At the heart of the Southern Alps, Aoraki / Mount Cook towers over a landscape of glaciers, alpine lakes, and rugged ridgelines. It’s New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724 metres and the centrepiece of a national park that draws hikers, climbers, and dreamers from around the world. Whether you’re after a short scenic walk, a stargazing adventure, or a glacier landing by helicopter, Aoraki delivers experiences on a grand scale.

🥾 Hooker Valley Track

The most popular walk in the park, the Hooker Valley Track is a 10 km return hike that takes around 3 hours.

• Cross swing bridges, wander past alpine streams, and end at Hooker Lake, with spectacular views of Aoraki reflected in the water.

• Family-friendly and relatively flat, making it accessible to most visitors.

🏞️ Tasman Glacier & Lake

The Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s largest glacier, stretching over 23 km.

• Tasman Glacier Lake Cruise – Take a boat trip among icebergs calved from the glacier.

• Heli-Hiking – Fly onto the glacier and explore with crampons and guides.

• Scenic Flights – See the vast scale of the glacier and surrounding peaks from above.

🌌 Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve

The Aoraki Mackenzie region is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the clearest night skies in the world.

• Join a guided stargazing tour for telescope viewing and astronomy storytelling.

• On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches overhead in dazzling detail.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Located at The Hermitage Hotel, the Hillary Alpine Centre features a 3D theatre, planetarium, and exhibits on the history of alpine climbing, including Sir Edmund Hillary’s mountaineering legacy.

🏕️ Alpine Walks & Short Tracks

Beyond Hooker Valley, the park offers a range of shorter walks:

• Kea Point Track – An easy 1-hour return to a viewpoint of Mount Sefton and the Mueller Glacier.

• Sealy Tarns Track – A steep climb with incredible views (nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven”).

• Mueller Hut Route – A demanding alpine hike rewarded with one of the most spectacular overnight hut stays in New Zealand.

🚲 Cycling & Scenic Drives

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail begins at Aoraki and stretches 300 km to Oamaru. Even if you don’t ride the whole thing, the opening sections provide stunning views. The drive into Mount Cook Village along Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic roads in the country.

📸 Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo

Just outside the park, Lake Pukaki offers jaw-dropping turquoise waters with Aoraki in the background — a classic photo stop. Pair it with nearby Lake Tekapo, famous for its hot springs, stargazing, and the Church of the Good Shepherd.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Aoraki / Mount Cook is the ultimate alpine destination in New Zealand. From hiking the Hooker Valley to stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve or standing among icebergs on the Tasman Glacier, this is a place where the scale of nature takes your breath away.