Best trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...