Embark on either a 10-hour or 7-hour Mount Cook private trip, depending on your available time.
10-hour Option:
Embark on a beautiful journey from Timaru to Aoraki Mount Cook. Your day starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel or accommodation anywhere within Timaru. As we drive towards Mount Cook, enjoy the flexibility to briefly stop for washroom breaks or food or photos.
Passing through the charming town of Fairlie, take a brunch stop at the famous Fairlie bakehouse. Our first major stop is the renowned 'Church of the Good Shepherd' in Lake Tekapo. Take a brief leisurely walk along the picturesque Lake Tekapo. As we approach Lake Pukaki, enjoy a stop at panoramic lookout points and a scenic drive parallel to the tranquil blue waters, allowing you to soak in the serenity and capture breathtaking moments. The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake as time permits. Look out for kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Alternatively, engage in other activities like a helicopter ride, depending on weather conditions. Make a brief stop at Mount Cook Visitor Centre and learn more about the history and place or opt for Tasman Glacier Walks as time permits.
As we embark on the return journey to Timaru, you have the option to make a brief stop at Lake Tekapo, indulging in their serene beauty. Refer to the itinerary for details about stops and halt times.
7-hour Option:
Experience Mount Cook on a shorter time frame with our 7-hour option. Embark on a beautiful journey from Timaru to Aoraki Mount Cook. Your day starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel or arrival point anywhere within Timaru city. Our first stop is the renowned 'Church of the Good Shepherd' in Lake Tekapo. Take a brief walk along the picturesque Lake Tekapo for 15 minutes. As we approach Lake Pukaki, enjoy a stop at a panoramic lookout point for 15 minutes and a scenic drive parallel to the tranquil blue waters, allowing you to soak in the serenity and capture breathtaking moments. The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery for 45 minutes to 1 hour. During your stop at Mount Cook, you can choose to either go for a short hike up to the first swing bridge at Hooker Valley Track or visit the Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre. Though shorter in duration, this tour offers a chance to create unforgettable memories of visiting Mount Cook.
Regrettably, our enchanting journey concludes as we drop you off at your preferred location within Timaru. Cherish the memories of time filled with spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand's natural beauty.