Top 5 Mount Cook Half-Day Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Aoraki Mount Cook, that’s an attention-grabbing sight reaching into the sky on New Zealand’s South Island, drawing people in with its stunning magnificence. Short trips offer a amazing chance to absorb some awesome views, get up close with the country and discover just what makes this area a traveler’s fave, that’s something we can agree on. We’ve tested out a handful of half-day tours so you are sure to make the most of your time.

1. The Helicopter Line: Aoraki Mount Cook Scenic Flight

This experience could be something you won’t overlook very soon, it whisks you over snow-covered peaks. With The Helicopter Line, that operates out of Mount Cook Airport, you’ll jump onto a fancy plane for unbelievable views. So it may seem, it offers sights from above of glaciers, that shine with a dreamy blue, the grand mountain summits, and the twisting riverways slicing across the valleys below, those are seriously breathtaking. I am being serious here.

What’s great about this tour that includes skilled pilots giving useful remarks about the geological forces in play and what the location manner historically. You also may land up excessive in the Alps for photo ops in a world it feels that, and feels like yours, this is all part of it. And what a location!

What Others Say: Lots of people rave approximately the pilots and just how warm and informative they are. They don’t best make certain you’re secure however also give interesting tales approximately the location, those really are. The landing up within the mountains, apparently, is a spotlight because it lets you certainly experience that isolation, which you’d almost believe.

Things to keep in Mind: Such flights depend upon the weather; for you to make sure, call beforehand! Layers are your first-class buddy given that mountain weather can shift fast. Don’t forget sunglasses because that Alpine sun is extremely strong, so there you have it.

Read our full review: Helicopter Tour Mount Cook Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Helicopter Line)

2. Glacier Explorers: Tasman Glacier Boat Tour

Wish to get all close and private with a glacier? This tour that takes you onto the Tasman Glacier lake lets you get up in your own boat, what a time! It’s nearly as though you’re traveling among icebergs, some tower pretty highly, all broke off of the glacier. Very few adventures come this shut!

The guides on this tour explain to you simply how the glacier formed, just how it is changing, and of course, a bit of information about the encircling alpine setting too. Additionally, the views are superb with Aoraki Mount Cook that looms within the distance and a great reminder that nature’s that big in a world.

What Others Say: Humans love simply being close to the icebergs, it feels like a totally unreal surrounding! Many additionally point out the useful manuals who come up with an actual feel for what’s happening with climate and glaciers, that is true.

Things to hold in Mind: Bear in mind the lake will be bloodless; dress warmly! Don’t be shocked when the boat trip gets cancelled due to rain, but usually have a plan. Booking earlier ensures you get a spot because these excursions that generally tend to be exceptionally demanded especially through height journey sessions, that does seem like a valid statement.

Read our full review: Tasman Glacier Boat Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Glacier Explorers)

3. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and Planetarium

So, need to find out about the location when you have not quite got time for something outside? This centre lets you in the historical past of the location plus Edmund Hillary’s mountaineering legacy with displays of all types and a 3D cinema, it’s entertaining. The stargazing capabilities on the planetarium additionally show you off of New Zealand’s southern sky, which could genuinely be something special.

What Others Say: The film screenings about Aoraki Mount Cook draw interest specifically to, properly, that detail. Humans commonly find out lots more concerning Sir Edmund and his mountaineering stories, but in a fun way.

Things to hold in Mind: Consider how a lot time you might need; with its films and all the diverse shows, this spot can eat more than a few hours while you get stuck in, that’s a good pointer. This spot’s ideal no matter the rain or sun because of how things are put up indoors.

Read our full review: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Alpine Centre)

4. Aoraki Mackenzie Stargazing

This region that has limited mild contamination has earned repute for stargazing activities of an amazing degree, due to the sheer readability that they produce. The excursions commonly run throughout the nighttime and gift effective telescopes and expert guides indicating constellations and different stellar objects; it is just that spectacular!

What Others Say: People regularly cite just how a great deal one might see thru the telescopes, and additionally simply how nicely the guides offer clarification for hard astronomy factors; those guys know what they may be doing. The fact that you would see the Southern Lights in particular sessions is a plus factor as well.

Things to hold in Mind: Warm clothes are critical, it could get truly frosty up there in particular in the nighttime hours in mountain air, so please get prepared. Excursions can also get postponed in cloud cover due to how it will interfere a little, call earlier to be definitely certain. Don’t overlook to take your time so you can permit your eyes adapt that well with night surroundings with some patience, I believe!

Read our full review: Aoraki Mackenzie Stargazing Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Stargazing Tour)

5. Mount Cook Village Walks

Now, not each epic moment will dent that pocket of yours! Across Mount Cook Village there’s walking trails to fit all forms of folks with ranging abilities. Get on the Hooker Valley Track that’ll come up with some magnificent sights involving glaciers, rivers, and it is apparent that Aoraki Mount Cook itself might just blow one’s mind. If time is against you the path to that viewpoint is not far out of the village and nonetheless grants fantastic scenery on arrival.

What Others Say: People love Hooker Valley because of the way the route does now not end up too hard, even if not in shape and its panoramic photograph potential on the way to that glacier lake. Shorter trails close to the village are favoured in case you want rapid snaps while not stressful loads by doing something too excessive; I believe it!

Things to hold in Mind: Take the right boots while at the ones trails because parts of paths could turn out uneven in the meantime. Bring a variety of layers – mountain climate turns in a rush! It is additionally constantly smart to grab water in addition to goodies; properly you do get hungry once that natural world excites ya!

Read our full review: Mount Cook Village Walks Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Walking Trails)