Near the middle of New Zealand’s South Island, our tallest mountain, Aoraki meaning cloud-piercer in Māori, Mount Cook stands proud at 3724 metres...
As you approach Mount Cook National Park along the west shore of Lake Pukaki, you’ll catch glimpses of the glistening white peak contrasting the turquoise waters of the lake coloured by suspended glacial flour. The scenery alone is enough to visually satiate a traveller, but for those who want to explore, there’s plenty to do in Aoraki.
Here are five of our favourite things to do while staying at Mount Cook, which ensure that there’s something to do for the outdoorsy, the indoorsy, the morning people and the night owls.
This one’s obvious! You’re among the tallest mountains in New Zealand. Glaciers, glacial lakes, the thunderous orchestra of avalanches off Sefton Glacier and the cry of the world’s only alpine parrot (the kea) are enough to ensure that no matter the distance or elevation demanded by a hike, each trail Mount Cook National Park has to offer will satisfy the senses.
Hooker Valley Walk - This 10 km, slightly undulating walk is one of the most popular day walks in New Zealand. A leisurely three hours will take you by Mueller Lake, across the Hooker River over three separate swing bridges, and ends at Hooker Lake, the terminus of Hooker Glacier. This is one of the most rewarding easy walks in the country, with views of Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains, alpine flora, glacial rivers and lakes and even icebergs from the terminal face of Hooker Glacier.
Sealy Tarns - If 2200 stairs sounds like you, then step right up! Sealy Tarns gets the heart rate going as hikers gain 600 meters almost entirely by way of varying sized stairs. That said, anywhere one stops to catch their breath offers awesome views of the Hooker Valley. The stairs take you to the small alpine lakes (or tarns) at an incredible viewpoint complete with a picnic table and often several cheeky kea. A round trip takes about 3-4 hours. If you’re feeling keen, continue up to Mueller Ridge and across to Mueller Hut.
Play on a Terminal Lake - If you’re visiting in the summer and are keen to get intimate with the glacial waters of Lake Tasman, kayak tours offer the opportunity to paddle on the icy body and get up close to icebergs and even near the terminal face of the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's largest glacier).
Or, if you’d rather not paddle, you can hop on a boat tour! Our clients often boast that the Glacier Explorer boat ride is one of their highlights of their South Island tour. A 2.5 hour round trip includes transport from the Hermitage Hotel, a 3 kilometer return walk to the lake, and about an hour on the water with an informed guide explaining the glacial formations around you.
For over 100 years, the Hermitage has been a quintessential New Zealand offering. It’s worth staying a night just for the buffet! Thoughtfully built as part of the landscape, the world class hotel blends into the surrounding mountains and offers incredible views of Aoraki. The opportunity to stay in a National Park with hikes through the Southern Alps on the front step, and Kea flying over is unparalleled. Many activities can be booked from the hotel, including scenic flights, heli-hikes, star-gazing and glacial boat tours. There are many dining options as well.
One could easily spend a rainy day at the Sir Edmund Hillary Museum, the 3D theatre, and the Visitor Centre. Located in the Hermitage, visitors can get an intimate look at the machines and equipment Hillary used on some of his expeditions. The theatre offers daily screenings on various subjects including Maori stories, conservation and Ed Hillary.
Located in the Aoraki - Mackenzie international dark sky reserve, there are few places so accessible on earth that offer comparably unsullied views of the night sky. Whether you simply dress warm with a mug of tea and step out of your accommodation on a clear night, or book a star-gazing tour, you won’t want to miss looking up on a clear night in Aoraki. To really maximise your experience, you can visit the Big Sky Stargazing planetarium to enjoy an in-depth exploration of the stars in the southern hemisphere, guided by an astronomer.
One really can’t go wrong at Mount Cook. There's much to do and see. With the majesty of New Zealand’s tallest mountains as the back-drop for any adventure you choose, it always feels an honour simply to be there.
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