Best view of Mount Cook – Peters Lookout on the way to Mount Cook

Best view of Mount Cook – Peters Lookout on the way to Mount Cook

Peters Lookout, on the scenic road to Mount Cook, offers one of the best road views in New Zealand. From the viewpoint, Mt Cook Road winds gently beneath the Ben Ohau Range, right next to the turquoise Lake Pukakai.

Peters Lookout on the road to Mount Cook offers one of those bucket-list road trip photo snaps. On a clear day, the view from the viewpoint and road extends far out to the incredible Aoraki (Mount Cook).

In this quick guide, I'll show you where to go and give you tips on how to photograph the perfect New Zealand road trip.

The path to Mount Cook

The road to Mount Cook, aptly named Mt Cook Road, is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand and up there one of my favorite roads in the world.

Along the shore of the turquoise Lake Pukaki, the road leads directly towards Mount Cook National Park.

As you continue driving, it seems as if the mountains get bigger and bigger with every kilometer that passes.

There are many places where you can discover and admire the views. The best and most iconic is Peters Lookout.
alt="PETER'S VIEWING ROAD TO MOUNT COOK">

How to get to Peter's Lookout

Peters Lookout is located approximately 13km down the Mount Cook Road (SH80) near the Ben Ohau Range (driving towards Mount Cook). There are several signs on the street in front of the observation car park, so you will have no problem finding it.

For those driving from Wanaka to Peters Lookout, expect to travel around 2 hours. From the turnoff at Pukaki, it takes less than 15 minutes to reach the viewpoint.

The car park is on the right hand side of the road as you head towards Mount Cook. There is enough parking space here for dozens of vehicles. However, it can get crowded here, especially in high season.

The best photo spots

There are plenty of photo opportunities on the way to Mount Cook for both aspiring photographers and opportunistic road trippers.

For Peters Lookout, I found that the best angles capturing the road, Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki were from the timber fenced viewing area near the car park.
alt=“ROAD TO MOUNT COOK AT PETER’S VIEWPOINT”>
For impressive street photos, you can get some great shots of the street right after the turnoff to the parking lot. Just be careful of cars and don't stand out in the middle of the road.
alt="PETERS LOOKOUT MOUNT COOK VIEW">
Continuing the drive to Mount Cook there are a few more excellent photo spots as you get closer. Get creative and don't be afraid to stop when the opportunity arises.
alt=“LAKE PUKAKI ROAD TO MOUNT COOK”>
Tip: Make sure you have enough space to drive over. We saw a car that was stuck as they pulled over to what they thought was a grassy area.

RELATED: MOUNT COOK REFLECTION POOLS ON LAKE MATHESON

Tips for taking the perfect Mount Cook Road photo

Below are some useful tips to get the best shots possible.

• Fotografieren Sie während der goldenen Stunde (die Stunde vor Sonnenuntergang und die Stunde nach Sonnenaufgang)
• Werden Sie kreativ – niedrige und hohe Winkel
• Warten Sie auf Wetterklarung – diese Wolken um Mount Cook sind ärgerlich hartnäckig
• Im Winter fotografieren – ich konnte nicht anders, aber ich habe einige gestochen scharfe Aufnahmen der niedrigen Mount Cook-Schneegrenze gesehen, die fantastisch aussehen

Can you fly drones on Mount Cook Road or Peters Lookout?

The short answer is no. Well, unless you have a permit, which is hard to get unless you are a professional photographer. There are even signs around Peters Lookout warning people not to fly drones. I'm not sure if there are DOC patrolling the lookout, but it's best to respect local restrictions.

We were working with a company at the time and had special permission to fly my drone on Mount Cook Road.
alt="ROAD TO MOUNT COOK">

RELATED: Hooker Valley Track New Zealand

CAMPING IN MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

By far the best place to stay in Mount Cook National Park is the White Horse Hill Campsite.

There are 60 unpowered pitches here and you'll need to arrive early in peak season to secure a spot. It is not possible to book online as it operates on a first come, first served basis.

Fees are $15 per night per person.

Alternatively, those who prefer a room or hotel can stay in nearby Mount Cook Village. Popular options include the famous Alpine Lodge and Mt. Cook Lodge.

MORE: 11 EPIC MOUNT COOK VIEW LOCATIONS – THE BEST PLACES TO SEE MOUNT COOK

More photos of Peters Lookout and the road to Mount Cook

Below are some more photos of Peters Lookout, the road to Mount Cook and other views of Mount Cook. I hope they inspire you to take some great, unique shots.

I would also like to see the photos you take. Tag a link to your Instagram in the comments below if you catch a blast.
alt="PUKAKI LAKE">
alt="PETER'S VIEWING ROAD TO MOUNT COOK">
old=““>

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.

More free travel guides and blogs

I hope you found this quick guide to Peters Lookout and Mount Cook Road photo opportunities helpful. For more free guides, check out some of the links below or start with this mega post on the 31 best hikes in New Zealand's South Island.

alt=”Peters Viewpoint Mount Cook View “>

On Pinterest?

Why not save this guide to Peters Lookout for later? Follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest to stay up to date with all the new travel guides and blogs.

PIN IT FOLLOW ME

.