10 Things to Do in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located in the South Island of New Zealand and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This park is known for its majestic mountains, beautiful glaciers, and alpine meadows. With so much to explore and experience, here are 10 things to do in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
1. Hike the Hooker Valley Track: This is one of the most popular and well-known hikes in the park. It’s a moderate 3-4 hour hike with stunning views of Mount Cook and the Hooker Glacier.
2. Visit the Tasman Glacier: The Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a scenic helicopter ride over the glacier or simply enjoy the views from the roadside.
3. Climb Mount Cook: Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, standing at an impressive 3,724 meters. Experienced mountaineers can attempt to climb the peak, but it is a difficult and dangerous climb.
4. Take a Boat Cruise: There are several boat cruises available in the park, offering stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.
5. Explore the Alpine Lakes: There are several alpine lakes in the park, each one offering its own unique beauty. Lake Pukaki is one of the most popular lakes, with its stunning turquoise color.
6. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: This interactive museum is dedicated to the life of Sir Edmund Hillary and his expeditions to the Himalayas. It’s a great place to learn about the history of mountaineering and the challenges faced by mountaineers.
7. Take a Helicopter Tour: Helicopter tours are a great way to see the park from a different perspective. You can get an aerial view of the mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.
8. Go Skiing: The park offers some of the best skiing in New Zealand. There are several ski resorts in the area, including the popular Mt. Cook Ski Area.
9. Visit the Tasman Sea: The Tasman Sea is the closest body of water to the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a boat cruise to the sea and enjoy the views.
10. Stargaze: The park is known for its dark night skies, making it a great place to stargaze. You can see the Milky Way and other constellations in the night sky.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a beautiful and majestic place that offers a variety of activities and experiences. Whether you’re a hiker, skier, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, there’s something for everyone in this park. So, make sure to add Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to your list of places to visit in New Zealand.