Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is a protected alpine area in New Zealand’s Southern Alps on the South Island, centred on Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country’s highest mountain at 3,724 metres. It is part of the larger Te Wahipounamu World Heritage landscape and contains extensive glaciated terrain.

The park is best known for high-alpine scenery, extensive glaciers and a network of well-made walking tracks. The Hooker Valley Track is about 10 km return and offers close views of the main peak and glacial valleys; other accessible highlights include viewpoints over the Tasman Glacier and its terminal lake. Mountaineering routes on Aoraki attract climbers from around New Zealand and overseas, and the park supports guided glacier excursions and scenic flights.

The area has long been significant to Ngāi Tahu, who name the mountain Aoraki. European alpine exploration and climbing developed from the late 19th century; the mountain and its surrounding terrain became a focus for scientific, recreational and conservation activity through the 20th century. The locality around the village grew to provide visitor services and alpine research facilities.

The park sits in the central Southern Alps of the South Island. The small settlement of Aoraki / Mount Cook Village is the main access point for visitors and services; the surrounding landscape is dominated by glacial valleys and high mountain peaks.

• Highest peak: The main summit, Aoraki / Mount Cook, reaches 3,724 metres and is the highest point in New Zealand.
• Popular hike: The Hooker Valley Track is about 10 km return and is one of the park's easiest routes to dramatic mountain and glacier views.
• Glacier length: The Tasman Glacier is the park's largest glacier system at roughly 23 km in length, feeding a growing terminal lake that is a focus for viewing and boat trips.

What to See #

• Aoraki / Mount Cook (peak): The park contains the summit of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak at 3,724 metres, and a network of glaciers including the Tasman Glacier, which is roughly 23 kilometres long.
• Hooker Valley Track: A popular walk that provides close views of Aoraki and glacial terrain is the Hooker Valley Track, a roughly 10 km return trail across swing bridges to the Hooker Glacier moraine and terminal lake.
• Tasman Glacier / Tasman Lake: The Tasman Glacier and its proglacial lake form the largest glacial system in the park, with boat and viewing opportunities from the lake shore and nearby viewpoints.
• Aoraki / Mount Cook Village / Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Aoraki / Mount Cook Village serves as the park's main visitor hub and contains visitor facilities, accommodation and the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which provides exhibits about alpine history and the local environment.