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.

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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
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
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

4 out of 5
101 Bowen Drive, Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
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
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 for visitors, including breathtaking mountain walks and well-maintained hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. Experience the thrill of mountaineering or relax at a local spa after a day of exploring. For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, there are excellent camping spots available. Don't forget to check off your adventure bucket list as you take in the stunning alpine scenery.

Shopping

In Mount Cook National Park, you can find small shops offering local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Twizel, where you’ll discover more extensive options, including local art and outdoor gear, perfect for gifts to remember your trip.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at The Cairns Golf Course in Lake Tekapo, just 31 miles from Mount Cook National Park, where you can soak in the stunning scenery. For ultimate relaxation, visit Waiho Hot Tubs, located 14 miles away, and unwind in soothing natural hot pools.

Adventure

The Hooker Valley Track, located 0.9 miles from Mount Cook National Park, offers breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating hiking experience. For a more challenging trek, Alex Knob is 13 miles away, revealing stunning views. The Kea Point Walk, situated 14 miles from the park, showcases the area's natural beauty.

Nightlife

At Mount Cook National Park, the nightlife is captivating. Visit the Mount John Observatory, 30 miles away, for stunning stargazing experiences. Just 31 miles away, the Dark Sky Project offers a unique celestial adventure, making both venues perfect for astronomical fun under the stars.

*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 must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and breathtaking scenery. Popular attractions include Aoraki Mount Cook and the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine area, perfect for adventure seekers. Whether you're looking to hike, explore, or simply take in the natural beauty, this national park provides an unforgettable experience in New Zealand's majestic landscapes.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook: Experience stunning alpine scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures at New Zealand's highest peak. With breathtaking views, hiking trails, and opportunities for climbing, Aoraki / Mount Cook offers an unforgettable escape into nature.
  • Franz Josef Glacier: Marvel at the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier, a remarkable natural wonder. This stunning glacier showcases breathtaking scenery and provides opportunities for guided walks or helicopter tours to appreciate its beauty up close.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Delve into the rich culture and history of mountaineering at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Discover fascinating exhibits dedicated to the legendary climber, along with the region's unique alpine environment.

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, plan your visit in May or August to September, when accommodation rates are lower. Book hotels about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays tend to be cheaper for stays than Wednesdays. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future bookings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Mount Cook National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Mount Cook National Park with your flights and activities.
  • 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.

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