Discover the Many Ways to Explore Mount Cook National Park

Driving

The drive into Mount Cook National Park is touted as one of the greatest scenic drives in New Zealand, and for good reason. Picture this: you’re cruising along State Highway 80, known as the Mount Cook Road, with Lake Pukaki’s vibrant turquoise waters on one side, and the Southern Alps towering majestically on the other. The closer you get, the more dramatic the landscape becomes, with Aoraki/Mount Cook - the highest peak in New Zealand - rising like a beacon in the distance. It’s the kind of journey where you’ll want to stop frequently, not just to stretch your legs, but to soak in the breathtaking views and snap a few (or many) photos. Trust me, this is one drive where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination.

Once you arrive in the park, if you’re looking to up the adventure factor, a Tasman Valley 4-wheel drive tour is a must. This thrilling off-road experience takes you deep into the rugged terrain, where you’ll navigate glacial landscapes, ford streams, and venture to remote viewpoints that few get to see. The tour offers a unique perspective on the park’s dramatic geology, with a knowledgeable guide providing fascinating insights into the area’s history, flora, and fauna. Whether you’re an off-roading enthusiast or just love a good adventure, this tour is sure to leave you buzzing with excitement.

If the idea of driving around New Zealand's incredible national parks sounds like your perfect holiday, check out our Self Drive Holidays and start planning your next getaway! 

Hiking

Mount Cook National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging climbs, all set against the backdrop of some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. This is the stomping ground where Sir Edmund Hillary honed his skills before his legendary first ascent of Mount Everest. The park is steeped in mountaineering history, and you can’t help but feel a sense of awe as you tread in the footsteps of one of the world’s greatest adventurers.

For those looking for an easy introduction to the park’s beauty, The Hooker Valley Track is a fantastic choice. This well-maintained track winds its way through the stunning Hooker Valley, crossing several swing bridges and offering jaw-dropping views of Mount Cook along the way. The walk culminates at the Hooker Lake, where you’ll be rewarded with postcard-perfect views of icebergs floating on the water with Mount Cook towering above. It’s a relatively flat and accessible trail, making it perfect for families and casual walkers. 

If you’re after something a bit shorter, the Kea Point Walk is another gem. This one-hour return walk takes you through alpine scrubland to a viewpoint overlooking the Mueller Glacier, Mount Sefton, and the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track is easy-going and suitable for all ages, but the views are nothing short of epic.

For the more adventurous, joining a guided expedition to tackle the summit of Mount Cook is the ultimate challenge. This is no walk in the park - literally. Climbing Aoraki/Mount Cook requires technical skills, endurance, and a strong sense of adventure. But for those who are up to the task, standing atop New Zealand’s highest peak is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that you’ll never forget. If you want to make sure you do all of New Zealand's great walks, check out our blog post New Zealand's Greatest Walks to slot these extraordinary hikes into your itinerary. 

Star Gazing

When the sun dips below the horizon and the sky darkens, Mount Cook National Park reveals another of its wonders: the night sky. As a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, the park offers some of the clearest and darkest skies on the planet, making it a paradise for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. With minimal light pollution, the stars here shine with an intensity that’s hard to find elsewhere, and if you're into photography, there's no better place in New Zealand to capture the stars!

One of the best ways to experience this celestial spectacle is by joining a Big Sky Stargazing tour. These guided tours provide telescopes and expert commentary, helping you identify constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. On a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, and the Milky Way stretching across the sky in all its glory. The sheer number of stars visible is staggering, and it’s easy to lose track of time as you gaze upwards, marvelling at the universe above - so make sure you don't trip and fall over!

Even if you’re not on a tour, simply stepping outside after dark and looking up is an experience in itself. The tranquillity of the park combined with the brilliance of the stars creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to put into words. It’s a reminder of just how vast and awe-inspiring our universe truly is.

Boating

Exploring the Tasman Glacier Lake is one of those experiences that will leave you in awe of nature’s raw power and beauty. This otherworldly landscape is a striking contrast to the lush greenery and rugged mountains that surround it. The lake, formed by the melting Tasman Glacier, is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes, each one a mesmerising shade of blue. It’s hard to believe you’re still in New Zealand as you drift among these floating giants, some of which are as large as houses.

You have a couple of options when it comes to exploring the lake. If you prefer a hands-on approach, a guided kayak tour is an exhilarating way to navigate the icy waters. Paddling through this glacial wonderland, you’ll feel a deep connection with the landscape, with the towering icebergs and distant peaks providing a dramatic backdrop.

If you’d rather sit back and take it all in, a motorboat tour is the way to go. These tours are designed to get you as close to the icebergs as possible, offering incredible photo opportunities and the chance to learn about the glacier’s history and its ever-changing landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for the odd splash or ripple on the surface—these waters are home to some hardy fish species, and you might even spot the occasional bird swooping down for a meal.

Flying

For those who crave a bird’s-eye view of this stunning region, a a scenic flight around Mount Cook is an unforgettable experience. Whether you opt for a helicopter or a ski plane, soaring high above the Southern Alps is the perfect way to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape. From up here, you’ll get a unique perspective on the park’s glaciers, valleys, and snow-capped peaks, with views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Checking out the many glaciers nearby Mt Cook can best be done by helicopter, but you can definitely take the time to hike to each and every one.

Several companies offer scenic flights with various tour options, ranging from short hops to longer excursions that include snow landings. Imagine stepping out onto a pristine snowfield, surrounded by nothing but endless white and the silence of the mountains. It’s a surreal experience that feels like you’ve landed on another planet.

If you’re visiting in winter and have a taste for adventure, heli-skiing is the ultimate thrill. With a helicopter to whisk you away to untouched slopes, you’ll have the chance to carve your way down pristine powder with no one else in sight. It’s just you, the snow, and the exhilaration of skiing or snowboarding in one of the world’s most remote and beautiful locations.

Relaxing

After all that adventure, there’s no better place to unwind than the Hermitage Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Mount Cook National Park, this iconic hotel offers a luxurious retreat with views that are simply unbeatable. Every room here has been designed to make the most of the stunning scenery, so whether you’re enjoying a meal, relaxing in your room, or soaking in the outdoor hot tub, Mount Cook is always in sight.

The hotel’s restaurants offer a range of dining options, from casual bites to fine dining, all featuring fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, head to the Digital Dome Planetarium for a closer look at the stars you’ve admired all evening. The planetarium offers a fascinating journey through the cosmos, with immersive shows that bring the universe to life.

When it’s time to call it a night, settle into a cosy bed with views out over the mountains, and let the serenity of the park lull you to sleep. The Hermitage Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience in itself, perfectly complementing the natural beauty and adventure that surrounds it.

Starting Your Journey

Visiting Mount Cook National Park can be a life-changing experience. There's just nothing like it in New Zealand, and it should definitely be on your list of must-do's when visiting this incredibly scenic country. If you're intrigued by this blog post and want to check out more like it, head to our Blog Homepage to read more. Ready to start looking at the best New Zealand holiday deals now? Speak with our Travel Specialists today and see how we can help plan and book your next big adventure!