challenging
4–8 hours
Moderate to fit individuals comfortable with strenuous activity
Journey into New Zealand's highest peaks with Koru Scenic Tours at Aoraki Mt Cook. Experience glacier hikes, alpine scenery, and mountain adventures that define this iconic landscape.
All ages • For Groups of 2+, Priced per Group • 13+ Hours • Our premiere full day scenic tour
13+ Hours
Departing Christchurch early morning we travel via the townships of Geraldine, Fairlie, and Lake Tekapo before arriving in Mt Cook in time for lunch. After lunch we explore the area, including the Kea Point or Hooker Lookout track always with the majestic Aoraki / Mt Cook hovering in the background
Join us as we track south from Christchurch towards Aoraki-Mt Cook via SH1, paralleling the mighty Southern Alps as far as the Rangitata River before turning inland towards the South Canterbury town of Geraldine for our first stop.
Getting ever closer to the Southern Alps we admire the spectacular views as first Lake Tekapo and then Lake Pukaki, both with their pale blue-green glacier fed waters, come into view with their mountainous backdrops. Naturally we have to stop at both locations to fully absorb the ambience of the scenery, not to mention the outlook from Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd.
Turning off at Lake Pukaki we penetrate deep into the Southern Alps, with the Ben Ohau range on our left, and the waters of Pukaki on our right, to the very heart of New Zealand’s premiere alpine region before reaching our goal in the Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park village.
Explore one or two of the short walks accessible from the village, enjoy a great lunch with fantastic views at the famous Hermitage Hotel before exploring more of the local area. If time permits we also visit the Tasman Glacier view points
All good things must come to an end though, and all too soon we depart for Christchurch, however there are still a few amazing sights to be had along the way!
*Full Lunch available on Premium only - Select "Premium" when booking
Temperatures can vary widely depending on weather and altitude, so layered clothing is key.
Bring plenty of water, especially during strenuous hikes or in warmer weather.
Hiking boots with ankle support are crucial for navigating rugged terrain.
Follow guide instructions carefully when near icy surfaces or crevasses.
The park was established in 1953 and has since been a focus of conservation efforts, preserving the unique alpine ecosystem.
The area actively promotes sustainability, with guided tours minimizing ecological impact and emphasizing Leave No Trace principles.
Helps manage changing temperatures during high-altitude activities.
all specific
Supportive, waterproof boots suitable for rugged mountain terrain.
all specific
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats protect against UV exposure at high elevations.
summer|fall|spring specific
Required for ice traverses during winter expeditions.
winter specific