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

See all 56 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 7 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

Winter activities

See all 3 activities

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
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
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

2.5 out of 5
Bowen Drive, Aoraki, Mount Cook
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
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
58 On Cron Motel

58 On Cron Motel

3 out of 5
58 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier
58 On Cron Motel
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
Rainforest Deluxe

Rainforest Deluxe

5 out of 5
46 Cron St, Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
Rainforest Deluxe
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 activities for tourists, including scenic hiking trails and invigorating walks amidst stunning landscapes. For those seeking adventure, helicopter tours provide breathtaking views of the region. Camping options are available for a closer connection with nature, while day trips allow you to explore the park's highlights. Don’t miss the chance to unwind at a spa after a day of outdoor fun!

Shopping

In Mount Cook National Park, visit the Aoraki Mount Cook Visitor Centre for unique souvenirs and local art. If you're up for a drive, the Twizel Market, about 48.3km away, offers a charming selection of crafts, gifts, and fresh produce from local vendors.

Recreation

Waiho Hot Tubs offers a rejuvenating body treatment experience, 22.5km from Mount Cook National Park, where you can unwind in natural hot tubs amidst stunning surroundings. For golf enthusiasts, The Cairns Golf Course at Lake Tekapo, located 49.9km away, provides outdoor sports vibes and breathtaking views.

Adventure

The Hooker Valley Track, a stunning hiking trail located 1.4km from Mount Cook National Park, offers breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. For skiing, the Roundhill Ski Area, situated 40.2km away, promises exhilarating slopes. Experience scenic flights with Air Safaris, just 14.5km away, for unforgettable aerial views.

Nightlife

In Mount Cook National Park, the Mount John Observatory offers stunning stargazing experiences with a family-friendly vibe, located 48.3km away. Similarly, the Dark Sky Project, 49.9km from the park, invites visitors to explore the wonders of the universe in a captivating atmosphere.

*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 offers a fantastic mix of adventure and stunning scenery, making it a must-visit for travellers. Explore the breathtaking glaciers and national parks, or immerse yourself in local culture at the museum. Don't miss the charming Mount Cook Village, which serves as a perfect base for your explorations in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where you can enjoy outdoor experiences that showcase New Zealand's natural beauty.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook: Experience the grandeur of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook. With its stunning alpine scenery, this area offers thrilling outdoor adventures like hiking and mountaineering, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
  • Franz Josef Glacier: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier. This majestic glacier is surrounded by lush rainforests and offers unique guided tours, allowing you to get up close to its icy formations and learn about its fascinating geology.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Delve into the rich culture of mountaineering at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. This museum showcases the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary and the history of alpine exploration, providing a captivating insight into New Zealand's alpine heritage.

Best time to go to Mount Cook National Park

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.

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 visit to Mount Cook National Park, consider travelling during the cheaper months of May and August to September, when accommodation prices drop. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure better rates, especially on Saturdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. For spontaneous travellers, check out last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal for extra savings. Utilise Expedia's search tool to filter for your budget and preferences to find the best prices.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Mount Cook National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.