Mount Cook Village: Best Things to Do in Aoraki National Park
Trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a must for everyone traveling in New Zealand. The country's top destination is home to New Zealand's highest mountain, but you can find here many hiking trails, glaciers or glacial lakes which are out of this world. Base yourself in Mount Cook Village, and get inspired by the best things to do in the national park.
Mount Cook National Park, also known under its Maori name Aoraki is one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand, and after we spent four nights within the park, and one night on the shore of Lake Pukaki, we can say we absolutely understand where the popularity comes from as this destination is more than beautiful.
The truth is that we were blessed with great weather. Some of our favorite photos from New Zealand have their origin in this area. We will never forget the drive to the national park along the crystal clear lake, snow-capped mountains reflecting in it, and the moment when we, for the first time spotted the highest mountain (3724 meters high) of New Zealand, Mount Cook alias Aoraki.
Mount Cook National Park offers an incredible number of things to do for every type of traveler and different budgets, but the best things and top attractions revolve around hiking, and what is the best news, some of the most attractive places are easily accessible that even visitors with no outdoor experience can discover for the first time the beauty of New Zealand's nature.
Although Mount Cook National Park can for sure be only a one-day stop on your packed New Zealand itinerary, this post is aiming to show you the best things you can see and do in the park and near Mount Cook Village, and inspire you to slow down and enjoy the dramatic scenery as much as you can.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Are you traveling on a budget or your main reason to visit this part of New Zealand is to admire the beauty of the jagged peaks simply, without any adrenaline activities?
Some of the best hikes in Aoraki National Parks are completely free, and you do not have to see the park from above to get an idea of how the alpine scenery and surrounding mountains look like.
On the other hand, if you want to spice up your New Zealand’s travels, you can either take an overnight trip to Mueller Hut or take a scenic flight to look on the mountains from bird's eyes view.
The possibilities are endless.
Here's the list of the best things you can do in Aoraki National Park.
DRIVE ALONG PUKAKI LAKE
One of the highlights of visiting Mount Cook National Park is actually the drive to the park.
State Highway 80 is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand and will take you to Aoraki National Park. We were arriving in the village from Tekapo, and the drive was incredibly scenic.
We do not know how many times we stopped on the way to the national park, but we even decided to stay overnight on the shore of Lake Pukaki, one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, where we sat in our car, drank wine we got from our former employer and even swam for a while in the freezing cold water.
The next day we set off early in the morning and traveled to Mount Cook Village.
In case you are traveling on a strict schedule, take into account that if the weather is pleasant, the drive will take you longer than the GPS says as you will want to soak up the panoramic views.
SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER
In case the weather is not pleasant or you want to know more about Sir Edmund Hillary who together with Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the first man who climbed Mount Everest, head to the Alpine Center dedicated to the famous New Zealander.
But the Alpine Center doesn't focus solely on Sir Edmund, but it will tell you more about the history of the region, its people, and flora and fauna. Inside is also a theatre where you can watch thematic movies.
The entrance fee is NZD 20.
HOOKER VALLEY
If there is one thing you can't miss in Mount Cook National Park, it is the hike through Hooker Valley, along Hooker River which will take you to Hooker Glacial Lake and allow you to see some of the most picturesque peaks New Zealand possess, including the tallest one, Mount Cook.
The hike is almost flat, and you will walk on a well-maintained trail across several swing bridges, and although the in-out trek is 10 kilometers long, thanks to the easy access and rewarding vistas for the whole length, it is the most popular activity near Mount Cook Village, so you can expect crowds here.
Even people who had never hiked before will make it to Hooker Lake, so if you want to have the path only for yourself, start either early in the morning, or later in the afternoon when bus tours leave to their next destination.
The whole trek is absolutely photogenic, but the highlight here is the lake dotted with icebergs and Mount Cook towering behind.
The Hooker Valley Track starts at White Horse Hill Campground and should take you three to five hours to finish, depending on your level of fitness.
WATER ACTIVITIES
With so many glacial lakes, it would be surprising if there hadn't been at least one water activity available.
The most popular tours are either boat tours or kayaking on Tasman Lake, which was created by melting Tasman Glacier, the longest New Zealand's glacier. It is also interesting, that Mount Cook National Park is home to 8 of 12 New Zealand's glaciers.
The boat will take you up close to the glacier, and you can admire the melting giant up close and slalom around differently-shaped icebergs.
MUELLER HUT
One of the most popular overnight trips in the national park is a steep climb to Mueller Hut.
Although it is possible to walk there and back in only one day, in case your itinerary allows it, we recommend you to spend in the hut one night. The alpine hut sits 1800 meters above sea level and offers incredible vistas.
The truth is, you must work hard to deserve the views, not only the hut must be reserved in advance, especially in the summer, but you also have to climb over 1000 meters in only 5.5 kilometers (it takes around 4 hours to reach the hut from the village).
The route starts by hundreds of steep wooden steps, but once you reach the pass, the path flattens, and you will be rewarded by outstanding vistas of Mueller Glacier or Ngakanohi Glacier.
Always, when we were hiking in New Zealand, we tried to get to the hut as late as possible, as there is not much to do and huts are often cold, but we were glad we reached the hut early in the afternoon as we could sit on a bench, and listen for the cracking sound of ice, and we even from time to time spotted a small avalanche, and watched night sky after dark.
If you are still not sure if you want to spend a night in Mueller Hut, check out our photos from the morning, where we woke up above the clouds.
If you have enough time, it is possible to extend the trek to Mount Olivier, and outdoor lovers by hear can even sleep in the tent.
SEALY TARNS TRACK
Sealy Tarns track is not the most famous hike in the area, but it does not mean it won't provide hikers with stunning views as it is simply not possible to go anywhere in this New Zealand's national park, and not to get great vistas.
Every hiker heading to Mueller Hut actually hikes Sealy Tarns Track, so if Mueller Hut is your destination, you can tick off two hikes in one day. Sealy Tarns Track is often nicknamed the stairway to heaven because hikers must overcome 2200 steps to reach the alpine lake - tarn from where it is possible to get amazing views of Mount Cook and Hooker Valley.
For everyone carrying to Mueller Hut, this place is a great spot to take a break and to eat a snack.
TASMAN GLACIER LOOKOUT
Tasman Valley is situated only across Mount Cook Range from Hooker Valley, so it means only one thing - it cannot be even one percent less beautiful.
The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint is not far from the village, so it is again a popular activity for all visitors to the park.
You can extend your time in Tasman Valley as after viewing the glacier from the viewpoint, you can carry on for a while along Tasman Lake or you can continue to Blue Lakes.
Same as Pastoruri Glacier in Peru, Tasman Glacier does not have a positive prognosis, as it melts pretty quickly, and you should for sure not put off your travels, in case you want to see what is now the country's longest glacier.
I spent my birthday watching the glacier, and it was the best gift I could have ever get. As the hike to the lookout is very short, it won't take you more than thirty minutes, you can easily combine this activity with other must-do things in Mount Cook National Park.
RED TARNS TRACK
If you are looking for a short trek in the park which will reward you with magnificent views, we can recommend you to opt for the Red Tarns Track.
The hike should not take you longer than two hours, and during this time you will ascend from the valley floor to the viewpoint of the valley below.
The trek got its name thanks to red weed which grow in the alpine tarns and create the unusual color.
KEA POINT
Another short hike from White Horse Hill Campground is a trek to Kea Point which ends by viewing deck overlooking Mount Sefton, Hooker Valley, The Footstool, Mueller Glacial Lake, and of course, Aoraki Mountain.
The trek is only 1.4 kilometers long one way, so as you can see, if you do not have much time for the national park on your itinerary, you can plan one a very long and busy day made of several shorter hikes, so you will be able to see as much as possible from Aoraki National Park.
BALL PASS CROSSING
It would not be New Zealand if there was not a challenging multi-day hike in the area.
Ball Pass Crossing is a trek for experienced hikers which takes two to three days walking via beautiful alpine scenery.
The route is unmarked, so completing successfully the hike requires navigation skills and backcountry experience. Only this way you will be able to enjoy the views of the towering peaks around you, without panicking and losing yourself in the wilderness.
If you doubt your skills, it is always better to hire a guide.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
ROCK CLIMBING
Who would not like to follow the steps of New Zealand's most famous mountaineer, who even conquered Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary?
Well, climbing to the top of Mount Cook is for sure not an activity for everybody, and you should have at least some skills before you attempt to get to the highest mountain in New Zealand, but you can find experienced guides and alpinists in Mount Cook Village, who will provide you with equipment and accompany you on this exciting trip.
In case climbing to the top of Aoraki Mountain is your main reason why you are traveling to the national park, you should be physically fit, have at least some mountaineering experience and have more time as you may have to wait a couple of days for a better weather forecast.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Seeing the mountains from above is hard to beat experience, and if you are hesitating what could be the best adrenaline activity to try in New Zealand, flying by helicopter around its highest mountain might be a good choice.
We took the helicopter flight in the Canadian Rockies and had we had a higher budget when traveling in New Zealand, we would have for sure taken the scenic flight.
Mount Cook National Park is really out of this world, and you will appreciate the beauty even when walking the flat paths in the valley floor or when climbing steep hills around, but flying around the highest peaks and seeing the glacial lakes from above, will show you the area yet again from a different perspective.
STARGAZING
Same as Lake Tekapo area, Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best spots in New Zealand to watch the stars.
The area is well protected from artificial light pollution, and watching the dark sky dotted with millions of stars and being surrounded by snow-capped jagged peaks is once in a lifetime experience and a must-do activity for hopeless romantic soles.
We were shooting the night sky when staying overnight in Mueller Hut, but you can get almost the same experience almost anywhere in the area, it is worth to drive a bit away from Mount Cook Village, somewhere, where you will have a chance to spend a couple of minutes in complete darkness.
WHERE TO STAY IN MOUNT COOK VILLAGE
Mount Cook Village is a must-stop on every New Zealand itinerary, and it does not matter if you prefer on traveling independently or with a travel agency.
The village is pretty small, but touristy, and during the main season, it is not an easy task to find here accommodation.
Ultimate budget travelers or travelers sleeping in a campervan can use White Horse Hill Camp which works on the first come first served basis, but when looking for a hotel room, you should make your reservation as soon as you can.
We've handpicked three best accommodation options for every type of traveler.
Budget | YHA Mt Cook - Affordable accommodation with a perfect view of Mount Cook also offers well-equipped kitchen, sauna, and barbecue area. You can choose to stay in dormitories or a bit more expensive private rooms.
Mid-range | Aoraki Mount Cook Mountain Lodge - Perfect location, kitchen, free wi-fi, reasonable price, and friendly staff are the reasons why to stay in this hotel.
Luxury | The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook - Absolutely stunning hotel in combination with excellent views out of the window creates an exceptional experience. Everything in this hotel is top-notch.
Alternatively, search for your accommodation via Hostelworld.
HOW TO GET TO MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
It is impossible to miss the turnoff from Highway 8 as it is well-signposted. From Highway 8 you need to turn to State Highway 80, which will take you to Mount Cook Village.
Two closest towns to Mount Cook Village are Twizel and Tekapo.
The drive along Lake Pukaki, with many snow-capped mountains, is absolutely stunning, so drive slowly and contemplate the beauty.
Only watch the traffic, because many cars and campervans are heading in the same direction, so always check your rear mirror if it is safe to stop.
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Aoraki National Park is about views and hiking.
The good news is you won't have to walk far in case you do not want to, to get outstanding vistas.
To see most of the park and to feel comfortable, here are five essential things you must pack for hiking in New Zealand's changeable weather.
Daypack for Him & for Her | Most of the popular treks in Mount Cook National Park are one-day hikes, so a daypack similar to this one should be enough to carry extra clothes, snack, and water.
Waterproof Jacket for Him & for Her | Weather in the mountains can change a couple of times a day, so do not underestimate rain protection.
Down Jacket for Him & for Her | We found the area pretty cold, even in the summer, so our favorite item was down jacket, especially when we stayed in the hut overnight.
Windbreaker for Him & for Her | Pack a light, foldable windproof jacket which will protect you against omnipresent wind.
Sunscreen | Sun in New Zealand is incredibly strong, remember to pack sunscreen with you.
We've also created an in-depth Ultimate New Zealand Packing List where you can find more information and useful tips.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
