Mt Cook National Park is a playground for adventurers. Short day walks, full day hikes and New Zealand’s largest glacier – here’s a list of the top things to do in Aoraki Mt Cook.
1. Mt Cook Road
The drive along Mt Cook Road is just as good as exploring the National Park itself. A scenic road that runs alongside the vibrant blue Lake Pukaki and towards the highest peak in the country. Let your hair down and enjoy the ride!
2. Hooker Valley Track
If you only have time for one walk while in Mt Cook, this should be it! A cruisy 3-hour return walk that winds through the valley, crossing swing bridges and long, awe-inspiring boardwalks. Towering mountains surround you as you follow this track towards the base of Mt Cook. At the end of the track you are treated to views of Hooker Lake covered with icebergs. Directly behind the lake is Aoraki Mt Cook – spectacular!
3. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View
Tasman Glacier Lake is another stunning glacier-fed lake, nestled in the middle of the Mt Cook National Park. Just a 40-minute return walk from the car park, this track takes you to the Blue Lakes and up to a viewing point of Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake.
4. Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand which flows down from the Southern Alps. It’s an impressive sight, and one to not be missed. If your budget will stretch this far, a helicopter flight and glacier walk is an incredible experience starting from NZD$499 – one that you’ll remember forever.
Find out more about a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike.
5. Sealy Tarns Track
A hike for the more ambitious, Sealy Tarns Track is a 3 – 4 hour return journey. Dubbed ‘Stairway to Heaven’ this track has 2,200 steps that make for a tough climb, but it’s well worth it once you reach the picnic area. Vast views of the Hooker Valley, Hooker Lake and Mt Cook are breathtaking and uninterrupted. A good chance to chill out and take it all, before starting the descent.
Editor’s note: New Zealand Guide writers select and write about the things we love in New Zealand, and we know our readers will love too. New Zealand Guide has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.
