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The 6 Best Hikes in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
From epic mountain huts to breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest mountain, here are six of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park. Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's Everest. In fact, the mountain was the ancient proving ground for the world's most sought-after mountaineer; Sir Edmund Hillary. While Aoraki's towering peaks are inaccessible to regular hikers, there are still some epic day hikes beneath its slopes. In this guide I will outline some of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park for those looking for views! I have also written independent hiking guides for each of the hiking day trips below if you are looking for detailed information...
The 6 Best Hikes in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
From epic mountain huts to breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest mountain, here are six of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park.
Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's Everest. In fact, the mountain was the ancient proving ground for the world's most sought-after mountaineer; Sir Edmund Hillary.
While Aoraki's towering peaks are inaccessible to regular hikers, there are still some epic day hikes beneath its slopes. In this guide I will outline some of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park for those looking for views!
I have also written independent hiking guides for each of the hiking day trips below if you are looking for detailed information.
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Best hikes in Mount Cook National Park
So let’s get straight to the list of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park. If you have any other recommendations, let other travelers know in the comments section.
1. Hooker Valley route
The Hooker Valley Track is by far the most popular day hike in Mount Cook National Park. In fact, it is often rated as one of the best and most popular hikes in New Zealand.
Following the Hooker Valley, the route winds gently up to Hooker Glacier Lake. There are several epic swing bridges along the way with plenty of opportunities to span views of the Sealy Mountains and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
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COMPLETE GUIDE: Guide to Hiking the Hooker Valley Track
2. Seely Tarns Track
The Sealy Tarns Track is a more difficult hike that climbs steeply to a series of beautiful reflecting mountain pools (tarns).
Known as New Zealand's "Stairway to Heaven", the route mostly consists of a monotonous wooden staircase climb to the mountain lakes. However, turning around at any point along the hike reveals incredible views of the Hooker Valley and of course Mount Cook itself.
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COMPLETE GUIDE: Guide to Hiking the Sealy Tarns Track
3. Müllerhüttenroute
The Mueller Hut Route is one of my personal favorite hikes in Mount Cook National Park and perhaps all of New Zealand. It is better to do this hike in two days, either staying in the hut or camping nearby.
Following the Sealy Tarns Track, the Mueller Hut route continues and climbs to a mountain pass in the Sealy Range.
From the pass, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the ice walls opposite and, just around the corner, the Müllerhütte.
This cabin is one of the most scenic in New Zealand, surrounded by ice-capped mountains on each side and incredible sunrise and sunset views of Mount Cook.
There is also the option to climb Mount Ollivier from the hut, which is a short but incredibly worthwhile side trip.
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COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE MÜLLER HÜTTE ROUTE HIKE
Klook.com
4. Kea Point Track
For a shorter and much easier day hike in Mount Cook National Park, the Kea Point Track is a good choice.
The Kea Point Track branches off from the Sealy Tarns Track before climbing the stairs and runs gently along the foot of the Sealy Range. The route ends at an incredible viewing platform of the Mueller Moraine and Mount Cook.
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MORE: KEA POINT HIKE IN MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
5. Tasman Glacier Moraine Viewpoint
This hike to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint follows the Balls Hut Track from the Tasman Glacier car park.
Although this arguably offers the best hiking views of the glacier, it is not marked or mentioned by the DOC. I suspect the reason for this is that the scree climb up to the edge of the moraine wall is simply too dangerous due to the risk of falling rocks and avalanches.
However, in good conditions, this hike is the best vantage point to see New Zealand's largest glacier up close.
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DETAILED GUIDE: HIKING TO THE TASMAN GLACIER MORAINE LOOKOUT
6. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk
If you want to see the Tasman Glacier but aren't prepared for a longer walk or a slippery scree climb, I recommend taking the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk.
This is a much shorter walk to Tasman Lake, where you can see the retreating glacier from a distance.
There's also the option of a trip to the Blue Lakes, a group of three colorful lakes that are a good spot for a quick swim in summer.
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HEADING TO QUEENSTOWN?: 8 BEST HIKES IN QUEENSTOWN
How to get to Mount Cook National Park?
Most of these hikes start in the Mount Cook National Park area near the White Horse Hill campsite, approximately 3.5 kilometers from Mount Cook Village.
To get to Mount Cook National Park you have to drive down one of New Zealand's most beautiful roads. Mount Cook Street. This road branches off State Highway 8 (Tekapo-Twizel Road) at the intersection just before Lake Pukaki.
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RELATED: Best view of Mount Cook – Peters Lookout on the way to Mount Cook
The road to Mount Cook National Park is paved and well maintained. However, it occasionally closes in winter due to storms.
If you don't have a car, you can still reach the popular day hiking trails by booking a shuttle bus. There are a few companies that offer this service. I found Cook Connect to be one of the most popular options.
They have pickup locations in Glentanner, Twizel and Lake Tekapo. Transfer prices range from $41 round trip.
Camping and sleeping near 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.
Booking.com
Best time to hike in Mount Cook National Park
Many of the day hikes on this list can be done year-round. However, the best time for hiking in New Zealand is between November and April.
These months offer warmer conditions, less ice on the track and clearer skies.
However, hiking in the colder winter months is also ideal for those who prefer more challenging conditions.
Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier Helicopter and Ski Plane
By far one of the most incredible experiences in New Zealand is an alpine helicopter or ski plane flight. There are hundreds of companies operating from Mount Cook National Park.
However, this particular helicopter tour is one of the best rated and best value I could find online. Regarding the price, I would strongly recommend booking online to save money.
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Intent registration at the Mount Cook Visitor Center
Most of these hikes do not require registration at the DOC Visitor Center in Mount Cook Village.
However, if you are going on larger hikes like the Müllerhütten route or hiking in winter, registering with the DOC is a must.
This is a free process where you tell the DOC what you intend to do and where you are going. This helps prevent unwarranted searches from occurring if they find your car in the parking lot overnight. It's also a great safety protocol so authorities know where you are if things go south in the mountains.
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MORE EPIC HIKES ON THE SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to some of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park. If you're looking for more day hikes or things to do in New Zealand, be sure to check out the list below.
A good place to start is this guide to the 31 best hikes in the South Island.
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