Aoraki Mount Cook National Park: Exotic Natural Beauty & Wildlife

The beautiful snow-white-clad mountains and lake in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with the tallest mountains and the longest glaciers, is in New Zealand. There is a mystical aura and endless moments of awe walking through the scenic views of skyscrapers, peaks, glaciers, and snowfields. It holds great significance to the Ngāi Tahu as according to the legend. It surrounds Rakinui, the sky father and his four sons, who are believed to have been turned into mountains of this region during a voyage to the sea. These mountains are revered and considered their ancestors and a connection between the supernatural world. This pristine place provides the best stargazing experience and Tasman Glacier has the best heli-skiing.

Location

The opaque waters at the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons

The twenty-three mountains in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park are 3000 meters high and are easily accessible from State Highway 80. These places offer great hiking opportunities as it is considered the best hiking experience in Australasia. Even if hiking is not your forte, don’t worry as you can take a walk through the Aoraki village in its alpine tarns, herb fields, and spectacular glacier views. A track through its blue waters and Tasman glaciers takes just two hours to feast on those mesmerizing views of lakes, mountains, and glaciers.

How To Reach

The Auckland airport welcomes its passengers for a great holiday in New Zealand.

Photo: Nelson Pérez / Wikimedia Commons

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is accessible by all means of transport from within New Zealand.

By Air: You can fly to Aoraki / Mt Cook airport from Queensland.

By Rail: You cannot reach Mt Cook / Aoraki National Park by rail as there is no interconnectivity.

By Bus: There are regular bus services from Tepako, Christchurch and Queenstown.

By Car: The drive from Christchurch takes about four hours and about an hour from Tepako. You must drive on State Highway 80 from the turn at the southern end of Lake Pukaki to reach Mount Cook village.

Places In And Around The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

You will find wildlife, villages, beautiful beaches, and historically significant places that will give you a wonderful insight into the Maori’s local culture and tradition here:

1. Lake Tekapo

The lupin flowers blooming in Lake Tekapo near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons

This lake is formed by the last glacier remaining in the ice age which holds a vibrant flora and fauna. It gives you a sense of awe as you see the beautiful lupin flowers in white, pink, purple, and yellow around the lake. The lake is also a perfect place to see the southern lights. You will be mesmerized by the turquoise color water that the lake has which comes from fine rock suspended in the lake’s ground. The place also has the perfect climate and its alpine scenery, and wildlife all have an awesome effect on the visitor’s journey.

Attractions: Horse trekking, paddleboarding, hot pools
Distance From Aoraki Mount National Park: 26 kilometers

2. The Church Of The Good Shepherd

The church under the starry night near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons

The Church of the Good Shepherd is famous for its scenic views surrounded by indigenous plants. The church was built to remember the early settlers. It therefore has a significant place in the local’s hearts. Although the church was destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt again with the help of the hill ladies. The church is strikingly beautiful with the lake and mountains as the backdrop creating awesome photographic memories for you. This Anglican church has welcomed all denominations and it is said that it does not need a stained-glass to make it look alluring.

Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Distance From Aoraki Mount National Park: 27 kilometers

3. Twizel

The turquoise water glowing in Twizel near Aoraki National Cook National Park.

Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ / Wikimedia Commons

This hidden gem of New Zealand is a vibrant bustling place with natural beauty that you can’t get enough of with the four lakes Ohau, Pukaki, Benmore, and Ruataniwha surrounding the town, the views of the turquoise water and the scenery of the forest with views of pristine mountains on all sides which will have you awe-struck. The purpose-built town was for the workers in the 60s but became a permanent town after the locals fought hard to keep it.

Attractions: Alps2ocean cycling trail, fishing, scenic plane tours, star gazing
Nearest Airport: Queenstown Airport
Distance From Aoraki Mount National Park: 109 kilometer

Where To Stay

 The wonderful building of the Hermitage Hotel in the Mount Aoraki region.

Photo: Bgabel / Wikimedia Commons

The surrounding areas have many magnificent places to stay. Properties like Aoraki Court, Haka House, Hermitage Hotel, and Mount Aoraki Alpine Hotel have excellent amenities and facilities in the pristine location of Mount Aoraki region. Some of the properties have self-cooking facilities and offer ski planes and helicopter tours. The budget starts from as low as ₹3000 approx and above.

Where To Eat

The tasty cooked salmon on display in a restaurant at Mount Aoraki.

Photo: US Embassy / Wikimedia Commons

The places around the Mount Aoraki region are full of restaurants and cafes offering delightful sumptuous meals for visitors. Restaurants such as Mountaineers Cafe which are also recommended by Lonely Planet and opened by Sir Edmund Hillary are great favorites. Other famous restaurants include Panorama Restaurant, Alpine Restaurant, and many more serving delicious cuisines.

Other Factors To Consider

 A cute hut awaits the weary traveler near the Mount Aoraki range.

Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip

The average trip will cost around ₹ 1,40,000 on average including a flight ticket. However, the cost will vary depending on the nature of travel, activities, accommodations, and number of places to visit in the itinerary.

Tips For Travellers

  • Stay a minimum of one week to explore the majority of the park.
  • Carry proper climbing boots and gears.
  • Campsite booking is done only in cash.

Your tour to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park would be among the most memorable alpine excursions in New Zealand. Pristine nature is filled with towering mountains, beautiful azure lakes, and picturesque walking trails making it every adventurer’s dream come true. While there are various trails, some easy tracks while others offer steep intricate climbs to extreme heights all offer lush scenery and blizzards. Book a trip with TripXL to experience the scenic beauty and serenity at Mt. Aoraki’s destination, a wonderful place worth visiting.

Cover Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a variety of tours and activities are available for hikes, helicopters, boats, and stargazing.
No permits or entry fees are required for the national park itself. However, certain activities, such as camping at designated sites or guided tours, may have fees or require reservations, especially during peak season.
Carry a Waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers for the southern hemisphere. Unfortunately, there's no facility located on the routes, thus, bring everything you might need.
In this region, some species of mountain animals are typical for New Zealand, including Tahr and Chamois which are foreign mountain species that can be found lounging on rocky ridges, and New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea)
Yes, in all places higher than 2000m, especially mountain areas, safety protective measures must be observed. Avoid going out for your hike without checking the weather forecast on your hiking day. The surface may vary and can be tricky especially when it comes to the advanced trails. Overall more remote or difficult hikes, take along supplies for emergencies.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month