Mount Cook National Park Tours and Activities

Mount Cook National Park which includes mountains, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Mount Cook National Park featuring a lake or waterhole, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Mount Cook National Park which includes snow, tranquil scenes and mountains
Mount Cook National Park showing tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views
Mount Cook National Park featuring mist or fog, mountains and snow


Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement.

The park has hikes suited to all levels of fitness. Listen for fantails and kea parrots in the beech forest on the short Governor’s Bush Walk. The Kea Point and Glencoe walks are also short and easy, with rewarding Mount Cook views. For a longer walk, admire the mountain’s beauty from the 4-hour-long Hooker Valley Track which runs to the Hooker Glacier. Rest at Mount Cook Village and enjoy a hearty meal in one of the cosy restaurants or bars.

Adventurers can join a Mount Cook mountaineering expedition. Sir Edmund Hillary used the mountain to train for his historic Mount Everest climb. Mountaineering courses, not for the fainthearted, are offered on the peaks.

Head to Tekapo Springs to get warm in the hot pools. Enjoy views of mountain snowcaps from the outdoor pools or try the outdoor ice-skating rink, open between April and September. You can even try snow tubing. Nearby Lake Tekapo is a great base during the summer for horse riding, water skiing, mountain biking and boat cruises exploring the lake and its islands.

Ski atop the Tasman Glacier. Ski planes will fly you in over the stunning landscape for your adventure. In warmer months, catch a boat from Mount Cook Village to the glacier or take a guided kayaking tour to explore the terminus lake where icebergs form caverns and bridges.

Accommodation at Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo ranges from camping and backpacker lodging to five-star spa-resorts. It’s 261 kilometres (162 miles) to the national park from Queenstown and 329 kilometres (204 miles) from Christchurch. The villages of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Twizel are all within an hour’s drive of each other.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Winter activities

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Popular places to visit


Top Mount Cook National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

4.5 out of 5
89 Terrace Road, Mount Cook National Park, Mount Cook
The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook

Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook

4.5 out of 5
4 Kitchener Drive, Mt. Cook Village, Mount Cook, South Canterbury
Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

2.5 out of 5
9 Cron St, Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef
Aoraki Court Motel

Aoraki Court Motel

4.5 out of 5
26 Bowen Drive, Mount Cook
Aoraki Court Motel
Alpine Glacier Motel

Alpine Glacier Motel

3.5 out of 5
17 Cron St, Franz Josef Glacier
Alpine Glacier Motel
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

4 out of 5
36 Main Road, State Highway 6, Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Rainforest Deluxe

Rainforest Deluxe

5 out of 5
46 Cron St, Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Rainforest Deluxe
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef

5 out of 5
3 Wallace Street, Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier, Westland
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

4 out of 5
101 Bowen Drive, Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park offers a range of exciting activities such as stunning mountain walks and some of the best hikes in New Zealand. Visitors can enjoy glacier trips and scenic flights on Aoraki Mount Cook ski planes, providing breathtaking views of the majestic landscapes. For relaxation, there are spa options available nearby, making it a perfect destination for adventure and unwinding amidst nature's beauty.

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, explore the Alpine Centre in Mount Cook Village, where you’ll find local crafts and mementoes. If you're up for a drive, the nearby town of Twizel offers more shopping options at local boutiques and the Twizel Market for fresh produce and artisan goods.

Recreation

At Waiho Hot Tubs, relax in stunning private tubs with breathtaking views, perfect for rejuvenation after a day of exploration. For a touch of sport, enjoy a round at The Cairns Golf Course in Lake Tekapo, where you can relish the beautiful landscapes while engaging in outdoor recreation.

Adventure

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track for a scenic hike through stunning alpine landscapes, located 1.4km from the park. Experience breathtaking views on an Air Safaris scenic flight, situated 14.5km away. Explore the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, 24.1km from the park, for a delightful outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife at Mount John Observatory, just 48.3km from Mount Cook National Park, where stunning stargazing meets a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, the Dark Sky Project, located 49.9km away, offers a captivating celestial experience amidst the serene landscapes of New Zealand's night sky.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring breathtaking glaciers and pristine lakes. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as Aoraki Mount Cook and enjoy a variety of adventure experiences amidst the spectacular scenery. Whether you're hiking through the national park or taking in the views from a lookout, there's plenty to discover in this remarkable region of Canterbury.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook: Experience the grandeur of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, this national park offers exhilarating outdoor adventures such as hiking and mountaineering, making it a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
  • Tasman Glacier: Marvel at the stunning Tasman Glacier, the largest glacier in New Zealand. It boasts awe-inspiring views and is perfect for scenic walks, allowing you to appreciate the unique glacial environment and its surrounding mountains.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Delve into the life of the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary at this engaging museum. It celebrates his remarkable achievements and the rich cultural heritage of the region, providing an insightful glimpse into alpine exploration.

Best time to go to Mount Cook National Park

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

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May32.4°F (0.2°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June27.1°F (-2.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July25.0°F (-3.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August26.4°F (-3.1°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September28.9°F (-1.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October32.5°F (0.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mount Cook National Park

To save money on your trip to Mount Cook National Park, consider visiting in May or August to September when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best deals, and look for last-minute offers on Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter results by budget and preferences, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Additionally, bundling flights and activities with accommodation can lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mount Cook National Park 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 Mount Cook National Park 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 Mount Cook National Park is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Mount Cook National Park is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customise your travel preferences by setting your budget, choosing your ideal location, and more. You can easily sort the results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable accommodation options right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a range of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your accommodation in Mount Cook National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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