AORAKI/MOUNT COOK
New Zealand's highest mountain.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is another timeless sliver of New Zealand and is the perfect destination for anyone looking for tranquil bush walks and hikes through a breathtaking natural landscape with some fascinating geological history. Head out on a boat tour across the ice sheets or take a helicopter up for an ice-picking, cave-venturing experience on top of the glaciers. If getting cold isn’t for you, then there’s a variety of walks through the valleys, and up to lookout points for the perfect photo opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a more extreme mountain experience or would rather appreciate them from afar on a hike, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a great location for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN AORAKI/MOUNT COOK
These are popular activities to do in Aoraki/Mount Cook. We can help you choose.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Watch the cutting-edge 3D movie within New Zealand’s first Planetarium that tells the story of the region and pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary. Stop by the café for a bite to eat and clear views of the mountains through the large pane windows.
Kea Point Track: The Kea Point track is about a one-hour hike there and back and takes you to a breathtaking panoramic glacier view from up top. It starts nice and level initially but gets a little rocky nearer the lookout point so make sure you pack your trainers!
Sealy Tarns Track: Sealy Tarns Track is the perfect hike if you’re looking for some exercise. There are over 2000 stairs which snake their way up one side of the Mueller Range, and at the top is a truly stunning 360 panoramic view of the region, perfect for photos and the perfect reward for your effort climbing up the range!
Mueller Hut Route: The Mueller Hut is the highest hut in New Zealand you can reach without being a qualified mountaineer. The trail up is well maintained, and the walk there and back sums up to about 5 hours depending on your walking ability. There is a walk beyond the hut and we recommend heading up a little further just for those extra special panoramic views of the mountains. At the top you can sit and have a picnic outside the hut to prepare for the hike down.
Southern Alps Guiding: Take a stunning helicopter flight up, snap some pictures, then head out onto the glacier for an exciting caving experience! With your guide you’ll learn of the interesting geological history of the region and what it means to be a climber and enjoy an enticing through-the-ice adventure.
Glacier Explorers: Head out on a boat tour and make your way through sheets of ice and get up close and personal with the glacier walls- so close, you can take a piece off and take a bite of the ice! Learn of the geological history behind the formation of the glacier and what the future holds for this natural wonder.
Aoraki Adventures: Aoraki Adventures offers a variety of exciting excursions through the mountains, including the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike, Heli Snowshoeing, guided hiking, climbing, glacier trekking, and overnight hut stays, and more. Experience the glaciers to the fullest and in any style you like with an Aoraki Adventure.
Tasman Valley 4WD Tour: Hit the gas and zoom your way to the best glacier spots in the region, following your guide through the off-road trail. Extend your tour to the duration of your liking and enjoy the fueled adventure for as long as you please.