Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Welcome to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
The insider's travel guide to Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkAoraki Mount Cook National Park includes the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, so head into the hills – or just Mount Cook Village near Lake Pukaki – and marvel at the light show in the sky.
New Zealand’s highest mountain — Aoraki Mt. Cook (3724m) — sits within the park and there are 19 more peaks over 3000m, and around 180 glaciers. As well as being a training ground for mountaineers, various treks can be enjoyed here, such as the three-hour Mueller Glacier walk in the Hooker Valley. Butterflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies, and moths are abundant here.
The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park atlas
3 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere-
Distance: Approx. 10 km Duration: Three to four hours Start: White Horse Hill Campground End: Hooker Lake and return Difficulty: Easy One of the most popular day hikes in NZ, leading into the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, with jaw-dropping views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.Starting at the White Horse Hill Campground, near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, the track winds through the beautiful Hooker Valley, ending at the stunning Hooker Lake, which offers views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. This hike traverses a landscape filled with glacial moraines, alpine streams, and suspension bridges.And in summer, the track's highlight is the sight of icebergs on Hooker Lake.
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Start in Auckland on the north island with a world-class cup of coffee and pick up your vehicle, before taking the short ferry journey across to Waiheke Island for sea views and excellent wine. Drive to the vast Lake Taupo, created more than 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption, to experience the fury of the Huka Falls and to see the eerie glowworms at the Waitomo Caves, before stopping for a few days in wine country, beginning at Hawke’s Bay. Hire a bike, pedal to a few vineyards and sample some wines. Fly from Napier to Christchurch on the south island and hire another vehicle, before heading inland to Arthur’s Pass National Park for a stunning drive taking in winding roads, river gorges and rainforests. Drive to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride to the Tasman Glacier, before heading back to city life in adventure capital Queenstown for bungy jumping, ziplining or just relaxing on the beach.
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This itinerary encompasses some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in New Zealand, in the lower South Island. Starting on the flat Canterbury Plains, the mountains rise as you drive inland.Starting in Christchurch, head due south to Dunedin, stopping en route at the unusual Moeraki Boulders.From Dunedin, drive inland towards the mountains, stopping first in Queenstown. The small city on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is surrounded by the Remarkables mountains, and offers a wealth of adventure sport activities. A number of day trips or overnighters can be taken from Queenstown, especially in the Fiordland National Park: Milford Sound and Te Anau.Moving on from Queenstown, spend a couple of days in nearby Wanaka or continue to Mt. Cook Village.Spend at least one night in Tekapo to stargaze in the world’s largest dark-sky reserve before returning to Christchurch.
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Hooker Valley Track day hike
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New Zealand self drive
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South Island Circular Road Trip
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