Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand's most dramatic natural beauty. It has the highest mountains, longest glaciers, permanent snow, crystal-clear lakes and star-studded skies. Hike the Hooker Valley Track at sunrise for stunning views, go stargazing in the only Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere or try heli-skiing on the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
Contact Kieran
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located on New Zealand’s South Island about two hours from the town of Lake Tekapo. It was known as Aoraki by the Maori which means "cloud piercer." The heart of the park is Mount Cook - at 3,724 metres it is New Zealand's highest mountain on the South Island.
The park spans 722 square kilometres, with 19 peaks and is home to 8 of the 12 largest glaciers in New Zealand, notably the Tasman Glacier. These glaciers cover a massive 40% of the national park area. A third of the entire area consists of permanent snow and ice.
First climbed in 1894 by New Zealanders Fyfe, Graham and Clarke, Mount Cook is to be respected by climbers as it is long, physically demanding and challenging. You need to have a certain level of skill and fitness to conquer the climb. Sir Edmund Hillary used it as his training ground before climbing Mount Everest.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park's altitudes are perfect for hundreds of alpine plant species that usually flower from November to February. Travellers from all around the world make the trip to see the Mount Cook Buttercup which is the largest buttercup in the world. If you hike the Hooker Valley Track, keep an eye out for them just after the second bridge.
Remember to pack your binoculars to spot the 40 different types of birds that find their home here, including fantails, piwakawaka, and morepork. The cheeky kea, known as the 'clown of the mountain' will most likely make you laugh and keep your ears peeled for New Zealand’s songbird, the pipit.
The kea is an endangered species, however, you can usually spot a couple at Kea Point. Be prepared for a laugh when you meet this mountain parrot. They are very flashy and known for their pranks. The tiny rock wren is the only alpine bird that lives in the national park and spends the winter in the rock pools.
The starting point for exploring the area is Mount Cook Village. Sit on the deck of the Hermitage hotel, one of New Zealand's most famous hotels, and enjoy magnificent views. Or spend time at the nearby visitor centre where you can find all the necessary information about geology, flora and fauna, weather and the environment.
Mountaineers consider the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia but there are different ways to discover this diverse landscape. Several guided or unguided hikes, from easy to difficult, start from Mount Cook Village, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular surroundings. The best short hike is through the Hooker Valley via two suspension bridges to the Hooker Glacier which takes a total of four to five hours.
There are other ways to explore the mountain and its glaciers up close without having to climb it. A helicopter flight, possibly with a landing on a glacier, while still adventurous and impressive, is much more comfortable. Skiing on the Tasman Glacier is available from mid-July to mid-October. The slope can only be reached by plane or helicopter and is 10 to 15 kilometres long.
"Whether it's a flight across Lake Tekapo or above the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers - it's always special to get a bird's eye view."
Nicole, travel specialist
Spending the night under the stars takes on a whole new meaning at Mount Cook National Park. It is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve which is a 4,300-kilometre region protected from artificial light pollution and is the only Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. The purpose of the Dark Sky Reserve is to allow the Mount John Observatory to look into space without light pollution.
The drive from Queenstown to Mount Cook is listed as one of the greatest drives in New Zealand. Along the way, you pass stunning scenery and interesting towns. The drive is about 275 kilometres long and it can be done in as little as 3.5 hours.
We recommend taking your time and making it a full-day adventure. Drive from Queenstown through Wanaka which is a small, quirky town surrounded by the Southern Alps. Enjoy a pit stop at Wanaka Lavender Farm, visit the famous lone willow tree with the hashtag #thatwanakatree or pass by the much-debated Cardona Bras (bra fence) which is probably the weirdest tourist attraction in New Zealand.
Mount Cook Village and the mountain region of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park can be reached via Highway 80. Most of it runs along Lake Pukaki, a scenic route through a breathtakingly beautiful area with views of the mountains in the distance.
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Join our communityThe best time to travel to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is either spring or summer (end of September to April) because the conditions are perfect for walking, hiking or climbing the mountain. From December to March the landscape turns into a magical landscape. The wildflowers bloom in the mountains, making nature even more beautiful. The meadows are covered with lilies, gentians, edelweiss and daisies as far as the eye can see.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
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