Mount Cook National Park Tours

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

Browse tours and tickets to explore Mount Cook National Park

Tours & day trips

See all 54 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 7 activities

Winter activities

See all 4 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Mount Cook National Park

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
Aoraki Court Motel

Aoraki Court Motel

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

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

4 out of 5
101 Bowen Drive, Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
The Terrace

The Terrace

4 out of 5
Cowan Street, Franz Josef Glacier
The Terrace
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

2.5 out of 5
Bowen Drive, Aoraki, Mount Cook
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
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
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
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
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 variety of activities for visitors, including scenic hiking trails, rejuvenating spa experiences, and leisurely walks. Popular hiking recommendations include the Hooker Valley Track and the Tasman Glacier, perfect for day trips and breathtaking views. For an unforgettable adventure, plan a mountain journey to explore the park’s stunning landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Make the most of your visit with these exciting outdoor experiences.

Recreation

At The Cairns Golf Course in Lake Tekapo, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For ultimate relaxation, visit Waiho Hot Tubs, where you can unwind in soothing waters while taking in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding nature.

Adventure

Experience the stunning Hooker Valley Track, a 0.9 mile hike showcasing breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. For a more challenging trek, venture to Alex Knob, located 13 miles away, offering panoramic views. The Kea Point Walk, 14 miles from the park, provides an incredible experience amidst nature's beauty.

Nightlife

Experience the night sky at Mount John Observatory, located 30 miles from Mount Cook National Park, where you can enjoy family-friendly entertainment and stunning celestial views. Alternatively, visit the Dark Sky Project, 31 miles away, for more cosmic adventures and engaging activities for all ages.

Find the best attractions near Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park offers breathtaking glaciers, stunning lakes, and the iconic Mount Cook itself, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Don't miss exploring the charming Mt. Cook Village and the surrounding Mt. Cook Range for scenic views and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're hiking or simply enjoying the scenery, the park's natural beauty is sure to captivate every traveler.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook: Experience breathtaking adventure and stunning scenery at Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, you can enjoy hiking, mountaineering, and unparalleled views of the Southern Alps.
  • Franz Josef Glacier: Witness the magnificence of Franz Josef Glacier, where you can marvel at its impressive ice formations and surrounding natural beauty. This stunning glacier is an ideal spot for photography and offers guided tours for an up-close experience.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Dive into the rich culture of mountaineering at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This museum honors the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary with exhibits that celebrate his achievements and the history of Mount Cook National Park.

Best time to go to Mount Cook National Park

Visitor numbers around Mount Cook National Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Mount Cook National Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 LowSlightly Low
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 during your visit to Mount Cook National Park, take advantage of the free entry and plan your trip for the cheaper months of May to June or August. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Saturdays when prices are lower. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider joining their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Additionally, bundle your hotel with flights and activities for greater savings, and keep an eye out for discount codes to maximize your budget.

  • 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 to June and August, 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Mount Cook National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices 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 money by combining your hotel stay at Mount Cook National Park with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.