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Mount Cook & Mackenzie
This is an incredibly scenic place of blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills, lorded over by Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Get close to the mountain with a visit to Mount Cook Village, a hiking expedition in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, or a flight-seeing adventure. Further east, small towns offer a slice of rural life. Spend your days fishing, hiking, and skiing (during winter), and your nights stargazing or soaking in a hot pool.
Mackenzie Country
Mackenzie Country is a spectacularly beautiful region of blue lakes, rolling hills, and soaring mountains. Iconic Aoraki Mount Cook, the tallest peak in Australasia, watches over the area, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park contains numerous glaciers, including the immense Tasman Glacier with its remarkable glacier lake.
You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…
- Take a flight-seeing trip over the mountain peaks
- Hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- Go mountain biking on one of the region’s many trails
- Ski or snowboard during winter months
- Stargaze under clear skies at Mount John Observatory
Useful Mount Cook & Mackenzie Resources
The Best Tours & Day Trips from/in Mount Cook & Mackenzie
Listing view
This scenic tour is perfect for those who want to witness the beauty of snow and enjoy the excitement of a helicopter flight. You will travel through the striking landscape of the Ben Ohau Mountain Range and land at a high-altitude location in the mountains.
Take a deep breath of the fresh alpine air and revel in the stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and valleys that were formed by glaciers many years ago.
The tour departs from Glentanner Park helicopter base, which is situated one hour from Lake Tekapo and 20 minutes from Mt Cook Village.
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Backcountry Experience & Scenic 4WD Guided Tour
Departing from Tekapo township, this three-hour backcountry experience explores remote high country on a scenic 4WD tour through the stunning Braemar Station.
With exclusive private access, travel through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful high country stations, through roaming tussock grasslands with open vistas, to the most outstanding views in The Mackenzie Country.
Private access to Braemar Station’s High Country offers guests the best views of unique landscapes and incredible scenery overlooking Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, Lake Pukaki, and the Ben Ohau mountain range.
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4 WD Guided Tour & Scenic High Country Alpine Wilderness Experience
Upon departing from Tekapo township, this authentic 4WD tour will take you on a three-hour journey through the scenic high country alpine wilderness of the Mackenzie Country. You will have private entry, which offers remote access to the remarkable backcountry and outstanding scenery.
During the tour, you will discover towering mountains, glaciers, river crossings, and incredible scenery, while learning about the unique geology, ecology, and history that formed this part of New Zealand.
Glenmore Station - iconic High Country Station
You will also journey through Glenmore Stati....
The beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Lake Tekapo is about an 3 hours drive southwest of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water. On the shores on the lake you'll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where t....
13.8 Billion Years Journey
Get ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. A treat for the senses, the Dark Sky Experience brings science, Māori heritage, and fascinating multi-media installations together in a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration.Dark Sky Project
At Dark Sky Project, manuhiri (visitors) are connected to New Zealand’s night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above.Location
Located in Tekapo at the Dark Sky Project Base, situated between Queenstown and Christchurch approximately a three-hour drive from both cities. Set on the main hig....
At 1,029m high, Mt John offers unrivalled 360-degree views across the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Departing from the Dark Sky Project base at Tekapo lakefront, travel 15 minutes by bus to the Mt John Summit where expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and stories of the Southern skies. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies.
The Mount John terrain requires a certain level of fitness, with confidence walking 100 meters on a gravel incline climbing some steps in the dar....
Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier Alpine Scenery
This premier 50-minute flight, the "Grand Traverse" covers 200 kilometres of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine scenery. The flight includes an incredible view of the mighty Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook and the main divide to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park. Alpine Safaris aircraft are ideal for New Zealand’s conditions, offering a window seat for every passenger and have wings above to ensure unobstructed viewing below. Your friendly pilot will provide an informative and enjoyable commentary.Flight Highlights:
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Bus Trip - Alpine Walk - Boat Tour
Depart from Mount Cook Village on a thrilling bus trip that takes you to Tasman Valley. After a 25-minute alpine walk, you will board a unique boat tour like no other. The experience will be truly magical as you will witness the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice wall surrounded by snow-capped alps, with expert guidance throughout the journey.
Get ready to explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape. You will have the chance to listen to the huge ice-face melting in the peaceful glacial lake. The icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake, making it o....
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Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier Helicopter Tour: A trip to the South Island is incomplete without experiencing a Helicopter & Glacier Tour. Take a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight to explore the highlights of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and enjoy a snow landing on New Zealand's longest glacier. Get up close to hanging glaciers, blue ice, and deep crevasses, and feel connected to the alpine environment with 600 meters of glacier ice beneath your feet. The tour duration is 35 minutes.
Aoraki/Mount Cook, spanning 70,696 hectares, is the greatest alpine park in New Zealand, with t....
Read more about Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier Helicopter Tour
Aoraki/Mount Cook, spanning 70,696 hectares, is the greatest alpine park in New Zealand, with t....
Comfortable minibus & Driver-Guide
Join our small group tour on a modern & comfortable minibus, led by a passionate driver-guide. Our specially designed vehicle offers plenty of legroom and is equipped with many extras, including an entertainment screen, phone charging stations, WiFi access points, Bluetooth music system, and a full PA system, so you don't miss anything. You will experience secret stops, wildlife viewings, and complimentary refreshments, making it an unforgettable experience. We provide complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off from central hotels.Tour Highlights
Our fully-guided day trip combines all the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo....
This short scenic option is the ideal opportunity to touch snow and experience the thrill of a helicopter flight. Sweep through the rugged high country landscape of the Ben Ohau Mountain Range to a landing site on a snow field high in the mountains. Enjoy the fantastic vista from this alpine setting as you look out to the mountains and glaciers, and down into the valleys that were carved out by glaciers centuries ago. Duration - 20 Minutes....
Tasman Glacier Lake
Embark on an unforgettable adventure departing from Mt Cook Airport, where you'll soar over the stunning Tasman Glacier Lake and ice formations to reach New Zealand's longest glacier.
After landing 3000m above sea level, you'll have the opportunity to explore the surprisingly undulating ice terrain, situated in the shadow of the Southern Alps' highest peaks, for the next two hours. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons, you'll find yourself in a magical world amidst the mountains.