Best trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest peak in New Zealand; Aoraki or Mount Cook (3724m). The park has a rugged landscape full of rock and ice with 19 mountains over 3000m high. Visitors will enjoy stunning views of the Southern Alps, long glaciers, turquoise lakes, and one of the best spots in the world to see clear skies with stars at night. It's the perfect place for short walks, camping, overnight tramps, climbing, and glacier skiing.
Top trails
1
(8833)
•Moderate
•6.7 mi
•Est. 2.5–3 hr
Get ready for some jaw-dropping views on the Hooker Valley Track. This walk in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an absolute stunner, with massive mountains, glaciers, and a lake with icebergs floating in it. You'll cross a few swing bridges as you wander up the valley, and on a clear day, you'll get a ripper view of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. It's a pretty flat and easy-going track, so you can just take your time and soak it all in. This track occasionally closes at the...
2
(1902)
•Hard
•3.3 mi
•Est. 3–3.5 hr
This trail is often called ''Stairway to Heaven’’ with about 2200 stairs to climb until you reach the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns. The climb is steep and challenging in places, but the views of the Hooker Valley and Mount Cook from the top are epic. Bring plenty of water and a hat - there's not much shade along the way. Return via the same track or continue climbing up to Mueller Hut. White Horse Hill Campground is located at the trailhead - bookings in advance are required...
3
(1909)
•Hard
•6.0 mi
The Mueller Hut Route is a challenging and rewarding alpine hike in New Zealand's Southern Alps, located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The track is known for its steep inclines, rugged terrain, and spectacular views. It's one of the most popular walking tracks in the region.
The track starts at the White Horse Hill Campground, and from there, the track follows a steep and rocky path, leading to Sealy Tarns, a series of 2200 stairs that wind up the hillside. As you ascend, the landscape...
4
(479)
•Moderate
•5.3 mi
•Est. 2–2.5 hr
This track follows the Hooker Valley Track. The first part to Stocking Stream is mostly a flat well-maintained walkway with only a few inclines/steps but not technically difficult. The second part is more challenging and takes you through the tussock and riverbed section - follow orange markers and poles indicating the route to the hut. Please note that bookings in advance are required to stay at Hooker Hut. More information about bookings and hut fees is available at...
5
(992)
•Easy
•1.8 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
Take a walk through a landscape that’s rich with stories on the Kea Point Track. The mountain, Aoraki, is sacred to the local Māori people, the Ngāi Tahu. According to their legend, Aoraki and his brothers were turned to stone, forming the Southern Alps. As you stand at the lookout, you're not just seeing a mountain; you're looking at a treasured ancestor. It's a powerful place to connect with the deep cultural history of this incredible part of the world.
Please note that bookings in...
6
(915)
•Moderate
•0.7 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
Hike up about 300 steps to see fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest glacier) and Terminal Lake. This track is short, but you could easily spend longer if you explore a few different walks near the glacier and the lake. Prepare for the short section with stairs and no shade along the track. There's a carpark with a public shelter at the trailhead.
7
(404)
•Easy
•1.1 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
This is a lovely short walk near Mount Cook Village. It’s mostly flat and offers the most spectacular views per ounce of energy in all of New Zealand. There is a bench and a stone landing at the Muller Lake Lookout. Make sure to come on a clear day for the best experience and go early to try to avoid crowds. The carpark at the end of Hooker Valley Road is usually packed after 9 am but there is enough space for 200 cars. Camping is also available at the trailhead and offers a separate car...
8
(378)
•Hard
•6.9 mi
This is a challenging climb to the top of Mount Ollivier (1933m) suitable for well-equipped and experienced trampers only. It has about 2200 stairs to climb until you reach Sealy Tarns. After that's the track is more rugged. There is a lot of rock climbing, not pro level but easy. Once the stairs end, the trail can be followed by spotting the orange poles. After you reach the top, there is less climbing with epic views of New Zealand’s highest peaks and surrounding glaciers. Please note that...
9
(599)
•Easy
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
The Tasman Lake Track starts from the Blue Lakes Car Park at the end of Tasman Valley Road. It's a relatively short track with few stairs on a wide gravel track. There are beautiful views over the lake with icebergs and the Tasman Glacier, and plenty of little details to see along the way, such as lichens, mosses, and tiny plants between the rocks.
10
(425)
•Moderate
•8.7 mi
•Est. 3.5–4 hr
This track is one of the best day hikes from Mount Cook Village. There is a breathtaking view over the Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake, and up to Mount Cook at the end of the track. It’s mostly a flat, well-maintained walkway (only a few inclines/steps, but not technically difficult) crossing swing bridges. There is a bench and a stone landing at the Muller Lake Lookout and picnic tables along the way.
Make sure to come on a clear day for the best experience and go early to try to avoid...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, which has a 4.8 star rating from 8,833 reviews. This trail is 6.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 702 ft.
What is the longest trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is Ball Hut Route. This trail is estimated to be 12.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
There are 30 trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 19,205 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park has you covered. Mount Wakefield Track boasts the most elevation gain with 4,681 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Ollivier from Mount Cook Village, which will get you 3,825 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 11 camping trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and the most popular is Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track with an average 4.8 star rating from 8,833 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and the most popular is Governors Bush Track with an average 4.4 star rating from 186 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park which is Alps to Ocean Segment 1: White Horse Hill Campground to the Airport with an average 4.5 star rating from 14 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 16 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, Sealy Tarns Track, Mueller Hut Route, Hooker Hut Track, and Kea Point Track.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park: Wakefield Falls Track.
Are there any trails with lakes in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with lakes in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Lake Track, Hooker Lake from Mount Cook Village, Tasman Lake and River Walk, and Hooker Lake to Playing Field Gully Track.
Are there any trails with ponds in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with ponds in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, Sealy Tarns Track, Mueller Hut Route, Mount Ollivier Summit via Mueller Hut Route, and Hooker Lake from Mount Cook Village.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with scenic viewpoints in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, Sealy Tarns Track, Mueller Hut Route, Hooker Hut Track, and Kea Point Track.
Are there any trails with huts in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with huts in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Mueller Hut Route, Hooker Hut Track, Mount Ollivier Summit via Mueller Hut Route, Sefton Bivouac from White Horse Hill Carpark, and Ball Hut Route.
Are there any trails with glaciers in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with glaciers in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Sefton Bivouac from White Horse Hill Carpark, Ball Hut Route, Sefton Bivouac Track, Balls Pass from Caroline Hut, and Ball Hut to Caroline Hut.
Are there any trails with rivers in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with rivers in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, Hooker Hut Track, Muller Lake Lookout via Hooker Valley Track, Hooker Lake from Mount Cook Village, and Tasman Lake and River Walk.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with historical ruins in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, including Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track, Hooker Hut Track, Hooker Lake from Mount Cook Village, Sefton Bivouac from White Horse Hill Carpark, and Sefton Bivouac Track.