Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you anything, they will help us keep this site running and free for everyone.
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park is one of our all-time favourite hiking destinations, with stunning trails that show off the snowy peaks, glaciers and dramatic alpine landscapes. We spent two days exploring the park, chasing sunrises and sunsets on the trails.
In this guide, we're sharing 5 hikes in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park that you can't miss, from easy scenic walks to more challenging alpine adventures.
1. Hooker Valley Track
Distance: 10 km return / 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 124 m
The Hooker Valley Track is the most iconic hike in Mt Cook National Park and for a good reason! It's a well-maintained, mostly flat trail that winds through the Hooker Valley, crossing three swing bridges and passing alpine streams, boardwalks and glacial landscapes.
The track ends at the edge of Hooker Lake, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Aoraki / Mt Cook towering behind the lake, and you'll often see small floating icebergs.
It’s an accessible and incredibly scenic walk that’s perfect for all levels of hikers, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light over the mountains is at its best.
2. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track
Distance: 2.4 km return / 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 m
This Track is a short and easy circular route that leads you to two scenic viewpoints, the Blue Lakes and the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Despite their name, the Blue Lakes have turned green over time becuase of changes in glacial melt, but they’re still a beautiful spot.
From there, the trail climbs up to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint, where you’ll get panoramic views of New Zealand’s longest glacier and the surrounding mountains.
It’s an easy walk that delivers great views for minimal effort, and we even saw native Kea birds that can only be found in alpine regions of the South Island!
3. Sealy Tarns Track
Distance: 5.3 km return / 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Leading on to our favourite hike in the national park, the Sealy Tarns Track is a steep but rewarding climb with over 2,000 steps leading you up the mountain, and is often nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven" because of this.
The trail zigzags up the mountainside to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Mt Cook, Mueller Glacier Lake, and the Hooker Valley below.
The highlight of this hike though, is the small alpine tarn you'll find at the top, perfectly reflecting Mt Cook; it's one of the best mountain photo spots we've ever come across!
This is a challenging hike, but the views from the top are some of the best in the national park and well worth the effort, and it's relatively quiet compared to other hikes in the national park.
Chloe Butcher
4. Kea Point Track
Distance: 2.9 km return / 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 90 m
The Kea Point Track is a easy, well-paved trail that starts from the White Horse Hill Campground and gently climbs up to a lookout platform with stunning views of Mount Sefton and it's glaciers, the Hooker valley, Mueller Glacier lake and Mt Cook.
It’s one of the easiest walks in the park and offers a great reward for minimal effort, making it a great option for sunset or when you want a shorter walk.
5. Mueller Hut Track
Distance: 10.4 km return / 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,050 m
The most challenging hike in Mt Cook National Park (apart from Mt Cook itself, of course) is the Mueller Hut Track, a steep hike that rewards you with dramatic views over the valleys and mountains.
The track starts with the steep climb up to Sealy Tarns, then continues into more rugged, exposed terrain as you ascend a rocky ridgeline toward the bright red Mueller Hut.
From the hut, you’ll get panoramic views of Mt Sefton’s glaciers, the Hooker Valley and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mt Cook. While it can be done as a tough day hike, most people choose to stay overnight at the hut (booking required) to enjoy sunset, stargazing and sunrise in this epic alpine setting.
It’s a demanding hike, but if you’re up for it, it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences in the park.
We didn’t have the gear to stay overnight, so we missed this one, but it’s top of our list for next time!
Where to stay when visiting Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park?
There are two places you can stay in the national park, which are either Mt Cook Village, which has a small range of accommodations, or the White Horse Hill Campground near the trailheads, which is where we stayed.
We'd recommend the White Horse Hill Campground if you're in a campervan or have camping equipment, it's perfect for hiking as it's the starting point for most trails. It's a DOC campsite and costs up to $20 per adult, per night (changes per season).
There are no free campgrounds in the national park, the closest free camps are around Lake Pukaki and Lake Poaka. We used the Campermate app to find free campgrounds!
Otherwise, there are a few options in Mt Cook Village, which is a 5 minute drive or 40 minute walk from the trailheads (the campground). There are a few options, ranging from budget to luxury, the best picks are:
- The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook (Luxury) – Modern hotel with panoramic views of Aoraki and an on-site restaurant.
- Mt Cook Lodge and Motels (Mid-Range) – Comfortable motel rooms and self-contained units.
- Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook (Budget) – Modern hostel with shared and private rooms, communal spaces and even a sauna.
When is the best time to visit Mt Cook National Park?
The best time to hike in Mt Cook is during the warmer months from late October to April, when trails are usually clear of snow.
December to February are the summer months with the best weather, but this means it's also the busiest time so it will be more crowded and expensive.
If you prefer quieter trails, try visiting during spring (November) or early autumn (March–April). Winter is stunning too, but most hikes are snow-covered and require alpine experience.
Are there places to buy food and supplies in Mt Cook Village?
There are very limited options in Mt Cook Village, just a couple of cafes and no actual shop. It’s best to bring your own snacks, meals and supplies before arriving, especially if you plan to camp or do longer hikes.
Twizel is the closest town that has supermarkets, petrol and more dining options, so it’s a good place to stock up beforehand.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, there’s free parking at all trailheads, including Hooker Valley, Sealy Tarns/Mueller Hut, and Tasman Glacier View. The Parking is at the White Horse Hill Campground, which has a separate section for campers staying overnight.
There are toilets here, but facilities are basic, so bring everything you need for the day, and arrive early in peak season as parking can fill up quickly.
Chloe Butcher
Essential Tips for Hiking in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
- Check the weather before heading out — alpine conditions can change fast.
- Dress in layers and bring warm, waterproof clothing, even in summer.
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, the UV can be intense in the mountains, even on cloudy days.
- Download offline maps (like AllTrails or Maps.me), as phone reception is limited in most areas of the park.
- Book huts in advance if you’re planning to stay overnight at Mueller Hut, and bring proper alpine gear.
- Start early for longer hikes to avoid afternoon weather changes and give yourself plenty of daylight.
- Leave no trace — stick to the trails, take all rubbish with you, and respect the fragile alpine environment.
Top Rated Aoraki / Mt Cook Tours
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other New Zealand travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
