EXPLORE · AORAKI/MT COOK
Aoraki/Mt Cook: a local’s guide to New Zealand’s highest mountain
Where the Southern Alps begin.
LAST UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724 metres, and sacred to Ngāi Tahu as their most revered ancestor. The surrounding national park holds glaciers, alpine lakes and some of the country’s finest short walks.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
More in the national park
Tasman Glacier
New Zealand’s longest glacier; view it from the Blue Lakes walk, or by boat on the terminal lake in summer.
Sealy Tarns
The “stairway to heaven”, for fit walkers.
Scenic flights and glacier landings
Helicopter or ski-plane.
Stargazing
The national park sits inside the Dark Sky Reserve.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Planetarium, museum and cinema at The Hermitage.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Aoraki/Mt Cook questions
Is the Hooker Valley Track suitable for everyone?
It is mostly flat, well formed and about 10 km return, so it suits most fitness levels. Allow around three hours, dress for changeable alpine weather and check conditions before you go.
What’s the best time of day for the Hooker Valley?
Early morning. Sunrise brings softer light on Aoraki, calmer conditions and far fewer people on the track.
Can you do Aoraki/Mt Cook as a day trip from Tekapo?
Yes. Aoraki/Mt Cook Village is about 1.5 hours from Lake Tekapo, so a full day is very comfortable – leave early for the Hooker Valley and stop at Lake Pukaki on the way back.
