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Before you go
Your trip to Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Aoraki / Mount Cook – Canterbury Destination Aoraki / Mount Cook and Tekapo about 330 km from Christchurch
How to get there
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Aeródromo de Aoraki/Mount Cook (MON) 3 km
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Aeroporto de Queenstown (ZQN) Queenstown · 260 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
It’s at the end of Highway 80, about 65 km from Twizel and 105 km from Tekapo, along the shore of Lake Pukaki. There are buses from Twizel and from Christchurch and Queenstown, with limited schedules. The village’s small aerodrome receives scenic and charter flights.
How many days
Two days: one for the Hooker Valley and Kea Point trail, another for Lake Tasman and a flight or boat trip. The second day also works as a backup in case clouds hide the mountain.
When to go
From December to March, with snow-free trails and long days; this is the busiest season. In October, November and April there are fewer people and more variable weather. In winter, from June to August, it snows and some trails are subject to avalanche risk.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
It helps a lot, because public transport is limited and Lake Tasman is about 8 km from the village along an unsealed road. In the village, the main trails start on foot or near the White Horse Hill campground.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Aoraki / Mount Cook
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Morning
Hooker Valley Trail
Leave early from the White Horse Hill campground for the Hooker Valley trail, with three suspension bridges, to the glacial lake with views of Aoraki. Allow about 3 hours return.
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Afternoon
Visitor Centre
Visit the park visitor centre in the village, with exhibits about the mountains, the glaciers and the history of mountaineering, and check the weather forecast for the next day.
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Late afternoon
Lake Tasman
Drive about 8 km along the unsealed Tasman Valley road and climb the short trail to the Lake Tasman lookout, with icebergs on the water and the glacier in the background.
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Evening
Park sky
With clear skies, leave the village to see the stars: the park is part of the international dark-sky reserve. Bring warm clothing and a torch.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best-known trail in Aoraki/Mount Cook?
The Hooker Valley, roughly 5 km each way, with three suspension bridges and a glacial lake at the end, offering a direct view of the mountain. It is almost flat and takes about 3 hours return.
Can you see Aoraki/Mount Cook every day?
No. Clouds and rain can hide the mountain for days in any season. That’s why it’s wise to allow an extra day in the area.
Is there anywhere to eat in the village of Aoraki/Mount Cook?
There are a few restaurants and cafés linked to accommodations, and no large supermarket. The nearest market is in Twizel, about 65 km away; bring what you need.
Can you take a scenic flight over the glaciers?
Yes. There are airplane and helicopter scenic flights from the village and from Tekapo, some with snow landings. They depend on weather and are paid extra.