If there’s one place in New Zealand that deserves a spot on every traveller’s itinerary, it’s Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Known both for its towering alpine peaks and its easy access to glaciers, this World Heritage listed region offers a combination of adventure, scenery, and tranquillity that is hard to beat. Whether you’re a keen hiker, an adrenaline seeker, or someone who simply wants to soak up the views, Mount Cook is an unforgettable destination.
Getting to Mount Cook
Most travellers reach Mount Cook by road, with journeys from Queenstown or Christchurch both providing spectacular scenery along the way. The approach from Lake Pukaki is especially striking, with bright turquoise waters framed by the Southern Alps.
Hiking Highlights
Hiking is the number one activity in Mount Cook National Park, and with good reason. The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular walk — a mostly flat 10km return route that takes around three hours. You’ll cross suspension bridges, wander through alpine valleys, and end at a glacial lake dotted with icebergs. For something shorter, the Tasman Glacier View Walk takes just 15 minutes each way and provides a dramatic view over New Zealand’s largest glacier. More challenging trails like Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut reward experienced walkers with incredible panoramas over the Southern Alps.
Adventure Activities
Beyond hiking, Mount Cook is a hub for alpine adventure. Options include heli-skiing on untouched slopes, glacier kayaking among floating icebergs, and scenic flights that take you up close to Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. These experiences are once in a lifetime opportunities for anyone wanting to see the park from a new perspective.
Relaxing in the Village
Mount Cook Village is small but welcoming, offering a handful of restaurants and lodges. Don’t miss the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which tells the story of New Zealand’s most famous mountaineer and the history of exploration in the region. In the evening, the park’s location within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve makes it one of the best stargazing spots in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges with uninterrupted mountain views to budget friendly hostels and campgrounds. Whether you prefer comfort or a back to basics alpine experience, there’s an option to suit. Many visitors stay for two or three nights, giving enough time to explore both the iconic trails and some lesser known corners of the park.
Why Visit Mount Cook?
Mount Cook is great for experiencing the raw beauty of an alpine environment that still feels wild. Glaciers cover around 40% of the park, the peaks rise dramatically above the valleys, and yet it remains accessible to all types of travellers. Add in the cultural connection of the Māori name Aoraki (“cloud piercer”), and you begin to see why this destination holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders and visitors alike.
Experience Mount Cook with All Ways Tailormade Travel
Our 29-day New Zealand group tour includes time in Mount Cook National Park, giving you the chance to walk the Hooker Valley Track, marvel at Lake Pukaki, and enjoy the alpine scenery first-hand. Join us for a journey that balances adventure with comfort, showcasing the very best of New Zealand.