extend Your Adventure – Stay Overnight or Continue to Christchurch

If the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook has captured your heart, we offer flexible options to extend your journey beyond a single day. With Remarkable Scenic Tours, you’re not locked into a fixed itinerary – we’ll work with you to tailor the perfect extension, whether you’d like to stay overnight or travel onward.

Option 1: Stay Overnight in Mt Cook or Tekapo
Spend more time soaking in the majesty of the Southern Alps. Enjoy another day in Mount Cook Village, or head to nearby Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and world-renowned stargazing in the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.

Option 2: Travel Onward to Christchurch
Prefer to keep moving? Journey east across the dramatic Mackenzie landscape and arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s vibrant Garden City. From botanical gardens to heritage trams and a buzzing food scene, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.

No matter which path you choose, our local guides will ensure your adventure is seamless, comfortable, and completely unforgettable. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll help you create the perfect personalised itinerary from Mt Cook to Tekapo or Christchurch.

Contact us today to start planning your extended South Island experience.

A yellow boat with people in life jackets on a turquoise glacial lake, surrounded by icebergs and mountains Mt Cook
Mountain landscape with a rocky path, grassy fields, and snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
Giant fruit sculpture and Cromwell sign in New Zealand
Two people walking on an empty road towards snow-covered Mt Cook.
Person with hiking boots overlooking snow-capped mountains and a glacial lake.
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Upgrade This Tour To The Highest Standard of Private Touring in Te Waipounamu

Our most refined private touring experience, designed for travellers who value exceptional comfort, complete privacy, and an unhurried pace. Featuring ultra-luxury vehicles and expert local guides, Signature Tours represent the highest standard of travel we offer across New Zealand’s South Island.

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