A Guide to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park: When to Go, Where to Stay, and What to Do

New Zealand’s tallest peaks mark a landscape of glacier-ridged valleys and accessible hikes that provide exciting glimpses of the country’s most extreme alpine region.

The facts:

– Established in 1953

– Area of ​​722 square kilometers

– Contains the highest peak in New Zealand and the longest glaciers

READ MORE:
* Hooker Valley Track: My Favorite Day Hike
* Mackenzie Country attractions for all ages
* The amazing natural wonder of the Tasman Glacier from the top of the ice

Why go:

Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park was first established just four months after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed Mount Everest, and the kiwi conqueror of the world’s highest peak was well acquainted with this rugged alpine region. Sir Ed’s first significant summit was Mount Ollivier in the park’s Sealy Range in 1939, and in 1948 he was part of the first group to climb the southern Aoraki / Mt Cook ridge.

The challenging mountaineering route is now called Hillary Ridge, and in the quiet alpine village in the shadow of New Zealand’s highest peak, the country’s greatest son is also remembered for his adventures and accomplishments around the world.

Most of New Zealand’s 20 tallest peaks are around Aoraki / Mt Cook, and a third of the park is perennially covered in snow and glacial ice. But despite offering the most extreme alpine terrain in Australasia, it is easy for travelers to experience the alluring spectacle and grandeur of the park.

Accessible day hikes radiate views of blue ice glaciers framed by a cobalt southern sky, and local operators offer kayak tours and inflatable Zodiacs to explore dynamic and ever-changing glacial lakes. More intrepid adventures include tackling the alpine landscapes on skis or snowshoes, or venturing into the park in a 4WD vehicle.

For the best views of the soaring alpine reaches of the park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu-Southwest New Zealand area, a World Heritage Site, which covers a tenth of the country, helicopters and ski planes negotiate careful routes between snow covered peaks to land on top of glaciers. and snow fields.

When to go:

Spring and summer, October through April, are the best times to explore the park’s great walking and walking trails, and from December through March, mountain wildflowers in bloom include the Mt Cook lily and Alpine daisies. , gentians and edelweiss.

Be aware that the park’s climate can change rapidly throughout the year. When out on longer bums, hire an emergency locator beacon and fill out an intent card at the DOC (Department of Conservation) visitor center.

What to do:

Known to the Ngāi Tahu iwi of the South Island as “Cloud Piercer”, Aoraki / Mt Cook dominates the park from its commanding position at the northern end of Lake Pukaki.

Daytime walks out of the park’s alpine village include the Sealy Tarns trail (three to four hours roundtrip). More than 2000 steps come with the reward of spectacular views of the alpine lakes. Three swing bridges mark the popular Hooker Valley Track (three hours back) that leads to the end of the Hooker Glacier, while the Tasman Glacier View Track (30 minutes back) offers accessible views of Lake Tasman and the terminal face of the Tasman Glacier.

I look forward to a good workout going up the steps to the gazebo. The views of the grayish-blue icebergs floating on the lake make it well worth it.

To interact more closely with this fluid and ever-evolving landscape, climb aboard an inflatable Zodiac with Glacier Explorers or join a guided kayak experience with Glacier Kayaking.

The upper reaches of the glacier can also be explored on skiing or snowshoeing adventures (access is provided by spectacular helicopter or ski plane flights) and the exciting off-road tours in rugged 4WD vehicles provide fun access to enjoy of magnificent views of the glacier. Visit mtcook.com for more details.

Both Alpine Recreation and Alpine Guides can also organize in-depth explorations of the park, including guided day-long wanderers, heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier, and adventurous multi-day hikes.

The park experience is not limited to active and adventurous travelers. Especially during spring and summer, the park’s airstrip comes alive with jet departures offering scenic flights over and around New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery.

Heliworks Mt Cook helicopter experiences include the 55-minute Aoraki / Mt Cook Ultimate flight that circumnavigates the highest peak in the country, incorporating views of the West Coast Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, while Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters it offers cheap 30 minute flights. through the Tasman Valley and the Hochstetter Icefall to land on the Tasman Glacier.

Back on land, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center at the historic Hermitage Hotel is a multimedia tribute to the pioneering mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist. Sir Ed was highly experienced in exploring the park’s challenging peaks, and the memories of his global adventures and a compelling 75-minute documentary on his conquest of Mount Everest bear witness to a life exceptionally well lived.

The projection at the center’s digital planetarium is a presentation on the southern New Zealand night sky, an ideal preparation for visitors to venture outside and observe the real thing through telescopes, binoculars, and with a Big Sky astronomy guide. Stargazing.

Established in 2012, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve comprises the Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park and the nearby Mackenzie Basin.

Accommodation:

Accommodation in the alpine village of Aoraki / Mount Cook ranges from one of New Zealand’s finest YHA hostels to the luxury and heritage of the Hermitage. A good option for families are the ensuite rooms at the Aoraki Alpine Lodge or the studios and two-bedroom units at the Aoraki Court motel.

Tent sites and RV and RV parking are available at DOC’s White Horse Hill Campground in scenic Hooker Valley, while campgrounds, backpacker dorms, and motel units can be found at Glentanner Park Center, 22 km south of the village on Lake Pukaki. See doc.govt.nz for details on accommodation in the park, including the most basic alpine huts and bivouac huts.

Advance reservations are required for the popular Mueller Hut from November to April.

Location:

At the western end of Canterbury’s spectacular Mackenzie Country and bordering the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is easily accessible from Christchurch.

Expect a roughly four-hour drive through Geraldine, Fairlie, and Lake Tekapo. The final part of the trip takes place along the turquoise Pukaki Lake.

From Dunedin, travel north on SH1 and then venture west from Oamaru through the Waitaki Valley to Twizel. This trip also takes about four hours.

This route is also the base of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Route that runs over 300 km from Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park to Oamaru.

City of entry:

Near the southern end of Lake Pukaki, Twizel is 67 km (45 minutes) from the alpine village of Aoraki / Mount Cook. Accommodation includes Omahau Downs, with cozy stand-alone cabins on a sheep farm, while there’s a choice of two Four Square supermarkets to shop for supplies before heading to the park’s homeless.

For coffee and breakfast, head to Poppies Cafe or Shawtys, while the best after dark action combines local craft beer from Burkes Brewing and wood-fired pizza at the Ministry of Works Bar & Eatery.

Check out Southern Alps Outdoors for camping gas, fishing licenses, and any last minute wandering and outdoor needs.

For more information:

Visit doc.govt.nz and mackenzienz.com.