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Things To Do In Mt Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, with a height of 3,754 metres (12,316 ft) above sea level. It used to be the world's 37th most prominent mountain standing, until the eastern face of its northern peak fell off in 1991. An exceptionally beautiful place to visit with sky scraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields. The M... Show More

Tourist Information About Mt Cook

Top Attractions

Aoraki/ Mt Cook Scenic Flights

Aoraki/ Mt Cook Sceni...

Based at Aoraki/Mt Cook airport Southern Lakes Helicopters offer spectacular sce ......

Related Areas

Tourist Information About Mt Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, with a height of 3,754 metres (12,316 ft) above sea level. It used to be the world's 37th most prominent mountain standing, until the eastern face of its northern peak fell off in 1991. An exceptionally beautiful place to visit with sky scraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields. The Mt Cook National Park is abundant in walking tracks, with walking trails leaving Mount Cook Village taking anywhere between 10 minutes and 4 hours. There are also day tramps to some of the area's alpine huts, and for the more experienced, mountain climbing is widely popular. Activities during winter include ski excursions to New Zealand's longest glacier, the Tasman, and there is boating on the Tasman Lake. Scenic flights are also a stunning attraction around this whole  Southern Alps area and there are flights to take you up the Tasman Glacier and land to enjoy a unique opportunity to get on the ice.


Best Attractions and free things to do in Mt Cook



Mt Cook scenic flight

1. Mt Cook scenic flight

These memorable flights are all geared to provide you the greatest possible experience! They go above and above to show you around this beautiful location. Based at Aoraki/Mt Cook airport Heliworks Mt Cook offers spectacular scenic flights throughout the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

 
Meet Alpacas

2. Meet Alpacas

Come meet these friendly award-winning alpacas, who are full of attitude, seriously cute, and very, very photogenic. Shamarra Alpaca Farm is located on the picturesque Banks Peninsula, across the harbor from Akaroa, and is only one hour from Christchurch. With over 170 grazing alpacas, you're sure to meet some new friends while taking in the breathtaking vistas. Visit our farm and shop, which sells only our luxury Shamarra alpaca knitwear manufactured in New Zealand.

 
Discovery Tour

3. Discovery Tour

Plant your own unique tree to aid with the regeneration of our native ecosystem and leave your stamp on the history of our newly founded "Mable Hope reserve."

You will acquire an understanding of the value of New Zealand native forest and explore some of the crucial connections created with our native fauna on a stunning scenic drive over an ancient volcano accompanied by our experience guide.

In Pohatu Bay, you'll find a wonderful blend of thriving sheep farms, penguin colonies, and native woods.

This farming family's conservation efforts have helped the penguins grow throughout the years, but they've also designed their agricultural operations to balance economy and ecological in order to conserve the biodiversity in their backyard.

 
Evening Penguin Safari

4. Evening Penguin Safari

You will find the calm beauty of Pohatu bay after a magnificent panoramic trip from the office in a 4WD minibus through the extinct volcano crater rim of Akaroa.

Once you've arrived at the bay, you'll go for a walk and talk around the colony to keep an eye on nesting places and ensure that our Little Penguins are doing well. You'll be able to view them up close and hear about their habits, as well as how our 30-year conservation efforts have kept the Flea Bay colony alive.

 
Hooker Valley Track

5. Hooker Valley Track

The Hooker Valley Track, one of Mt Cook's most popular walks! On a well-maintained and simple track made up of boardwalks, three swing bridges, and gravel, this three-hour return walk offers spectacular views of the Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake, and Aoraki Mt Cook. The route is mainly flat, so It's great for everyone to enjoy!

 
Mueller Hut Route

6. Mueller Hut Route

The Mueller Hut Route, one of the most difficult walks in the area, climbs 1,800 metres up the Sealy Range, affording magnificent panoramic vistas for those who make it all the way. The trip may be done from December to April, but even in the summer, bring some warm and waterproof gear as well as plenty of water and food. The beautiful red Mueller Hut lies at the summit, where you may stay overnight or return the same way you came!

 
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

7. Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

From the foothills of Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean in Oamaru, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail stretches for more than 300 kilometers! However, you are not required to complete the entire path. The east bank of the Tasman River and Lake Pukaki are part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which is best reached from Pukaki from the south or through a helicopter fly from the north. You can also mountain cycle at Glentanner Station if you acquire permission from the landowners.

 
Kea Point Track

8. Kea Point Track

Do you want to see more stunning glaciers and mountains in your life? Another worthwhile walking option is the Kea Point Track, which can be accessed from either Mt Cook Village or the White Horse Hill Campsite. In any case, you'll wind your way through meadows until you reach an observation deck with a breathtaking view of the Mueller Glacier's moraine wall!

 
New Brighton Pier

9. New Brighton Pier

The New Brighton neighborhood offers a diverse range of activities. Surfing and sunbathing are common activities on the beaches, weather permitting. A stroll along Marine Parade also provides access to stores and eateries. What's a more calming activity to do on any Sunday evening than take a stroll on the pier?

 
The Te Ana Maori Rock Art Site

10. The Te Ana Maori Rock Art Site

Join a personal guided tour with Te Ana Maori Rock Art for an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience and a unique glimpse into Maori heritage. The site is close outside of Timaru (it's self-drive, so you'll have to follow your guide in your own vehicle) and offers the opportunity to see old Maori art painted in caves.