While you won’t need to prepare too much for those shorter hikes mentioned, on some of the longer ones the packing list can come in very handy. New Zealand Part 3: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Hiking From Wanaka, we drove to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Do note there is a bit of elevation gain to get those views. Where the trail is inaccessible, we will take you on a short scenic helicopter flight to reach our destination. The track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, ending at the glacier lake, where there are amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on a clear day. Discover New Zealand's big mountain country & largest glacier at Mt Cook National Park - enjoy heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing adventures on the mighty Tasman Glacier with professional guides. » To learn more about the NZ roads, take a look at the Driving in New Zealand Guide up on the site. » Learn More in the Sealy Tarns Track Hiking Guide, Elevation Gain: 1,040 Meters / 3,412 Feet. The track is actually an extension of the Sealy Tarns track so if you want to continue taking in those vast views from a higher vantage point, continue the rocky path to the Mueller Hut. While that hike deserves all the praise it gets, there’s heaps more to explore in the land of New Zealand’s tallest mountains. 1. While you’re here, exploring all there is to know about Aoraki Mt Cook, take a look at our full guide to the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Hiking the Hooker Valley Track should without a doubt be included on any traveler’s itinerary during a visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand.. It’s better to attempt this hike over two days, either staying in the hut or freedom camping nearby. Climbing from the bottom of Mt John to the top, the track offers a rare true 360-degree view of the surroundings as the track circles the summit. Since it is in the valley, the hike is pretty flat the whole way through, making it a hike that most can take part of. If you have some poorer weather days, maybe head off on some bush walks instead of trying to head off to the Mueller Hut. One of the hikes to take part of at the last trailhead of the Tasman Glacier car park takes you to the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View. Moving away from Mt Cook Village, the Kea Point Track starts at the White Horse Hill Parking Lot. You will also pass through the Fairlie Domain which is one of the landmarks of Fairlie. I have included screenshots from the maps.me app that show the different hikes from each trailhead. If you do not have a car you can walk the additional 45 minutes from the village to the campground. The walk is part through thick pine forest and a part through typical New Zealand farmland. While the previous few trails are pretty easy bush walks, the Red Tarns Track is one of the more difficult in the area. Mueller Hut is one of the most spectacular destinations for a day hike or overnight trek in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (and perhaps all of New Zealand). Starting over the Opihi River, the 1h30min return walk is a journey through history. We've hiked in quite a few places over the years, but it wasn't until New Zealand that we added glacier to the list. There's also a lot of variety, if you don't like anything too strenuous try the Hooker Valley track and if … This is because there is only one 55 km long road that goes to and from Mount Cook, and the nearest towns are even … It includes everything I bring along on day hikes, and it will have you better prepared when taking part of trails all over New Zealand. Spend 2h30min to tackle this hike it is well worth it! You can start the walk right at the Mt Cook Village Public Shelter and complete the loop from there. Following the riverbed, you will find remains of the great 1994 flood, a huge historical event in the little settlement. Location: Starts at the Pukaki River spillway, Twizel. Location: Starts at the Blue Lakes car park, Mt Cook. If you have extra time consider the Burkes Pass Heritage Walk starting at the St Patrick Church. Right behind the Hermitage Hotel is the Glencoe Walk. This relatively flat hike takes you along the Hooker River between mighty peaks, over 3 picturesque suspension bridges until climaxing at the Hooker Glacial Lake showcasing the sheer rawness of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook. If you are planning to go hiking in New Zealand or just want to get some authentic New Zealand outdoor experiences we can help with your travel plans. You can rent bikes in town once you arrive. A 2,000+ step staircase takes you high above the valley with the Mueller Lake, Tasman Lake and Mt Cook all in view. Below I have listed out the 11 Mt Cook hikes that you can decide between. During this 1 hour trail you will pass by 3 different lakes and have the chance to enjoy of the Tasman Glacier from above. The views are breathtaking and the loop is as easy as it gets. Remember that the weather down in the valley and village may not be the same another 1,000+ meters up in the sky. Your email address will not be published. By foot you cannot get any closer than this if you don’t plan on climbing Mount Cook. Hiking in cloudy/rainy conditions will not be the same experience as hiking on a clear day. This post was originally published in March 2017 and was updated in April 2020 (to include photos from the time I did this day hike in better weather conditions). » Learn More in the Mueller Hut Track Hiking Guide. Another very easy walk, this3-hour loop will take you all around the small town of Twizel, circling it and offering great views of the town and its surroundings. Location: Starts near Tekapo Road Bridge, Lake Tekapo. For more things to do in Lake Tekapo check out our Tekapo Backpacker Guide. If you are not tired, pair this hike with the Domain to Mt John Lookout walk mentioned above they go hand and hand. The return trip will take some 3-4 hours, depending on how fast you walk and how many photos you take. The river flowed from the southern end of Lake Tekapo before joining in with the Pukaki River. During the two months I spent traveling New Zealand, I saw a lot of gorgeous scenery. The Aoraki Mount Cook Trek is an easier 2 day option compared to the Ball Pass Alpine Crossing. 4) Scenic Flights & Helicopter Rides – a flight above Mount Cook National Park will have you in awe as you take in the views from above. The views even on the flat walks are exquisite. I hope this Mt Cook Hikes guide has given you a better sense of all the different hiking options that you have within Mount Cook National Park. New Zealand We reckon the day hikes at Mount Cook are some of the best in the world and we don't say that lightly. “What is the best time of the year to take on this hike,” you ask? Climb Aoraki Mt Cook 3724m in November 2017 via Zurbriggen Ridge from Plateau Hut New Zealand's hiking and outdoor adventure specialist with tours to suit all fitness levels on great walks and trails. The park is home to Mount Cook Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain and where the first person to climb Mount Everest trained for his great feat. Another option is to add the Governors Bush Walk to the longer Red Tarns Track if you would like to get in some views from above. There are many peaks including the highest peak in New Zealand; Aoraki or Mount Cook. Early risers will be rewarded with the serenity of sharing the track with only a … After 2 kilometers, the road ends at White Horse Hill Campground. At the Sealy Tarns you will come across a beautiful mountain lake with some reflections of the snow capped peaks out in the distance. You can decide to do the Tasman Lake track as a standalone hike or add it onto the the previous hike. Location: Starts at the White Horse Hill camping area, Mt Cook. Explore glaciers, ice-covered peaks, ice caves, lakes, valleys, and many breathtaking alpine locations in any of our Aoraki / Mt Cook Day Walks. Reaching the hut is no simple walk in the park, demanding an ascent of over one thousand meters in just over five kilometers. The track follows the Tekapo River that is now mostly dry. For about 2 hours the steep climb to the Red Tarn will test your endurance. It is a bit more of a challenging landscape to get to the Ball Hut but it does come with some beautiful views along the Tasman Lake and onto the Tasman Glacier. » Learn More in the Red Tarns Track Hiking Guide. Description Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has rugged landscapes full of rock and ice. Feel free to check out the other New Zealand itineraries and guides up on the site and if you have any questions just write them in below. » Click on the links to book your spot in advance and take a look at some other Mount Cook tour options before you go. Many people complete the hike in one day but you also have the option to complete it in 2 days with an overnight in the hut itself. A guided New Zealand glacier tour is a great way to explore the Tasman Glacier, a beautiful part of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Governors Bush Walk (easy) This 1-hour circuit climbs up to a lookout point overlooking Wakefield … A short helicopter ride will bring you onto the Tasman Glacier, where you can spend a few hours hiking throughout the incredible landscape. Have fun out there! If you like stairs, you’ll be served! Welcome/Kia Ora! Location: Starts at the public shelter or Aoraki/Mt Cook village, Mt Cook. Franz Josef Glacier Guides Franz Josef, New Zealand Hiking on the glaciers in New Zealand is an awesome experience! Take a scenic helicopter ride, experience a glacier walk, heli hike, or try snowshoeing and ice climbing. Feel free to read through the Mueller Hut Track guide linked below to get a good sense of what to expect for the Sealy Tarns Track as the tarns is half way up to the Mueller Hut. How to Get to Mount Cook National Park. views hiking walking nature-trips wildlife lake forest birding wild-flowers camping kids After the lookout, the walk will take you back to the village where you started. Keep an eye on cloud coverage, rain probability, and number of sun hours as it gets closer to your time around Mount Cook. » Learn More in the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View & Tasman Lake Track Hiking Guide. If hiking these trails is a priority for you, I highly recommend staying within the village itself. This track will take you to the bottom point of the Tasman Lake as you see where the lake meets the river. Trailhead address: Hooker Valley Road, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury, 7999, New Zealand Location: Starts at the Domain at the bottom of Mt John, Lake Tekapo. Snowcapped peaks, tussock lands, glaciers and not to mention the unbelievably blue lakes, the landscape surrounding Aoraki Mt Cook is a pretty special place to be hiking or taking a leisurely stroll. If staying for just a day or staying for a week, there are plenty of trails to keep you busy. It's safe to say, that these were two of the most incredible experiences we've e © 2020 NZ Pocket Guide. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. We provide the highest level of safety. You will get to see the vast landscape of the national park from a bird’s eye view. By using this website you agree to our, Advertise your business on New Zealand's most popular travel guide, full guide to the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, one of the most scenic bridges in the country, 10 Essential Pitstops for Your South Canterbury Road Trip, 10 Historical Places in Northland You Can’t Miss. Red Tarns Track. See more budget-friendly hiking … Keep an eye out for native birds such as kea, the alpine parrot, and the cute fantail. You’ve probably heard of the Hooker Valley Track, by far the most popular hike in Mount Cook National Park. Your email address will not be published. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track. While the Sealy Tarns track takes you pretty high up, the Mueller Hut track takes you even further up. On this guided hike you will go as close as it's possible to get to Mount Cook on foot without actually being on the mountain. This 1 hour round trip hike is a pretty flat trail that takes you right up to a viewpoint of the Mueller Lake and its moraine wall with Mt Cook out back. For an easy-going walk with great views of the Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo and Motuariki Island, the lake’s biggest island, take on the 1h30min Peninsula Walk. From the campground parking lot you can choose from another 4 trails. If you are looking for a nice short bush walk then the Governors Bush Walk could be for you. Those 11 trails can be reached from 3 different places – Mount Cook Village, White Horse Hill Campground, and the Tasman Glacier Car Park. Before reaching Mount Cook Village, turn right on Hooker Valley Road. You will be on your own schedule and easily will be able to make your way from one spot to the next without worrying about public transportation. The easiest way to go about your time in New Zealand is by having your own car to take you around. As the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mt Cook provides the backdrop to many super stunning hikes in the Canterbury region of the South Island. Your final destination is Hooker Lake at the bottom of Mount Cook – the highest mountain in New Zealand. If you are wondering what to bring along when taking part of hikes in general take a look at the comprehensive Hiking Packing List that I put together. Mount Cook is located in the center of New Zealand’s South Island, and the only viable way of getting there is by car, or even better, by campervan. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. Staying in the national park village gave us good access to the park’s trails and meant we could see the mountains in various light. This 2 hour round trip hike also starts at the Mt Cook Public Shelter and includes a 300M ascent up a mountain overlooking the entire valley with Mt Cook out in the distance. Location: Starts at the pine plantation near Mt John, Lake Tekapo. 3) Heli Glacier Hiking – if you want to actually hike on a glacier then this may be for you. The relatively easy Hooker Valley Track opens up to some great views of Mount Cook (also known as Aoraki in Maori), New Zealand’s tallest mountain. The insanely good views from my camp spot at sunrise after camping alongside the Mueller Hut. Location: Starts from almost anywhere in Twizel, Twizel. We only drove to the park and took a few photos on a short hike, but it seemed like there were some pretty epic hiking opportunities around there. If you do not have your own car, the next best option is to take a bus to get you to Mount Cook Village. Join in on these Mt Cook hikes as part of your New Zealand 14 Day South Island Itinerary or 3 Week New Zealand Road Trip! This post is part of a series of posts on our trip to New Zealand’s South Island. Well sign up and join the TripTins community to receive monthly newsletters that will recap everything you need to know to make that trip as memorable as can be. [Note that this article was first called 24 hrs in Mt Cook and published in 2014. So even if you do not have a car in the village, you can still easily take part of these by just stepping out of your front door. As mentioned above, Mount Cook Village is the main town where most of the hiking trails are located around. You can take a look at a company like Intercity that has daily busses to and from Tekapo to Mount Cook Village. From there you will be able to spot Mt Cook, as expected, but also the whole Mackenzie Basin and the stunning Lake Tekapo. Taking you through beech forest up to a lookout point of the Southern Alps. 1) How to Get to Mount Cook National Park, 2) Where to Stay Near Mount Cook National Park. Some of them are simple 10 minute bushwalks while others are 8+ hour uphill mountain climbs. then try and be as flexible as you can when deciding when to take part of these trails. I will go into a bit more detail on each below. In this article, we are going to share the 6 best hikes in Mount Cook National Park. If you want to take part of any of the hiking trails in Mount Cook National Park, you will need to make your way to the area around Mount Cook Village. Mount Cook National Park is the best hiking area in New Zealand. Because not many of us backpackers and working holidaymakers are going to be mountaineering on Aoraki Mt Cook any time soon, we’ll just stick to the must-do hikes around this epic mountain. 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