Park & nature
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
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Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is a stunning alpine wilderness in New Zealand's South Island, centered on the country's tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook. As part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site, the park offers dramatic landscapes of glaciers, snowfields, and rugged peaks. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, from short walks to multi-day treks, take scenic flights over the glaciers, or simply marvel at the star-filled night skies. The park's visitor center provides exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history, while the Hermitage Hotel offers accommodation and dining with mountain views.
Don't miss
- Hike the Hooker Valley Track for close-up views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and alpine scenery.
- Take a scenic flight or heli-hike to land on the Tasman Glacier.
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about mountaineering history.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inYellowstone National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour4.4★ · 261 travelers5–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →
Best full dayMt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown4.9★ · 431 travelers~13 hoursFree cancellationFrom$162 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch5★ · 17 travelers10–13 hoursFree cancellationFrom$197 per personSee dates →More attractions in Mount Cook Village
