Things to Do in 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
All South Island Regions
Christchurch – Canterbury Dunedin & Otago Fiordland Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs Marlborough Nelson Tasman Southland Stewart Island Mount Cook & Mackenzie Queenstown New Zealand Wanaka West CoastFind Your Perfect Activity
Dark Sky Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory
Lake Tekapo Nature Family & Kids
1 hour 45 minutes
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Touch the Stars: The Ultimate Dark Sky Summit Experience If you want to witness the universe in its purest form, the Dark Sky Summit Experience at Mount John is an unmissable adventure. Located at an impressive altitude of 1,029 meters, Mount John offers unrivaled 360-degree views across the Mackenzie Basin. Most importantly, this site sits
Cass Valley Backcountry Tour, Mackenzie Country
Lake Tekapo Off-road Driving
3 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Rugged Beauty: Your Cass Valley Backcountry Tour Guide If you want an authentic off-road adventure, the Cass Valley Backcountry Tour offers an unforgettable journey into New Zealand’s high country. This three-hour guided 4WD experience departs from Tekapo township and takes you deep into the alpine wilderness. Specifically, you will enjoy private entry to remote areas,
Braemar Station Mt Cook Tour
Departing from Tekapo township Off-road Driving Nature
3 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
High Country Heritage: The Braemar Station Backcountry Experience If you want to witness the most breathtaking vistas in New Zealand, our scenic 4WD guided tour through Braemar Station is an absolute must. This three-hour backcountry experience departs from Tekapo township and takes you deep into a stunning alpine wilderness. Specifically, you will enjoy exclusive private
Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight
departs from Glentanner Park helicopter base Active & Adventure Scenic Flights
20 minutes
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Witness the Southern Alps: A Guide to the Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight If you want a bird’s-eye view of New Zealand’s high country, book the Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see majestic snow-capped peaks. It offers the excitement of a helicopter flight in a short,
Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
departing from Mt Cook Airport Active & Adventure
3 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
The Ultimate Guide to a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike A Tasman Glacier Heli Hike is the most exhilarating way to explore the crown jewel of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Your adventure begins at the Mount Cook Airport, where you board a helicopter for a spectacular flight. From the moment you take off, you will soar
Dark Sky Experience Tekapo
Tekapo Heritage & Art Family & Kids
45 minutes
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Explore the Universe: The Ultimate Dark Sky Experience Tekapo Are you ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making? If so, you must visit the heart of the Mackenzie Basin for a world-class encounter with the cosmos. The Dark Sky Experience Tekapo offers a treat for the senses by bringing science
Tekapo Springs – Lake Tekapo
Tekapo Springs Active & Adventure
Half Day Tour
Price:Included in your tour package
The Ultimate Escape: Discovering Tekapo Springs Lake Tekapo If you are traveling through the heart of the South Island, Tekapo Springs Lake Tekapo offers a world-class destination that combines relaxation with high-energy fun. This facility sits at the foot of Mt. John and provides some of the most breathtaking views of the Mackenzie region. Because
Sir Edmond Hilary Alpine Centre
Mt Cook Village Heritage & Art Museums Family & Kids
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Aoraki Mount Cook’s Premier Museum & Planetarium The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a world‑class tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary — humanitarian, ambassador, and one of the greatest explorers in history. Located within the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the centre celebrates the region’s mountaineering heritage, its people, and
Glacier Explorer
Depart from Mount Cook Village Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities
2.5 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Explore Glaciers Like Never Before with Glacier Explorers New Zealand Looking for a truly magical alpine adventure? Glacier Explorers New Zealand takes you deep into the Tasman Valley for an unforgettable combination of bus travel, alpine walking, and boat touring near the base of Mount Cook. Journey from Mount Cook Village Your adventure begins with
Church of the Good Shepherd Tour
Lake Tekapo Nature Family & Kids
Half Day Tour
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
A Timeless Icon: Why You Need a Church of the Good Shepherd Tour If you have ever scrolled through photos of New Zealand, you have likely seen a small, solitary stone chapel sitting against a backdrop of impossibly blue water. This is the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd Tour site, located on the shores

