At 3,764 metres, Aoraki/Mt. Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is higher, by more than 1,500 metres than Australia’s highest peak, Mt. Kosciusko (2,228 metres). Aoraki/Mt. Cook sits at the heart of New Zealand’s Alpine country, within the 700 square kilometres of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park.
It has been climbed by New Zealand explorer and mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first man to scale Mt. Everest. The national park includes 19 peaks that are over 3,000 metres high and glaciers that cover 40 percent of the park.
Translated from Maori to English, Aoraki means ‘Cloud Piecer’
Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village is home to a huge range of walks, allowing you to explore this special place. We’ve been flying in this region for 58 years (and counting) so we certainly know a thing or two about the best walks to do. Here’s our list of the Top 9 Walks in Aoraki/Mt. Cook!
Renowned as one of the greatest day hikes in New Zealand, this walk will take you around 3-4 hours, return. The grade is easy and the track is well maintained by DOC. You’ll enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana on this spectacular walk – wind up the Hooker Valley, past alpine streams and glaciers in the humbling shadow of Aoraki/Mt. Cook.
If you want to see the glaciers up close and personal, be sure to check out the multiple Aoraki/Mount Cook experiences here.
This easy, flat walk is pushchair friendly and only 1-hour return. Icebergs can usually be seen floating in the lake in summer, and in winter the lake freezes over. At the far end of the lake, you’ll see the end of the Tasman Glacier – NZ’s longest. If you’re after the experience of a lifetime, you can book a ski plane tour that lands on the Tasman Glacier here.
A favourite of Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters Base Manager, Lisa Chambers, this steep track rises 300m above the village and is about 2 hours return. The vegetation changes as you ascend from the valley floor to a superb panoramic viewpoint of the valleys below, the village and Aoraki/Mt. Cook. The tarns are named for the red pondweed that grows in them. An aptly placed seat allows you to recover your breath and enjoy the views. This is a magnificent spot to view the sunset in summer.
This track rises 600m and is 3 hours return – faster if you run it! The Sealy Tarns isn’t for the faint-hearted, steep in some places but the hard work is worth it. From the top you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the Hooker Valley. The track passes through some popular nesting areas. Therefore, if the stars align you may even spot some Keas, a native New Zealand bird.
This steep, untracked walk will take 3-5 hours one way. But at the top of the 1000m gain (similar to the Tongariro Crossing), you’ll find the iconic Mueller Hut – the most incredible views you can observe without being in the sky. A favourite of Mt. Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters Customer Service Manager, Hannah James. Be sure to take plenty of water, and make a booking for the hut so you can stay the night and enjoy the incredible sunset and sunrise. You might even get lucky and see the Aurora Australis/Southern Lights!
This cruisy 1.5 hours return track winds gently through subalpine grasslands to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. You’ll be greeted with stunning views of Mt. Sefton, Mueller Glacier lake, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook.
A short walk, of only 30 minutes return, leads a gradual climb to a lookout point of Wakefield Ridge and Aoraki/Mt. Cook. This popular walk offers birdlife, a great view of the mountains, and a sheltered place to experience the outdoors in poor weather.
A 40-minute return walk, with a few steps but overall relatively easy. This walk leaves from the same place as the Tasman River walk. Meander up the track to the moraine wall for views of the Tasman Glacier and the terminal lake with icebergs!
An easy paced walk, shaded by some of New Zealand’s beautiful bushland. The final destination being a viewpoint which overlooks the Hooker Glacier and Aoraki/Mt. Cook. If you’re after an even more special experience be sure to embark on the stroll at sunrise or sunset for spectacular views.
Fly in a ski plane or helicopter to enjoy an unforgettable experience of Aoraki/Mount Cook! One aircraft will take you for your Tasman Glacier landing and an alternative aircraft will be your return flight back to the airport.
This very special flight circumnavigating Mt Cook offers spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, and other iconic geographical features that New Zealand is known for.
Experience this 25-minute helicopter experience through the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. This scenic flight up the Tasman Valley includes an alpine landing amongst the peaks of the Southern Alps.
