Massive and menacing, Mount Cook dominates New Zealand with its prominence, stature and eternal beauty. It is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country. In this blog, let’s uncover it all and learn how and when to visit Mount Cook. Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is the highest peak in New Zealand, standing at 3,724 metres. It is part of the Southern Alps and offers a range of activities such as mountaineering, hiking, and stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Things To Do At Mount Cook
Mount Cook has lots to offer, explore and unravel. In this blog, let’s look at the top things to do or see when here. The region is also home to unique flora and fauna, including the rare Kea parrot, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Here’s a guide to the famous hikes and treks at Mount Cook, as well as the timings to visit and how to visit so that you can travel and plan safely.
1. Hiking In The Hooker Valley
Image Credit: Pablo Heimplatz for Wikimedia Commons
Start by getting the real feel of New Zealand while hiking the Hooker Valley. The Hooker Valley Track is the primary draw for visitors to Aoraki/Mount Cook. Possibly one of the nicest short walks in New Zealand, the track is safe and attracts people of all fitness levels.
The entire trail is graded uniformly and has extremely obvious markings. The trail is family-friendly. The hike leads through a valley to Hooker Lake, where you can see the top of Aoraki/Mount Cook rising behind the glacier and icebergs calving from the Hooker glacier. Since the course is well-liked, try to get there as early as possible to beat the crowd. If you are staying in Mount Cook Village, leave as soon as it gets light to have the track to yourself. If you arrive later in the day, you may have to park on the side of the road because the parking lot fills up quickly.
Things To Do: Hike, walk, jog, photograph, sightseeing
Duration: 3 hours
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Must Read: Famous Landmarks In New Zealand
2. View Sealy Trans By Climbing Stairways To Heaven
Image Credit: Michal Klajban for Wikimedia Commons
The Sealy Tarns route is another fantastic climb in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. A tarn is a little alpine lake that typically forms in areas covered with glaciers. There are 2,200 stairs leading up to the Sealy Tarns, which locals call the “stairway to paradise.” The staircase that ascends to the tarns Though steep, the track is in good condition and offers great views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley. Alpine flowers lend an additional touch of charm in the summertime.
With 2200 steps and a 600-metre elevation increase, Sealy is slightly over 6 miles long, but the ascent is well worth it. Most of the steps are made of wooden blocks; some are coated in gravel and some are made of natural rocks. Just be careful where you go. Apart from the refreshing freshwater mountain lake, there is also a picnic seat where you can unwind and enjoy the views of Aoraki and the neighbouring National Park.
Things To Do: Hiking, sightseeing, trekking
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time To Visit: Morning to early noon
3. Mueller Hut Hike
Image Credit: Michal Klajban for Wikimedia Commons
Sir Edmund Hillary is renowned for having designed and inaugurated the Mueller Hut. It beckons hikers and climbers who wish to spend the night in an amazing alpine setting from its rocky mountain perch. It takes two hours to get to the hut from Sealy Tarns. The trek from the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre to the hut takes four hours. But if the hut is booked, which it usually is, you can hike up and back for a challenging but worthwhile day hike. This is still an alpine hike in challenging terrain, despite its popularity.
Hiking the Mueller Hut path is possible for those with moderate expertise during the summer months of December through February. You may require prior crampon and ice axe mountaineering experience outside this window. Do not overestimate your ability; get advice on conditions at the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre. The visitor centre is highly worth visiting to gain more knowledge about the national park and its trails, and admission is free.
Things To do: Gaze at starlight, photography, hiking, camping
Duration: 4-5 hours
Best Time To Visit: Evenings
Suggested Read: Camping Sites In Auckland
4. Tasman Glacier Hike
Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik for Wikimedia Commons
The Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand and one of the most iconic places to visit in Mount Cook. A staggering 23 kilometres of ice flow into Tasman Lake from the mountains. It is a pleasant little hike—you can walk to a Tasman glacier viewpoint in about an hour. Even though it is not the most visually striking glacier in New Zealand—at least not from this viewpoint—it is amazing to see, especially if you ride a helicopter up to the glacier.
The lake’s colour is muddy and light brown; it is not quite as vivid blue as Lake Pukaki. However, you will be amazed to see the visual of icebergs floating in it, occasionally. Beyond the Tasman Lake Viewpoint hike is a second route to the Blue Lakes, another picturesque location for views of the mountains and glaciers.
Things To Do: Photography, hiking, trekking, camping
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time To Visit: Sunset
5. Stargazing In Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Image Credit: Bernard Spragg for Wikimedia Commons
Mount Cook village lies in the centre of the national park called the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Since the natural darkness helps maintain the area’s ecosystems and links the local Maori iwi, Ngai Tahu, to their history of astronomy and stargazing, the reserve safeguards the region’s natural and cultural legacy. If you stay overnight, you might easily stroll through the village at night. Alternatively, you can go on a Big Sky Stargazing trip from the Hermitage on clear nights.
Astronomy experts use a combination of telescopes and unaided eye observation to offer a 90-minute tour across the night sky. The trips run all year round, however in the summer, they depart at 10.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. since it does not get completely dark until much later in the evening. The time of year and month determine what you may see in the sky. Your visibility may also be affected by a full moon. When the full moon is out, you can view the moon and its craters, star clusters and some planets like Jupiter and Saturn, though you might not see as much. Aoraki Mount Cook is a fantastic place to go stargazing in September.
Things To Do: Stargazing, camping, photography
Duration: Entire night
Best Time To Visit: Evenings and night
Further Read: Best Cities to Visit in New Zealand
Hopefully, you’ve been persuaded to visit Mount Cook and explore its beauty with these hiking trails. It is unquestionably the highlight of any vacation to New Zealand. Book a trip to New Zealand and enjoy an adventurous vacation with lasting memories. Enjoy an amazing vacation with your loved ones.
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Cover Image Source: Wikimedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Cook
What is the exact Mount Cook location?
Situated inside the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the mountain is a section of the Southern Alps. Mount Cook location is along the western coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
Are there enough places to stay in Mountain Cook?
Yes, you can choose from many accommodations available in Mount Cook village. If you are searching for places to stay in Mountain Cook, consider choosing local hotels and rooms.
What is Mount Cook height?
As of 2014 data, the Mount Cook height is recorded to be 3,724 metres.
How long does it take to climb Mount Cook?
Although it is common for new climbers to take 20 or 24 hours, the Aoraki Mount Cook climb usually takes 12 to 16 hours. The time may vary depending on the weather conditions or your time of climb
What makes Mount Cook famous?
The highest peak in New Zealand, Mount Cook, assisted Sir Edmund Hillary in honing his climbing techniques before taking on Everest. The longest glaciers and the tallest summits are found in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
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