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Mount Cook NP New Zealand, South Island

Explore the dramatic sights on Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain

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The pure, serene beauty of Mount Cook is one that every traveler must experience while in New Zealand. Drastically tall mountain ranges slope into deep valleys and lakes to create an environment teeming with solitude and peace. Whether you go to see the reflection of the tall, snowcapped mountains in the lake, or you dine with a breathtaking view of the tallest mountain in New Zealand, you will find yourself invigorated with the fresh air.
Good to know

At a glance

Best time to visit
Nov–Mar
Recommended duration
1 night / 2 days
Average price per night Partner link

$120.00 / 105,00€ in Aoraki / Mount Cook

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Travel guides Partner links
Lonely Planet
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Current weather
0.7°C / 33.3°F
light snow
What's around

Highlights

Walk along stunning sights and scenery in Mount Cook

Mount Cook National Park has many gorgeous walks that only take a couple of hours and can be done by most people. Kea Point is a gentle walk that winds along grasslands before stopping at a viewing platform where you can see some of Mount Cook’s best sights in under 2 hours. Hooker Valley Track is full of adventure and story as it trails past 3 separate swing bridges and along the sacred Tƍpuni area in the shadow of Aoraki or Mount Cook.

See New Zealand’s glaciers in a whole new way

Encounter New Zealand’s tallest mountains and glaciers in a whole new way with a scenic helicopter flight. Depending on which helicopter flight provider you choose, you can go for helicopter rides lasting from 20 minutes up to 7 hours. The longer flights allows you to stop off on a glacier and/or mountain where you can then take a guided hike or ski trip before being transported back. Either way you’ll experience some of the greatest sights in a spetacular fashion.

Challenge yourself to a shorter climb for fantastic views

If you want to experience what it would have felt like for early explorers and mountaineers, yet haven’t got the years of practice, then the Mueller Hut Route is the one for you. Starting at the Kea Point track, you’ll turn to the Sealy Tarns Track which steeply zig-zags up and rewards you with spectacular views. A couple more hours ahead along an alpine route and up a mediocrely difficult slope, you’ll reach the Mueller Hut summit where you can enjoy the mountain hut accommodations.

Take a moment for relaxation at Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo in Mount Cook National Park gets international recognition for its marvelous, mountainous views during daytime and the remarkable, breath-taking night sky at night. You can experience the New Zealand night sky like never before only near Lake Tekapo due to its being within the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve area. Imagine; lavender fields between you and the crystal lake and snowcapped mountain range while having lunch, and then looking up to the glorious splendor of thousands of stars after dinner.
Where to stay

Accommodation

Booking.com

Our top picks

Partner links
Standard
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
starting from $27 (24,00€)
This comfortable motel with hostel-style housing is located within Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, 1 km from Mueller Glacier and Mount Ollivier. Mountain views and en suite bathrooms are available in the simple mixed dorms as well as in the private rooms.
Mid-range
Aoraki Alpine Lodge
starting from $135 (119,00€)
This laid-back lodge is surrounded by mountains in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The majority of the rooms of the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge offer views of this spectacular mount panorama. A shared kitchen and dining room, as well as a lounge with a stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views, are included in the amenities.
Mid-range
Aoraki Court Motel
starting from $144 (126,00€)
The Aoraki Court Motel provides excellent accommodations in the Aoraki/Mt Cook Village at a low cost. Every property boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, with each facing the beautiful Mt Sefton. The units are spacious, functional, and modern on the inside, providing everything you expect and need during your stay.
Mid-range
The Hermitage Hotel
starting from $175 (154,00€)
This relaxed hotel is located a 5-minute walk away from the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre in Mount Cook National Park. The modest rooms offer balconies or patios with mountain views, and some even include binoculars. Two restaurants with mountain views and a casual cafe/bar with a patio are available for dining. There's also a cozy lounge with an exposed stone fireplace.
Find more accommodation options in Mount Cook on Booking.com
Where to go next

Experiences nearby

All distances are direct distances.
How to get there

Getting there & away

ZQN
Queenstown (ZQN) in Queenstown is located about 257 km and 2:59 hrs away if you take a car, taxi or minibus.
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CHC
Christchurch International (CHC) in Christchurch is located about 324 km and 3:50 hrs away if you take a car, taxi or minibus.
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New Zealand Tour Planner

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