Explore the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand's premier glacier country.
The Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This World Heritage-listed alpine region boasts New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers, with glaciers covering an impressive 40% of the park. Visitors can explore a variety of walking and cycling tracks, ranging from short strolls to challenging alpine hikes and Australisa’s best mountaineering. The park also forms part of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve, providing excellent views of the night sky, and features a variety of fantastic accommodation options, ranging from luxury to wallet-friendly options.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park offers a variety of day walks suitable for all fitness levels. The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular, providing stunning views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Hooker Lake over a 3–4 hour return walk. For a shorter option, the Kea Point Track offers breathtaking vistas of glaciers and mountains in just 1-2 hours. The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track is another popular choice, featuring a short climb to a viewpoint over the Tasman Glacier and Lake.
For those seeking more of a challenge, the Sealy Tarns Track is often called the "Stairway to Heaven" due to its 2,200 steps leading to spectacular views of the Hooker Valley and Aoraki / Mount Cook. The Mueller Hut Route is a challenging alpine hike that rewards with panoramic views of glaciers and New Zealand's highest peaks. This hike requires good preparation and is best suited for experienced hikers.
Cyclists will love the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which starts at the base of Aoraki / Mount Cook and winds its way to the Pacific Ocean. This trail offers a mix of easy to intermediate sections, showcasing stunning South Island scenery, including lakes, rivers, and mountain vistas. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes of the region.
As part of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve, the park offers some of the world’s best stargazing. Join a guided tour to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes, revealing stunning views of constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. For an exhilarating adventure, try heli hiking on the Tasman Glacier. A helicopter ride takes you to the heart of the glacier, where you can explore ice formations and ice caves with a professional guide. Scenic flights over the park also offer breathtaking aerial views of the Southern Alps, glacial lakes, and the iconic Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For hiking and cycling, the ideal months are from November to March, when the weather is warmer and more stable, but be prepared for high visitor numbers. Winter (June to August) brings snow and colder temperatures, making it a great time for mountaineering and enjoying the park's snowy landscapes. However, some tracks may be more challenging or inaccessible due to snow and ice. Before you go, always check the conditions at the Department of Conservation(opens in new window) website.
Accommodation in Aoraki/Mount Cook alpine village ranges from one of New Zealand’s best YHA hostels(opens in new window) to the luxury and heritage of the Hermitage Hotel. A great choice for families are the the Aoraki Alpine Lodge(opens in new window) and the Aoraki Court Motel(opens in new window).
