Mount Cook

New Zealand, Oceania

Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, it offers breathtaking views, starry skies, and a range of outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and stargazing. Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to unique flora and fauna, glaciers, and picturesque walks such as the Hooker Valley Track. The majestic Alps and tranquil surroundings attract visitors seeking adventure, tranquility, and unparalleled beauty, making it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

Village

Vibe

Active

Airport

Mount Cook

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Mount Cook

1

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Hike to Mueller Hut

Stunning views of Aoraki and surrounding peaks await.

No booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Explore breathtaking landscapes and unique flora and fauna.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Take a scenic flight

Experience aerial views of glaciers and peaks.

Booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Stargazing at Mount Cook

Discover the breathtaking dark sky reserve.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Learn about New Zealand's mountaineering legend.

No booking required
6

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Explore Tasman Glacier

Walk on New Zealand's longest glacier.

Booking required
7

Est. 5 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Take a guided glacier hike

Experience a thrilling hike on the glacier.

Booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Hooker Valley Track

Enjoy a scenic walk with stunning views.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a boat tour on Tasman Lake

Get close to icebergs and glaciers on the lake.

Booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience the Kea Point Track

Short hike with spectacular views of Aoraki.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kiwi Pie

Savory pie with meat and vegetables. (National dish)

Hāngi

Traditional Māori dish cooked in earth oven.

Pavlova

V

Meringue dessert topped with fruit and cream.

Fish and Chips

Battered fish served with fries.

Lamingtons

V

Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)