A guide to exploring Mount Cook National Park

A visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National park should be at the top of your itinerary for a summer vacay. It is simply beautiful, full of hiking trails, and home to one of the most scenic campgrounds in New Zealand.

You will find New Zealand's tallest mountain and the longest glaciers in the country right here. A playground for many adventurous folk, including the first guy to summit Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hilary. This national park is an expanse of untouched wonder covering more than 700km in the Mackenzie region. From towering mountains and out of this world blue lakes, Aoraki/Mount Cook offers incredible adventures that will leave you feeling great about your life choices.

Why you should visit Mount Cook National Park?

Not only is it rated one of the best places in the country, but it also has something for everyone, whether you are an active adventurer or love to relax and be at one with nature. The road is an adventure in itself, a 54km stretch also known as state highway 80 will lead you into the heart of the action. Take your time here, there are plenty of places to stop on route and take photos.

The road hugs the shore of Lake Pukaki right into the heart of the national park where you will find Mount Cook Village. Here there is a hotel, a café and the Department of Conservation office with a neat little museum inside for you to school up on the local area and history. There is so much to do here, especially for those who crave outdoor adventure. We suggest booking in at least two nights during your road trip so you can tick the below.

When to go?

Mount Cook National Park is in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand, bordering the west coast and running through the Mackenzie country. Expect to see four distinct seasons here. In summer, the sun shines high, hot and the days are long, perfect for sunrise and sunset hiking. In Winter the park is transformed into a snowy wonderland, think huge icebergs and a snow-covered mountain landscape. Whatever season you visit you should be prepared for all. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Take an extra layer on your hikes, pack the sunscreen and ensure your water bottle is full before heading out.

What to do?

Get ready to have your socks well and truly blown off. There is a hiking trail for everyone here. From flat, easy scenic walks to full-day hikes. Below are four of the best hikes in the area

Hooker Valley Track

The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular day walking track within the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand. The trail will lead you over three iconic swing bridges to a sweet picnic spot overlooking Hooker lake.

10km return via the same track

3 hours total

Accessible for all ages and abilities

Sealy Tarns

Nicknamed the stairway to heaven, this track is not for the faint-hearted. Enjoy spectacular views down into the valley below after climbing over 2000 wooden stairs to the alpine tarns.

The track is steep and stepped. There is a height gain of 600 m.

3-4 hours return

Moderate fitness is required

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier

From this viewpoint, you will have elevated views of the 27km long Tasman Glacier and lake below. One of the best and easiest short walks in the national park. A little side trip to the blue lakes offers good swimming in the summer months.

2.6km return via the same track

1-hour return

Easy and accessible for all

Red Tarns

Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Cook, the village, and the valley below. This relatively easy hike climbs quick and steep following wooden steps up to a tarn covered in red weeds, hence the name. The Kea bird hangs out up here, especially at sunset.

300m return via the same track

2-hour return

Easy and accessible for all

Once you have ticked off all the hiking trails and soaked up all that natural goodness why not take to the lake or the skies? Get up close and personal with the Tasman Glacier and icebergs on a Glacial explorer tour or soar over the landscape below during an unforgettable scenic flight with Mount Cook ski planes.

Where to stay?

White Horse Hill Campground

Camp beneath spectacular mountains, right next to the popular hiking trails, yes please! With proximity to the hiking trails, this is the perfect base for adventures. This is possibly one of the most scenic campgrounds in New Zealand and is very popular in the summer months.

$15 per person, per night || non powered sites

Toilets, running water, and cooking shelter available

Coin-operated showers 2.5km away in the village

Glentanner holiday park

This tranquil location is the gateway to New Zealand's tallest mountain and the only fully-equipped campground in the area. Each powered site comes with its view of the mountains and Lake Pukaki. Perfect spot if you need to plug in and take advantage of the facilities on site.

$25per person, per night || Powered and non-powered sites

Toilets, full shower block, dining room, laundry, shower block, and fully equipped kitchen block.

Want more camping inspiration? Check out our full list of the best Aoraki/Mt. Cook campsites!

Hire a van for your adventure

This epic part of the country will have you coming back for more and more each time. Looking to hit the road this summer? Check out the vans available in your area and start planning your next escape. We've also put together a guide to camping in National Parks in New Zealand so you can brush up on the basics before you go!