Things to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Discover the best attractions and experiences Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park has to offer
Historic Monuments
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is renowned for its dramatic alpine landscapes rather than historic monuments.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding historic monuments recommendations for Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Museums
Learn about alpine exploration and the park's natural history at these institutions.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Museum and cinema devoted to Sir Edmund Hillary with exhibits on mountaineering and the region's alpine environment.
Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
Information hub with park displays, maps and seasonal exhibits about local flora, geology and conservation.
Religious Monuments
Religious monuments are not a highlight in the Mount Cook area.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding religious monuments recommendations for Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
National & Theme Parks
Explore the park’s iconic trails, glaciers and scenic flights.
Hooker Valley Track
A popular, easy-to-moderate hike crossing swing bridges with sweeping views of Mount Cook.
Mueller Hut Route
A challenging alpine hike to the Mueller Hut, rewarding visitors with glacier panoramas.
Sealy Tarn Track
A steeper trail to a reflective alpine tarn with dramatic mountain backdrops.
Tasman Glacier Viewing Point / Tasman Lake
View the glacier tongue from the lake shore; summer boat tours provide closer looks.
Mount Cook Scenic Flight
An airborne tour offering sweeping views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding peaks.
Neighborhoods
The area is sparsely populated; Mount Cook Village is the main settlement in the park.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding neighborhoods recommendations for Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Free Things to Do
Most of the park’s best experiences are free, from hikes to stargazing.
Hooker Valley Track (free)
A scenic, family-friendly hike with Mt Cook views and boardwalk sections.
Sealy Tarn Track (free)
A longer alpine hike to a reflective tarn with dramatic backdrops.
Stargazing under Mount Cook’s dark skies
Clear nights offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography.
Picnic by Tasman Lake
Relax by the turquoise lake and enjoy glacier scenery with a simple picnic.
Gastronomy
Dining in Mount Cook Village centers on the Hermitage’s food offerings and alpine cafe options.
Panorama Restaurant, The Hermitage
Fine dining with panoramic views of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks.
The Hermitage Café/Bar
Casual cafe and bar offering light meals and drinks after a day on the trails.
Nightlife
Evenings are quiet, with relaxed bars and opportunities for stargazing.
The Hermitage Bar
Relax with a drink in a cosy, mountain-view setting after sunset.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Evening film programs and cinema shows about alpine history.
Night sky photography
Self-guided or guided photography sessions under the clear night skies.
Entertainment
Spectacular aerial views and guided glacier experiences add a dash of adventure.
Mount Cook Scenic Flight
A scenic flight that offers sweeping views of the peaks and glaciers.
Helicopter Glacier Landing
Helicopter tours that land on a glacier for close-up alpine scenery.
Guided Glacier Walk on Tasman Glacier
Guided walks on the Tasman Glacier with a local guide.
Sports
Active travelers can tackle iconic alpine routes and trails.
Hooker Valley Track
A scenic, relatively easy trail ideal for a cardio workout with Mt Cook views.
Mueller Hut Route
A challenging hike to a high alpine hut with dramatic panoramas.
Guided Mount Cook Mountaineering
Guided climbs on Mount Cook for experienced hikers.
Off the Track
Ventures off the beaten path for backcountry experiences.
Backcountry hut stay at Mueller Hut
Overnight stay in a backcountry hut for a true alpine experience.
Alpine flora spotting along trails
Seasonal plant life and wildflowers observed along the routes.
Early-morning ridge photography
Capture sunrise light from lesser-known vantage points above the village.