Mount Cook

Mt. Cook (Aoraki) is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering activities that showcase the region’s dramatic alpine beauty. One of the absolute must-do experiences is hiking. The Hooker Valley Track is the most famous and accessible hike — a relatively easy, well-maintained trail that leads you across swing bridges, past alpine streams and glacier-fed rivers, ending with a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Cook towering over Hooker Lake. The 10 km (6.2 mile) return walk is suitable for most fitness levels and is especially magical at sunrise or sunset when the mountains glow pink and orange. However watch for weather to roll in. When we were there, you couldn't even see a few feet in front of you. 

For those looking for more of a challenge, the Sealy Tarns Track (also known as the "Stairway to Heaven") is a steep, leg-burning climb of over 2,000 steps, but the reward is a stunning panoramic view over the Hooker Valley and Mt. Cook itself. If you want to push even further, continue on to the Mueller Hut Route, a full-day adventure (or an overnight stay at the famous red Mueller Hut), offering 360-degree views of glaciers, ice cliffs, and rugged peaks.

Another excellent option is the Tasman Glacier View Track, an easy and short walk (about 1 hour return) that leads you to a lookout with sweeping views over the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Along the way, you'll pass alpine tarns and rocky moraines left behind by the retreating ice. The glacier’s size and the surreal, milky-blue Tasman Lake filled with floating icebergs create a stunning, otherworldly scene — and if you want to get even closer, you can book a boat tour on Tasman Lake for a chance to cruise among the icebergs themselves.

Beyond hiking, one of the most iconic experiences here is stargazing. Mt. Cook is located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest and clearest dark sky areas in the world. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in vivid detail. Book a stargazing tour at The Hermitage Hotel’s Planetarium or simply lay back at your campsite and watch the night sky come alive.

For a completely different perspective, take a scenic flight or helicopter tour. These tours soar above the Southern Alps, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Cook, glaciers, and remote valleys that few travelers ever get to see. Many flights land on the Tasman Glacier, allowing you to step out onto the ice and explore another world entirely. Some tours even combine flying and hiking for a true bucket-list experience.

Lastly, don’t miss a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at The Hermitage. This small but fascinating museum tells the story of Hillary’s mountaineering achievements, including his climb of Mt. Cook before he famously summited Everest. It's a great place to learn about New Zealand's deep connection to alpine exploration and appreciate the courage it took to conquer these wild peaks.

Despite its remote location, Mt. Cook Village has a few excellent accommodation options that cater to different travel styles. For a memorable stay, book a room at The Hermitage Hotel, the area's most iconic lodge, offering rooms and suites with panoramic views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding mountains. The Hermitage also hosts a planetarium, a museum about mountaineering history, and several dining options, making it a full-service destination.

For travelers seeking something a bit more budget-friendly, Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge offers cozy rooms with shared kitchen facilities and spectacular views — perfect for hikers who want a comfortable but unpretentious base. There’s also the Mt. Cook YHA Hostel (currently operating seasonally), ideal for backpackers or anyone who prefers a communal, social atmosphere. No matter where you stay, waking up surrounded by towering peaks and fresh alpine air is an experience you’ll never forget.

If you're traveling by campervan or RV, you'll find a fantastic option just outside the park at White Horse Hill Campground, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the village. This Department of Conservation (DOC) campground offers non-powered sites nestled at the base of the mountains, with easy access to popular trails like the Hooker Valley Track. Facilities are basic but well-maintained, and the setting is unbeatable — you’ll fall asleep under a canopy of stars and wake up to the dramatic alpine scenery right outside your door. It's an ideal and budget-friendly choice for adventurers who want to stay close to nature.

Glentanner Park Centre is a fantastic place to base yourself when exploring the Mt. Cook area, especially if you’re looking for something comfortable yet close to nature. Located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, it offers sweeping views of Mt. Cook, Lake Pukaki, and the surrounding Southern Alps.

You’ll find a range of accommodation options here, from self-contained motel units with kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms, to more budget-friendly standard and basic cabins that use shared facilities. For backpackers, there’s a dormitory-style bunk room, and for those traveling by campervan or with tents, there are powered and non-powered campsites tucked into native bush.

The property has shared amenities like a guest kitchen, lounge, BBQ pavilion, and laundry facilities. There’s also the Tasman Delta Café on-site, serving up hearty breakfasts, lunches, and coffee daily. Plus, you can book scenic flights, heli-hikes, glacier tours, and other adventure activities right from the park.

Another bonus? You’re only a short walk or drive from the brilliant blue waters of Lake Pukaki — a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or an afternoon picnic. Just remember, Glentanner doesn’t have a dump station or a full grocery store on-site; those services are available in nearby Twizel or Lake Tekapo.

Getting to Mt. Cook is an adventure in itself, with scenic drives that rival any destination. If you're coming from Queenstown, the journey takes about 3.5 hours by car, passing through picturesque towns like Cromwell and the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. The drive from Christchurch is a little longer, about 4 hours, but equally beautiful, with rolling Canterbury plains giving way to snowcapped peaks as you approach the park. Renting a car is the best option to allow flexibility for photo stops and short hikes along the way. If you are in a camper or van, we went directly here after our visit to Lake Tepako.

Another option, especially for those short on time, is to book a guided bus tour from Queenstown or Christchurch. Many tours include stops at scenic lookouts and even a boat ride on the glacier lakes. For an unforgettable entrance, scenic flights from Queenstown are available, offering aerial views of Mt. Cook, the West Coast glaciers, and even glimpses of the Tasman Sea on clear days.

However you choose to travel, the journey to Mt. Cook is an experience all its own.