WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON MOUNT COOK

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Day 28-29: What to see and do on Mount Cook

With your mind on an impressive list of things to see and do on Mount Cook We left Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, where we have been these last days of the trip to New Zealand in 36 days and that have given us some of the most incredible moments of the trip.

We leave the Glentanner Holiday Park Mt. Cook, our accommodation in the accommodation on Lake Pukaki this last night for when there are a few minutes to 8 to start traveling the stretch of Highway 80 that will finally take us to the Mount cook, one of the essential places to see in New Zealand, which we are looking forward to enjoying and squeezing to the fullest.

In the same way that we have indicated in the previous posts, since we arrived in the area of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, just as it will also happen with Mount Cook or Aoraki, the days and posts do not correspond chronologically to what we really did. This is due to the time we are during these days and that we forced to continually change plans, often carrying out illogical paths, but what we did to find the best possible time. Anyway, all the plans and recommendations that we have included in all the articles, we have made them and they are related under our experience and in any case, they can be made in the times that we recommend.

Being able to make these changes has only been possible by renting a motorhome in New Zealand, something that has allowed us throughout the trip to modify plans and adjust them to the weather or the times we were having.
Remember that if you are interested in making a route through New Zealand by motorhome, we recommend you look at the Motorhome Republic page where you can see all the available motorhome options, prices and even make the reservation directly.

What to see and do on Mount Cook

Located in Mt. Cook National Park, the Mt. Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand With its 3724 meters and how could it be otherwise, one of the places that any traveler wants to see when visiting this amazing country.
Known to Maori as Aoraki, honoring mythology, he is currently known as Mount Cook in honor of the famous explorer James Cook.
Although today there are not a few organized groups that arrive here, there are few who stay for more than a few hours who dedicate only to take a photo along the way, a stop at the famous Hotel Hermitage for many later, return by SH80 without even looking back.

We recommend, whenever you can, that you do not do this and dedicate at least two days to this place, since there are so many things to see and do on Mount Cook, that we are sure, you will regret it if you do not.

Mount cook

More practical information to prepare your trip to New Zealand
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Walk the SH80 Road

As we commented in the previous post, dedicated to Lake Pukaki, in this we recommend you continue traveling the SH80 road that unites this lake with the awesome mount cook and from which on clear days, you will see the immensity of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
In the first section you will go along Lake Pukaki, but as you leave it, you will see how the road becomes increasingly winding and with it, the views of the Aoraki sharper and closer.

Highway SH80 to Mount Cook

Although there are several viewpoints in the area, which we will detail on the map at the end of the post, we recommend as always, be careful and very careful when making any stop on the shoulder as there are curves and sometimes, it circulates high speed.

Highway SH80 to Mount Cook

Following the SH80 road and already very close to the Monte Cook town, there is another of the most impressive points of the road, from which you can see the immensity of the mountain and understand the reason why this is one of the most Nice New Zealand.
As we mentioned before, on the map we leave you the points that are essential for us, marked with the signal of a camera.

Road to Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook Village

Although we can not say much less that it is an essential or one of the things to do on Mount CookIt is a place to make a brief stop to fill the deposit, although it is somewhat more expensive than in the rest of New Zealand, or buy something in one of the small grocery stores.
Another thing that can be done in the town of Mount Cook is to approach the Hotel Hermitage for dinner or have a drink with unique views of the Mount cook.

Trekking and hiking in the Aoraki

Without a doubt, these are the two basic reasons why travelers come to Mount Cook. Although there are plenty of options to choose from, many of them for experienced climbers, we want to highlight the 3 options that we find most interesting to perform in 1 or 2 days and that are also among the best things to do on Mount Cook.
In addition to this, we take into account that any of them can be done with a low-medium physical form and that no physical effort is required at any time. Despite this, it is very important to keep in mind that in this area the weather is very changing, so although they are 3-4 hour walks it is worth checking the weather and being prepared with warm clothes and rain in addition to some food and water, so as not to have a bad time in case the weather changes during the tour.

Trekking and hiking in the Aoraki

Hooker Valley Track, one of the things to do on Mount Cook

Without a doubt, this is the best-known trekking of Mount Cook and one of the most beautiful in the world, according to many travelers. The Hooker Valley Track is a route of approximately 3 hours (round trip) that you can start directly from the town or better, from the White Horse Hill Campsite, which we will talk about later in the accommodation section.
This hike runs through unique landscapes crossing the Hooker Valley, crossing 3 suspension bridges to reach the end, reaching the Hooker Glacier and one of the great attractions of the trekking is that from the second bridge, the views of the Aoraki are impressive, since You have it right in front of you at all times.

Hooker Valley Track

Unfortunately, we had very bad luck and just two days before they closed the Hooker Valley Track from the first bridge because due to the heavy rains of the previous days, it had deteriorated and was dangerous.
Without a doubt, if this had not happened, we are sure that this would have been one of the cherries of the trip although we also have to say that thanks to this We discovered the next two paths we will talk about, which left us totally impressed, having not read too much about them and giving us some of the most unforgettable moments on the South Island of New Zealand.

First part of the Hooker Valley Track

Keep in mind that the duration of the Hooker Valley Track is about 3 hours, although with stops to take pictures and enjoy it, we would add a couple more hours, it is highly recommended to start early in the morning to finish it at noon. Eat something along the way (always picking up any type of garbage) or eat at the White Horse Hill Campsite where you can improvise a picnic with some of the best views in the world.
Although we did not have the experience, what we have read does not require physical fitness since most of the trekking runs in a flat area.
If you arrive by car or motorhome you can leave the car in the free parking lot that is right next to the White Horse Hill Campsite.

Picnic at the White Horse Hill Campsite

Hooker Valley Track Map

We leave you the map with the highlights of the Hooker Valley Track.

Tasman Glacier View Track

This is another one of the trails to do on Mount Cook more recommended and that whenever you have time, we recommend you not to get lost. Although in many places you can read that the trekking is 60 minutes round trip, if you take it easy and also do the two areas of the viewpoints, it will be a minimum of a couple of hours to enjoy the place.
Once you reach the parking lot, you must take the path and after a few meters you will see that there is a fork on the right and another on the left. Our recommendation is that you take the one on the left, which will take you to an impressive viewpoint in the moraine of the glacier, passing through the blue lakes.
This section is uphill, although it is not at all demanding.

Blue Lakes in the Tasman Tasman Glacier View Track

Once you are up, you can enjoy one of the best views of New Zealand, with Lake Tasmania at your feet and the glacier at the bottom of which you can see how the pieces of ice that form one of the most beautiful landscapes come off Awesome in the world.
As a curiosity you should know that this lake is forming since the 70s and that it currently has 8 kilometers, but it is expected that due to the dreaded climate change, its measures will increase to 20 kilometers in about 25 years.

Tasman Glacier View Track

Once you have enjoyed these breathtaking views, our recommendation is that you undo the path made and when you arrive at the fork of which we talked to you before, take the path on the right to reach an area from which you can be in about 20 minutes practically next to Lake Tasman and much closer to the icebergs.
Keep in mind that this same path could be done along the moraine in that sense, although we must not forget that there is no path and that the terrain is quite slippery, so we, for safety, recommend you take this path that is a lot safer.

Tasman Glacier View Track

Keep in mind that, as we said before, the duration of the Tasman Glacier View Track is 1 hour or so, although we recommend complementing this by extending the walk for about 60 minutes to reach the area closest to Lake Tasman.
With stops to take photos and taking it easy, it can be done perfectly in a couple of hours and although we recommend doing the Mount Cook area in two days, making this walk next to the next one that we will comment on the second day (the first do Hooker Valley Track), it would be totally feasible to join the first two and even all three in one day starting very early in the morning.
If you arrive by car or motorhome you can leave the car in the free parking lot that is right at the beginning of the trail.

Tasman Glacier View Track, one of the things to do on Mount Cook

Tasman Glacier View Track Map

We leave you the map with the highlights of the Tasman Glacier View Track.

Kea Point Track

On many occasions forgotten to be next to the Hooker Valley Track, the Kea Point Track is another of the things to do in Mount Cook most recommended, especially if you have a couple of days in the area and want to have another perspective of Mount Cook and Lake Mueller.
Also, like the Hooker Valley, this path could be started from the village, although it is much more advisable to do it from the White Horse Hill Campsite, since in addition to being able to stay, you can leave the vehicle in the free parking lot and save some first kilometers that are the least striking.

Kea Point Track and Hooker Valley Track parking

Although you can read that it is a hard walk, nothing is further from reality. The tour will not take you more than an hour (round trip with stops) and is practically completely flat until you reach the viewpoint of Lake Mueller from where you will have unique views of the first bridge of the Hooker Valley Track, Lake Mueller and Mt Cook in the background.

Kea Point Track Lookout

If you have two days in the Mount Cook area, we would recommend doing this trail the morning of the second day, since you can enjoy unique views and an unforgettable sunrise over the Aoraki and then drive to the start of the Tasman Glacier View Track and do this trekking.

How many days do I need to see Mount Cook?

As we have commented several times in the post, we believe that the recommended time to see Mount Cook would be two days, divided as follows:

Day 1: Hooker Valley Track and Mt. Cook Village
Day 2: Kea Point Track, Tasman Glacier View Track and SH80 road (back to Lake Pukaki)

In case you only have one day in the area, you can do the three walks on Mount Cook, yes, getting up early and managing time well.
We in this situation would do the Hooker Valley Track first, first the Kea Point and finally the Tasman Glacier View Track. If you had to eliminate one of them, the Kea Point would be the least "essential".

Tasman Lake

Where to sleep in the Aoraki or Mount Cook?

If you want to sleep in Mount Cook, something else totally recommended, you can do it at:

Accommodation in the village Monte Cook Village. This option is the most recommended if you do not have a motorhome or want to stay in a hotel.
White Horse Hill Campsite: For us the most recommended option since it is, we would dare to say, the camping with best views of New Zealand. Located at the beginning of the Hooker Valley Track and the Kea Point Track has unique views of Mount Cook and the glacier.
It is impossible to book in advance and once you arrive, you have to fill in a form in the house with your name and details of the motorhome and pay the 15NZD, which you will leave in an envelope and put in a mailbox.
Do not forget that at night and in the morning they check that everyone has paid and match the vehicle data with the payment you have made in the mailbox.
Here there are only bathroom facilities and a small picnic area, but the views compensate for any other lack. Keep in mind that there are areas where the internet signal is lower than others, so if you have to work or need coverage, it is best to stay in the entrance area, where there are also the best views.

Excursions

In addition to all things to do on Mount Aoraki As we mentioned before, we leave you a selection of different options that can be a complement to fully enjoy one of the most incredible places in New Zealand or get here from other parts of the country if you do not want or do not have your own vehicle.

Mount Cook Ultimate Alpine Skiplane and Heli Experience
Mount Cook in small group Queenstown
Day trip to Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier and Alpine Center
Two-day Milford Sound and Mount Cook tour
More excursions on Mount Cook here