Mt Cook

General Info

The Aoraki/Mount Cook region is located in the central South Island of New Zealand and is famous for its stunning mountain landscapes, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The region is part of the Southern Alps and has a population of just 1,000 people.

The area is known for its dramatic alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The region is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area and includes other natural attractions such as the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley. The Mount Cook Village, located at the foot of Aoraki/Mount Cook, serves as the primary base for visitors exploring the area.

Top 10 Tourism Activities

1. Hike the Hooker Valley Track – The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular walks in the region, offering stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains. The track is easy to follow and takes hikers to Hooker Lake, where they can enjoy a view of the glacier.

2. Take a Scenic Flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook – A scenic flight offers the best views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Visitors can also opt for a glacier landing experience.

3. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – Located in the Mount Cook Village, this center celebrates the life and achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest. The center features exhibits on mountaineering, the region’s history, and astronomy.

4. Experience Glacier Hiking or Ice Climbing – For those seeking adventure, there are several guided options for glacier hiking or ice climbing on the Tasman Glacier. These experiences allow visitors to explore the stunning blue ice formations and ice caves.

5. Stargazing at the Mount Cook National Park – The Aoraki/Mount Cook region is known for its clear skies and low light pollution, making it a prime spot for stargazing. The region is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

6. Visit Tasman Glacier – The Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest glacier, and visitors can take boat tours on the glacier's terminal lake, offering breathtaking views of icebergs and the surrounding peaks.

7. Explore the Kea Point Track – The Kea Point Track is a short but rewarding hike that provides stunning views of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the Mueller Glacier.

8. Take a Helicopter Ride over the Southern Alps – A helicopter ride over the Southern Alps provides stunning aerial views of the snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and valleys of the region.

9. Visit the Mount Cook Village – The Mount Cook Village serves as a base for tourists visiting the region. It offers accommodation, restaurants, and a variety of walking tracks, along with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

10. Enjoy Scenic Drives – The drive to the Aoraki/Mount Cook region from nearby towns like Twizel or Lake Tekapo offers some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand, with stunning views of the Southern Alps, turquoise lakes, and wide-open plains.

Top 10 Natural Attractions

1. Aoraki/Mount Cook – Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, is the centerpiece of the region. Its towering peak and surrounding glaciers create an awe-inspiring landscape, attracting climbers and photographers alike.

2. Hooker Valley – The Hooker Valley is a picturesque location within the Mount Cook National Park, offering walking tracks with stunning views of glaciers, rivers, and Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.

3. Tasman Glacier – The Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand, flows from the Southern Alps into the Tasman Valley. Visitors can take boat tours on its terminal lake or explore the glacier through guided hikes.

4. Mueller Glacier – The Mueller Glacier is another striking glacier in the region, located at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The glacier's deep blue ice and dramatic surroundings make it a must-see natural wonder.

5. Lake Pukaki – Lake Pukaki is a stunning turquoise lake formed by glacial meltwater, offering amazing views of the Southern Alps and a perfect spot for photography.

6. The Southern Alps – The Southern Alps are a vast mountain range that stretches the length of the South Island. This region is home to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and dramatic alpine landscapes.

7. The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve – The Aoraki Mackenzie region is a designated dark sky reserve, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The clear, dark skies offer exceptional views of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies.

8. The Godley and Glentanner Valleys – These valleys are less visited but offer equally stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes, providing a more secluded and tranquil experience.

9. Kea Point – Kea Point is a viewpoint located on the Kea Point Track, offering panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Mueller Glacier, and the surrounding alpine landscapes.

10. The Ben Ohau Range – The Ben Ohau Range is a lesser-known mountain range that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, lakes, and glaciers. It's a great place for hiking and photography.

The Aoraki/Mount Cook region is a stunning destination for nature lovers, with some of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. From hiking and glacier tours to stargazing and scenic drives, there's something for everyone in this spectacular alpine region.