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31 Available Tour Excursions in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (te Wahipounamu)
Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!
Price: $477.00
Duration: 1 hours
Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience!
Price: $262.96
Duration: 2 hours
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring valleys surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. Fly over the lower Tasman Glacier and soar above the Liebig mountain range, taking in the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. Make an alpine landing to take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Price: $304.91
Duration: 0 hours
Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience!
Price: $190.41
Duration: 2 hours
What better way to start your Alps to Ocean adventure than with a scenic flight through the Southern Alps to gain the perfect overview of the area! This Aoraki / Mount Cook scenic flight includes a helicopter flight along the entire length of the mighty Tasman Glacier. All our helicopter tours include a commentary from the pilot. They are passionate about their backyard and will show you the hidden treasures of the national park that only a local expert can. Fly the full length of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier before landing to get a sense of its scale and grandeur. Once airborne again, we transfer you and your bike across the Tasman River to Rotten Tommy, the starting point of your cycle journey. If you would like to book just an A2O transfer, call our Aoraki Mount Cook office for trip and flight advice to make the most of your Aoraki adventure.
Price: $512.37
Duration: 0 hours
Discover the splendor of the NZ Southern Alps on this one-way sightseeing tour from Mount Cook. Relax on board your air-conditioned coach and admire the scenery as you depart in the afternoon from the alpine region of Mount Cook National Park. Choose to either travel North up to Christchurch or South down to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand!
Price: $122.59
Duration: 5 hours
Journey over the mesmerizing Tasman Glacier Lake, taking in breathtaking views while following the path of the Tasman Glacier. Experience the grandeur of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak and land on a pristine glacier. Traverse the majestic Southern Alps, crossing to the West Coast. Take in the spectacular scenery and witness the mighty Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for the ultimate glacier experience.
Price: $524.95
Duration: 0 hours
Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views during an 8 minute scenic helicopter flight and walk a trail of High Country history on the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike. Travel somewhere new in the Aoraki Mount Cook region, away from the familiar tourist route. This guided tour grants exclusive access to private land on family-owned Glentanner Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic and iconic stations, set in one of the country’s most magnificent landscapes. It’s a journey back through time, to the rough and rugged early days of high country farming, and further, to the ancient past when glaciers carved the land to form the spectacular Mackenzie Country. -Approximately 3.5 hour tour (4 Hours with Check-In and Helicopter Safety Briefing) -Scenic Helicopter flight to a landing point high on Glentanner Station land. -Knowledgeable & friendly guide to take you along a 7KM, well-maintained, 4x4 track. -Access our fully restored Historic Field Station and exhibition.
Price: $303.41
Duration: 4 hours
Soar through the sky on this 45-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy the Breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer. Land at the top of the Tasman Glacier (NZ's Largest Glacier) You will enjoy the scenic beauty of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the national park surrounding it from takeoff to landing. The snow-capped mountains, the bright blue of the glacier lake and the lush greens of the vegetation are just a few of the magnificent sights you will experience as you fly through the Southern Alps. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time
Price: $413.31
Duration: 0 hours
This small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time and options to enjoy the activities, unlike other tours. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki • Church of the Good Shepard, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps and High Country Salmon • Free time for activities & walks Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Price: $459.72
Duration: 48 hours
Combining two scenic flights this is a low fitness Tasman Glacier exploration for up to 2 hours ice time at approximately 1300 metres. Following your knowledgeable, professional, NZMGA trained Guide you will learn about and be in awe of New Zealand's big mountain country. This is Mother Nature at her finest and you will leave understanding why this area forms a part of the UNESCO Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Price: $565.21
Duration: 3 hours
Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime. ***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.***
Price: $162.43
Duration: 13 hours
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint walk. ***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.***
Price: $162.43
Duration: 12 hours
Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (1 way), this small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing all the key highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Price: $110.33
Duration: 5-6 hours
Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience!
Price: $336.89
Duration: 2 hours
Aoraki/Mount Cook ‘the cloud piercer’, our highest peak dominates the Southern Alps mountain range that divides New Zealand’s South Island into east and west. The Mt Cook National Park’s towering mountains, vast glaciers and remote snowfields inspired Sir Edmund Hillary, before his quest of Mt Everest. This flight takes you past the Hochstetter Icefall on Aoraki/Mt Cook and the upper Tasman Glacier before a thrilling alpine landing in the snow. You’ll fly home through the remote Burnett Mountains with the expansive and arid Mackenzie Basin below you.
Price: $411.78
Duration: 0 hours
Join this 45-minute Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a helicopter tour like no other! Sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer. Glacier landing (10-15 minutes) on the Tasman Glacier, fly to the top of the Tasman Glacier Check in closes 45 minutes to the flight time
Price: $413.31
Duration: 0 hours
Our premier flight over the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake before flying the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Experience what it feels like to stand in snow amongst the mountains as you take in a spectacular view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook during your alpine (seasonal snow) landing. Cross to the West Coast and view the formidable Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers before completing your journey with uninterrupted views of the summit ridge of Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Price: $550.09
Duration: 0 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Māori
- Climate: Alpine
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: The park itself has no permanent population.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Visa Requirements Visitors from visa-waiver countries such as the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Others may need to apply for a visitor visa online or on arrival depending on nationality. A valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds are typically required.
About Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (te Wahipounamu)
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site, is a spectacular alpine destination in New Zealand's South Island. It is renowned for its towering peaks, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. The park offers dramatic glaciers, pristine alpine lakes, and rugged landscapes that attract mountaineers, hikers, and nature lovers. Its unique combination of geological features and biodiversity makes it a compelling destination for adventure and tranquility alike. Visitors come to experience world-class hiking trails, breathtaking vistas, and some of the clearest night skies for stargazing. The park’s cultural significance to the Māori people adds depth to its natural beauty, making it a place where nature and heritage intertwine.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Island
- Duration Range: Half-day or Full-day
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: Visit during summer for best weather and trail conditions. Pack layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and warm clothing for evenings. Respect local customs and wildlife. Carry sufficient cash or cards as some remote areas have limited payment options. Stay hydrated and inform someone of your hiking plans for safety.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $200
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Aoraki/Mount Cook – The tallest peak in New Zealand, offering stunning views and challenging climbs. 2. Tasman Glacier – The longest glacier in New Zealand, accessible via guided tours and offering ice climbing and boat trips. 3. Hooker Valley Track – A popular and accessible hiking trail with spectacular views of glaciers and mountains. 4. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – A museum and visitor center dedicated to the famous mountaineer and the region’s alpine history. 5. Kea Point – A scenic lookout providing panoramic views of Aoraki and surrounding glaciers.
Popular Activities
Hiking on numerous trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous alpine routes, glacier exploration including guided ice climbing and boat tours, stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the world, scenic flights over the Southern Alps, and visiting cultural sites to learn about Māori heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
The local cuisine features New Zealand lamb, fresh seafood, and locally grown produce. Traditional dishes include roasted lamb, green-lipped mussels, and pavlova dessert. Dining options range from cozy alpine lodges to cafes offering hearty meals. Noteworthy places include The Hermitage Hotel’s Panorama Room and the Old Mountaineers’ Café, both known for quality local fare.
Getting Around
The park is accessible by car via State Highway 80 from the town of Twizel or Christchurch. The nearest major airport is Christchurch International Airport. Local transport options are limited; renting a car is recommended for flexibility. Shuttle services and guided tours are available. Parking is available at key trailheads and visitor centers, often free or with a small fee.
Travel Tips
Visit during summer for best weather and trail conditions. Pack layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and warm clothing for evenings. Respect local customs and wildlife. Carry sufficient cash or cards as some remote areas have limited payment options. Stay hydrated and inform someone of your hiking plans for safety.
Culture & Customs
The park holds cultural importance for the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe). Visitors should respect Māori traditions and sacred sites. Common customs include greeting with a friendly “Kia ora” and observing environmental care principles. Annual events include mountaineering commemorations and conservation activities promoting sustainable tourism.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..