Aoraki / Mount Cook Tours and Activities

Things to do near Aoraki / Mount Cook

At Aoraki / Mount Cook, immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty with activities like hiking and walking along scenic trails. Enjoy a picnic in designated areas, embark on thrilling glacier trips, or try heli hiking for breathtaking views. Local activities offer a chance to connect with the environment, making your visit truly unforgettable in this iconic New Zealand destination.

Shopping

In Aoraki / Mount Cook, you’ll find small gift shops offering local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Twizel where you can explore more extensive shops and markets featuring New Zealand-made products and unique gifts to take home.

Recreation

Waiho Hot Tubs offers a rejuvenating experience just 24.1km from Aoraki / Mount Cook, where you can unwind in natural hot pools surrounded by stunning scenery. This tranquil venue provides a perfect balance of wellness and relaxation, allowing you to connect with nature while soothing your body and mind.

Adventure

The Hooker Valley Track offers a stunning hiking experience, with breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure, located 12.9km from Aoraki / Mount Cook. For a unique perspective, take a scenic flight with Air Safaris, situated 11.3km away, showcasing the region's majestic landscapes. Explore the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, 16.1km away, for an exciting outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

A night in Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a serene atmosphere with stargazing under the clear skies. For a relaxed evening, enjoy a drink at the iconic Hermitage Hotel, or for a more casual vibe, unwind at the Mount Cook Village Café, where you can mingle with fellow travellers.

Find the best attractions near Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a stunning array of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, including the breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the picturesque Mount Cook Village, and the expansive Mount Cook National Park. Visitors can explore the majestic glaciers and shimmering lakes, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers and those looking to immerse themselves in nature's beauty.

• Mount Cook National Park: Nestled 12.9km from Aoraki / Mount Cook, this national park offers breathtaking scenery and a wealth of outdoor adventures. With stunning alpine landscapes, hiking trails, and a unique ecosystem, it’s a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
• Tasman Glacier: Located 6.4km from Aoraki / Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier is a remarkable sight. Its majestic ice formations and azure waters provide a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration, making it a must-visit for those seeking scenic beauty.
• Mount Tasman: Just 3.2km from Aoraki / Mount Cook, Mount Tasman boasts outdoor adventures and spectacular views. Hikers can enjoy challenging trails and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes, perfect for those craving adventure.

Best time to go to Aoraki / Mount Cook

The best time to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Aoraki / Mount Cook falls in February, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Aoraki / Mount Cook falls in July, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
February	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
July	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
August	26.4°F (-3.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
September	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aoraki / Mount Cook

To save money on your trip to Aoraki / Mount Cook, consider visiting in the cheaper months of May and August to September, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Wednesdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. You can also save by bundling accommodation with flights and activities. Don't forget to check for last-minute deals for spontaneous trips.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aoraki / Mount Cook are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Aoraki / Mount Cook about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aoraki / Mount Cook is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Aoraki / Mount Cook is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Aoraki / Mount Cook accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.