Top Things to do in Mt. Cook Village
Countries
10 Things to Do in Mt. Cook Village That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Mt. Cook Village, New Zealand including Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park DOC Visitor Centre, Kea Point Track, The Helicopter Line Mount Cook, Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks, Glacier Explorers, Southern Alps Guiding, Sealy Tarns Track.
Restaurants in Mt. Cook Village
1. Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Overall Ratings
5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By laNyonsaise - Shropshire, United Kingdom
With one chance to go to Mt Cook the forecast wasn't encouraging, low cloud with a chance of rain, and it was a fairly long drive. Driving to Mt Cook Village we had glimpses of the Mountains through the clouds and stopped a couple of times to take pictures in the belief that things could deteriorate. However, the opposite was true. As the morning wore on the clouds lifted bit by bit revealing the majestic Mt Cook massif, Waterfalls and glaciers. At the entrance to the 'village', a misnomer in my opinion, as there is nothing there except for visitor accommodation, it was tricky to find the DOC visitors' centre by following the signposts. Other drivers must have had the same issues judging by the number of 3 point turns we witnessed. We could have spent hours in the visitors' centre but we came to get up close to nature rather than read about it however well the exhibits were displayed. We took two tracks, Kea Point and Tasman. Both were described as easy but that needs to be put into a New Zealand context. The latter, in particular, consists of climbing gravel paths and flights of well constructed steps to the summit of the highest moraine I've ever seen as a geographer. Information boards along the way show the shocking retreat of the Tasman glacier since the 1970s, let alone the 1890s. Fortunately the weather continued to improve and we were rewarded with amazing views under blue skies. Obviously there will be disappointing days but my advice is to go anyway and spend an interesting time in the visitors' centre. Learn the sobering facts about global warming.
2. Hooker Valley Track
Overall Ratings
5 based on 736 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By KetanforTravel - Mumbai, India
This is a must do if you are at the Mt. Cook!! Irrespective of the weather this part of the trail has to be done. You can keep short targets - 1st bridge, 2nd bridge and if possible then complete it. BTW dont stop after reaching 2nd bridge, theres another 15-20 mins to go. The views from the start till the end are fabulous. They save the best for the last. It is a very easy walk. There is a nice Seating arrangement at the end of the trail where you can sip on tea/coffee and cherish the view. It is just too good!!
3. Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 205 reviews
Exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere, Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters is the only company to offer glacier landing flights in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Experience the natural quiet of the Tasman Glacier and absorb the ever changing glacial landscape of the New Zealand Southern Alps. Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters have been sharing the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Alps with travelers for 60 years. With snow present all year round, this impressive alpine environment creates an unforgettable adventure for people of all ages. Flights depart from Aoraki Mt Cook Airport, only a 5 minute drive from Aoraki Mt Cook Village. With our company base location within the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park it allows us to guarantee captivating scenery from the moment you board your flight. Experience the Ultimate Alpine Adventure with a Helicopter / Ski Plane Combo. For group bookings of 8 or more, fly half of your trip in a Helicopter and the other in a Ski Plane. Ideal for families and large group bookings. This Ultimate Alpine Adventure Combo is available in our entire range of scenic flight options at no additional cost. For climbers and skiers interested in transfers to the various hut locations within the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland National Parks, we have both Ski Planes and Helicopters available for charter.
Reviewed By Northville-Traveler - Northville, MI
We had a great flight to see Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier which we landed on. Issac our pilot was super making sure to keep us well informed during our flight. The glacier landing was something special - so quiet and warm! We had more than enough time to take what photos we needed and just enjoy the scenery around us. The flight itself provided superb views of the entire Mt Cook area. It was a great flight. Well worth the money we spent. Thank you Mt Cook Ski Planes!
4. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park DOC Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
Reviewed By stephanie_sandiego1 - Melbourne, Australia
The weather conditions at Mount Cook vary greatly from day to day and this place is the best resource for deciding what tracks are safe and what gear is needed. There are log books with information from recent hikers and the staff there are fully aware of what's happening on the mountain. No matter how experienced you are, a stop in here for a quick discussion of the conditions is a must for any major hiking in the area!
Additionally, there are amazing interactive exhibits and displays for you to learn more about the area and a lovely little gift shop.
5. Kea Point Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Jandalz3 - Barcelona
This is a pleasant easy walk to base of Mt Sefton which is to the left of the Mueller glacial Lake. Not much snow in the Mountains at this time of the year but we were lucky enough to get a clear day and the views were spectacular. The ice on Mt Cook looked like an unhappy face (see photo). The gradient is easy with a small rise at the end. under 5 children could do this walk as it's not long or steep.
The track isn't too rough so trainers are fine.
There's a viewing point at the end where you can sit and rest.
Theres toilet facilities and picnic benches at the start of the track and a camp sit if you want to tent.
On a clear day this is NZ at its best
6. The Helicopter Line Mount Cook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Glentanner Park is situated within a genuine working high country sheep station located in an idyllic setting at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The surrounding scenery varies from the glacial fed Lake Pukaki and the surrounding rugged high country landscape to the soaring peaks and mighty glaciers of the Southern Alps. The Helicopter Line provides a range of scenic flights that venture into this alpine wonderland and offer you the privileged views.
Reviewed By IanGBradford - Bradford
Yes, it's a lot of money - but Hell Yes! it's worth it. A quick safety check and you're off! We had originally chosen a different route on a different day, but let the weather and the professionals guide you as to where and when is best. The word gets used too much these days, but this is truly awesome.
7. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By stephanie_sandiego1 - Melbourne, Australia
Only a moderate amount of fitness is required to complete these two short walks. There are a few flights of stairs, but nothing requires any technical skill. This is definitely a good alternative to the much tougher Red Tarns track if you're worried about your fitness level or the weather. The view from the top of the stairs is well worth it!
8. Glacier Explorers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
Reviewed By BeanieMelbourne - Melbourne
The Tasman Glacier lake is pristine. The highlight of the tour is able to touch and hold the iceberg. Its like holding a diamond ring in your hand, the crystal clear texture is just stunning. And that is the main reason most people are willing to pay $170 for that privilege. We all know its expensive for a 2.5 hour tour. Minus the bus trip and the walk to and back from the pier, we only have less than an hour to spend in the boat. Still I saw bus loads of tourist keep coming. When I asked the lady who helped us book at YHA Mt Cook if we can get a discount for 9. She commented Glacier Explorer is so popular they can afford not to and charge at a premium. I would blame a lack of competition.
Overall I enjoyed the experience. My complaint other than the price is I am disappointed at how the guides kept putting pressure on the tourists to finished the Alpine walk within 20 minutes or we would risk missing the boat. It was like running a little army, everyone was keeping the head down and tried to catch up with the group.
9. Southern Alps Guiding
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Beverley W - Fleet, United Kingdom
Our guide was Ant for the heli-hike and he ensured that we saw all the best bits - caves, streams etc. We walked through a big ice cave and the colours were amazing! The colours changed from light blue to dark blue to almost violet and sometimes a pinkish hue too. Ant made sure we all stayed safe and gave a lot of info about the glaciers, weather and some of the local history. The heli ride was fantastic too.
This appears to be a much more personal service than other glacier heli-hikes. We were due to do the Franz Josef heli-hike the previous week but it was cancelled due to bad weather. Mt Cook has a much higher success rate in getting up onto the glacier I believe.
The love and enthusiasm of Ant (and also Charlie) about this special area was clear and infectious. We're glad that we did this heli-hike rather than another glacier.
This is the trip to do and with these experienced guides who so clearly love what they do. Thoroughly recommend - a must do trip! Lifetime memories ...
10. Sealy Tarns Track
Overall Ratings
5 based on 50 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Sookje - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
By accident we did the Sealy Tarns track instead of the Hooker Valley track. Both start from Hooker Valley Car park. After a serious climb uphill with many steps (be prepared because it can be slippery due to snow/ice) we had an amazing view. You can actually overview parts of the Hooker Valley Track but with a much better scenic lookout! Diehards can walk further up to Mueller Hutt.
The day after we did have some sore legs (especially walking down the stairs) but for people who are reasonably fit, you'll manage.
It's definitely worth the climb!
TAGS
