Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a jewel nestled within the formidable Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, is a landscape sculpted by ice and crowned by towering peaks. It’s a realm where the sky kisses the earth, where glaciers carve their slow, inexorable paths, and where adventure awaits around every bend. This park is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a journey into the heart of alpine grandeur. Within its boundaries stands Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest mountain, soaring to an impressive 12,217 feet. But Aoraki/Mount Cook is not alone in its dominion; it is surrounded by a regal court of 18 other peaks, each exceeding 9,800 feet, creating a panorama of jagged skylines and snow-dusted slopes.
While mountaineering draws intrepid climbers from around the globe, the park offers a wealth of experiences for those who prefer to explore on foot. Approximately 40 percent of the park is blanketed by glaciers, vast rivers of ice that have shaped the landscape over millennia. Numerous hiking trails beckon visitors to immerse themselves in this breathtaking scenery, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging ascents. Many of these trails are classified as "easy," either due to their short duration or relatively level terrain, making Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park an ideal destination for families and those seeking a less strenuous adventure.
Most visitors establish their base in or around Mount Cook Village or the nearby town of Twizel. From these convenient locations, a myriad of hiking trails can be easily accessed, each offering a unique perspective on the park’s diverse beauty. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, close encounters with glaciers, or tranquil moments in alpine meadows, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has something to offer every type of hiker.
Here, we unveil eight of the best hikes in this awe-inspiring national park, each a pathway to discovering the raw, untamed beauty of the Southern Alps.
1. Kea Point Track
The Kea Point Track is a gentle introduction to the wonders of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a perfect choice for families and those seeking a relaxed and rewarding experience. The adventure begins at either the White Horse Hill Campground, the park’s primary Department of Conservation-managed campground, making it a one-hour round trip, or from the Visitor Centre in Mount Cook Village, extending the journey to approximately two hours.
The trail meanders through open grasslands, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, before leading to the moraine wall of the Mueller Glacier. Here, a dedicated viewing deck provides an unparalleled vantage point. From this elevated position, you can feast your eyes on the imposing Mount Sefton, the distinctive Footstool, the vast expanse of the Hooker Valley, the serene Mueller Glacier Lake, and, of course, the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. The Kea Point Track is more than just a hike; it’s a visual symphony, a harmonious blend of natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
2. Red Tarns Track
Named for the reddish-orange pond weed that delicately tints the waters of its small mountain lakes, the Red Tarns Track offers a moderate challenge with a generous reward. This 1.5-mile out-and-back hike is a popular choice for families, travelers with limited time, and those who prefer a shorter, more manageable trek.
While the trail does feature a steep uphill section that can test your stamina, the effort is well worth it. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by sweeping vistas of the glacial valley, Mount Cook Village, and the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook. The tarns themselves are surprisingly beautiful, their colors shifting with the changing light, and the summit provides an idyllic spot to witness a breathtaking sunset. However, be mindful of the time and ensure you begin your descent before darkness descends, allowing ample time to return to your vehicle safely.
3. Sealy Tarns Track
While classified as an "easy" hike, the Sealy Tarns Track presents a significantly greater challenge than the Kea Point or Red Tarns Tracks, primarily due to the presence of approximately 2,200 steps that ascend to the pristine freshwater Sealy Tarns. This 3.2-mile out-and-back trek is not for the faint of heart, but for those with the energy and determination to conquer the climb, the rewards are immeasurable.
As you ascend, you’ll be treated to increasingly spectacular views of the Hooker Valley and the ever-present Aoraki/Mount Cook. During the summer months, the trail is adorned with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the already stunning scenery. The steps, often referred to as "the stairway to heaven," lead to a truly remarkable destination, a place where the beauty of the alpine landscape unfolds before your eyes.
4. Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track is often hailed as the best short hike in New Zealand, a bold claim considering the country’s abundance of natural wonders. However, the accolades are well-deserved, as this track offers an unparalleled experience that combines accessibility with breathtaking scenery.
This easy track takes approximately three hours to complete round trip, or four hours if starting from Mount Cook Village. The trail winds its way through the Hooker Valley, traversing meadows carpeted with wildflowers and crossing several swing bridges that add a touch of adventure to the journey. The final destination is the Hooker Glacier Lake, where you can marvel at the towering ice cliffs of the Hooker Glacier and gaze upon the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook. With minimal elevation gain, this hike is a perfect choice after tackling the more challenging Sealy Tarns Track. Many hikers prefer to embark on this journey early in the morning, around dawn, to witness the soft morning light and the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains. The Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook is a must.
5. Mueller Hut Route
For experienced hikers seeking a more challenging adventure, the Mueller Hut Route offers an unforgettable experience. This advanced track is described by the Department of Conservation as strenuous and requiring careful navigation, particularly during the summer months. In winter, expert snow and ice skills are essential.
The 5.8-mile out-and-back trail is steep and unmarked in places, gaining approximately 3,280 feet in elevation. The ascent to the summit, passing by the Sealy Tarns along the way, typically takes between three and five hours. Many hikers choose to stay overnight in the Mueller Hut, a 28-bed serviced hut that must be booked in advance during the peak season (November to April). Despite the difficulty of the ascent, the panoramic views from the hut are simply breathtaking, encompassing a vast expanse of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.
6. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Track
This 40-minute round-trip hike leads to the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand, stretching an impressive 16 miles, and the serene Blue Lakes. As you might expect, the track offers stunning views of the mountains at the end of the Tasman Valley. Highlights include the chance to see icebergs floating in the glacial lake and, during the summer months, the possibility of taking a refreshing swim (with a slight detour).
While classified as an easy walk, there are some steps that ascend approximately 330 feet. The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Track provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic processes that have shaped this dramatic landscape.
7. Tasman Lake Track
For a sobering reminder of the effects of climate change, hike the 2.2-mile out-and-back Tasman Lake Track. This lake only began forming in the mid-1970s, but it has grown rapidly and is now large enough for kayaking and boating. During the summer months, you can witness icebergs drifting serenely on the lake’s surface, while in winter, the lake freezes over entirely.
From this vantage point, the dramatic retreat of the Tasman Glacier over the past few decades is starkly evident. The trail to the lake diverges from the Blue Lakes Track past the Blue Lakes Shelter, leading to a viewpoint overlooking the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, a poignant reminder of the fragility of our planet’s natural wonders.
8. Ball Hut Route
The Ball Hut Route provides another extended hiking option within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, this time venturing into the Tasman Valley. While not as demanding as the Mueller Hut Route, this 12.1-mile out-and-back hike begins with an easy stroll but gradually increases in difficulty.
Some sections of the trail traverse unstable ground and should be navigated with caution, making this hike better suited for experienced mountain trekkers. There is also a significant avalanche risk along the track during the winter months (June to November). As the hike to Ball Hut takes approximately three to four hours, some trekkers choose to stay overnight. With only three bunks available, the hut is small and cannot be booked in advance, so it’s essential to bring a tent if you plan to stay overnight and cannot secure a bunk. The Ball Hut Route in Aoraki/Mount Cook offers spectacular views.
