Standing tall as the highest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki / Mount Cook is an iconic destination that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Part of the Southern Alps, this majestic mountain is surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, creating an awe-inspiring setting for exploration.
Aoraki, meaning “Cloud Piercer” in Māori, lives up to its name as it towers over the pristine glaciers and alpine meadows below. The park boasts numerous trails, offering hikers the chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the region, from the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to the rugged grandeur of the Tasman Glacier.
For the intrepid, mountaineering opportunities abound, with experienced climbers seeking the challenge of Aoraki’s summit. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre provides insights into the region’s mountaineering history, paying homage to the first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
The night sky above Aoraki / Mount Cook is a celestial spectacle, attracting stargazers to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With minimal light pollution, the park becomes an ideal location for observing the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations, planets, and the luminous beauty of the Milky Way.
Aoraki / Mount Cook, with its dramatic landscapes and celestial wonders, stands as a testament to the raw beauty and untamed wilderness that define New Zealand’s South Island. This is one of the most popular areas in New Zealand for scenic flights and glacier tours.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure from Tekapo to Mt Cook, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Pukaki along the way. This fully-guided small group tour combines two of the most spectacular spots in the South Island. The famously passionate Cheeky Kiwi tour guides will keep you entertained with their fascinating stories and rich knowledge of the area. Travel in style and comfort in modern minibuses, packed with extras to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Highlights: Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki Church of the Good Shepherd, Lindis Pass, and the Southern Alps…
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey with this Mount Cook Fly Explore Fly Tour, offering unparalleled views of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes. Round trip scenic flight from Queenstown to Mt. Cook Airport with approximately 4 hours on the ground in Mt. Cook National Park. Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful lake, on the other. Experience unparalleled aerial views of the Franz and Fox Glaciers on the West Coast and the Tasman Glacier within Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park.…
Prepare yourself for the ultimate thrill ride! Brace for an adrenaline-fueled escapade as you embark on the highest Mt. Cook skydive adventure with Skydive Mt. Cook. Strapped securely to a seasoned tandem skydiving pro, you'll receive comprehensive safety instructions and a briefing, ensuring absolute peace of mind as you gear up for this epic journey. As you board the skydive plane, prepare to be awe-struck by breathtaking views below, showcasing the majestic Mt. Cook and its enchanting surroundings. With anticipation building, it's time to begin the countdown. Take a deep breath and then, without hesitation, take the leap! Feel your…
Begin your exhilarating journey with a picturesque flight that takes you away into the heart of the Tasman Glacier. En route, look out for the majestic beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook, the towering presence of Mount Tasman, and the mesmerizing snow-capped peaks that define the Southern Alps. It's a vista that will surely take your breath away, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. But what truly sets this experience apart is the wealth of expertise and knowledge offered by your guides. With years of dedicated exploration and intimate familiarity with the glacier, they've uncovered its hidden treasures and secret…
Jump on a journey with a scenic flight into the heart of the Tasman Glacier, treating you to unmatched views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. But that's just the beginning. Once you touch down, get ready to dive into the heart of adventure on our exclusive Heli Hiking experience. Led by expert guides certified by the renowned New Zealand Mountain Guides Association, your safety is the utmost priority. Benefit from the wealth of experience and intimate familiarity with the glacier gained through years of exploration. Your guides possess extensive local knowledge,…
Prepare for the journey of a lifetime as your adventure kicks off with a breathtaking scenic flight into the heart of the Tasman Glacier. From the moment you take off, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the majestic snow-capped peaks that define the Southern Alps. It's a vista that will leave you breathless, as you soak in the beauty of this iconic alpine landscape. But here's where the real magic happens: guided by experts with years of experience and intimate knowledge of the glacier, you’ll find hidden gems and secret wonders that most…
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Mt Cook National Park! Let the rugged beauty of the mountainous terrain and the ever-shifting glacial landscapes of the Southern Alps leave you spellbound. As you take to the skies, soar over the mesmerizing Tasman Terminal Lake and marvel at the breathtaking ice formations of the Hochstetter Icefall, all while passing beneath the formidable east face of Aoraki Mt Cook. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Touch down in the pristine upper reaches of the Tasman Glacier and bask in the serene tranquility of the magnificent Southern Alps. It's an experience that will leave…
Take off on a day adventure at Aoraki/Mount Cook with this unique ski-plane and helicopter combo experience. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery as you soar over the Tasman Valley, taking in the beautiful blue glacier lake and the majestic Hochstetter Icefall. Touch down on the pristine snowfields of the Tasman Glacier for an up-close encounter with this iconic natural wonder. Enjoy a moment of serenity in the alpine environment before switching aircraft for your return journey. This unforgettable aerial excursion promises the best views and memories to last a lifetime.
Experience the epitome of adventure with an unparalleled journey through the Southern Alps. Traverse the awe-inspiring Main Divide, crossing over to the West Coast where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Marvel at the rugged beauty of this untamed landscape as you glide along the coastline, tracing the Tasman Sea before embarking on your return journey. As you head back, prepare for a mesmerizing spectacle as you once again ascend over the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Take in the breathtaking vistas of the Tasman Glacier while soaking up the stunning…
Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure that combines the awe-inspiring beauty of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park with the thrill of skiing on the legendary Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest glacier. Suitable for both skiers and snowboarders, these trips offer more than just exhilarating runs. Experience the magic of exploring ice caves and natural ice formations as you have a slide down the glacier. With wide and lengthy ski runs stretching 8-10 kilometers each, akin to blue runs, it's an ideal outing for families and those seeking an introduction to backcountry skiing. Children aged 10 years and…
Hop aboard for an unforgettable adventure departing from Mt Cook Airport, just a quick 5-minute drive from the charming Mt Cook village. If you're already soaking up the beauty of the surrounding area, this flight is a must! This is a thrilling 30-minute journey that showcases the breathtaking highlights of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. You will loop around Mt Cook, standing tall at 12,349 feet, the crown jewel of the park. Prepare to be amazed as we glide over the Tasman Glacier, the longest in New Zealand, on the park's eastern side. Then, you’ll glide across the main divide…
This is the ultimate stargazing escapade in New Zealand! Hop on board the Summit Experience for an out-of-this-world journey to the stars. Perched high atop Mount John's 1,029-meter peak, you'll find yourself in the middle of the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Your expert guides will leave you in awe with captivating tales and mind-blowing facts about the Southern night sky. Forget ordinary stargazing spots – you will be taken where others can only dream of going. Lake Takapō (Tekapo) serves as a celestial playground, and the Summit Experience is your golden ticket to an exclusive cosmic spectacle at…
It takes a certain type of person to make these jumps… Expect sensory overload as your mind, body and soul fight against every natural self-preserving urge. The challenge is immense. Harnessed by space age materials to an experienced qualified jumpmaster, get ready to take the leap from the aircraft door and for a 60 seconds freefall 200 kph – terminal velocity! Inflite Skydive Mount Cook offers jumps from heights of 10,000ft, 13,000ft, & 15,000ft! After a 15 minute scenic flight climbing to appropriate altitude, you will scoot on down towards the edge of the plane before jumping out. Keep your…
This adventure is definitely for those who have had some experience with altitude and hiking, but it is not a very difficult path. No need to fear as that’s where your experienced local guides come in to help you kick this hike in the butt without a sweat. Well…maybe a few bits of sweat. On your 2 hour hiking tour, you’ll be able to explore some fascinating natural sights and glacial ice formations all explained via expert commentary. You are in expert hands as the team will keep you safe with their state of the art equipment as you embark…
This is the ultimate day out on the exhilarating full-day Mount Cook Scenic Tour departing from the incredible Queenstown! Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Mackenzie Country, immersing yourself in the unique alpine landscapes that will leave you in awe. As you make our way into the enchanting Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, get ready to be swept off your feet by the sheer beauty that surrounds you. But that's not all – Altitude Tours has got something special in store for you! Once you reach Mount Cook Village, you'll have ample free time to explore and…
Explore the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve at Mt John Observatory. With state-of-the-art telescopes and minimal light pollution, immerse yourself in a celestial spectacle, witnessing the Southern Hemisphere’s stars, planets, and the luminous beauty of the Milky Way.
Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a charming stone chapel with panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. This picturesque setting invites quiet reflection, photography, and appreciation of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Relax in the rejuvenating waters of the Lake Tekapo Hot Springs. Surrounded by stunning alpine views, these thermal pools offer a tranquil retreat, providing a perfect blend of therapeutic warmth and breathtaking scenery.
Embrace the winter charm at Tekapo Springs Ice Skating Rink. With the Southern Alps as your backdrop, glide across the ice and enjoy a unique alpine skating experience, complemented by crisp mountain air and stunning mountainous vistas.
Conquer the Mount John Summit Hike for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding landscapes. This moderately challenging trek leads to a summit adorned with an astronomical observatory, rewarding hikers with a breathtaking alpine perspective.
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