Top 36 things to do and attractions in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Visited Hooker Valley in September 2025, and it was one of the most stunning walks we’ve ever done in New Zealand! The trail is well-marked, flat and accessible, making it perfect for all ages. Along the way, we crossed three beautiful suspension bridges, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The scenery is constantly changing, from braided glacial rivers and tussock-filled valleys to snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The highlight of the walk is Hooker Lake itself, with its turquoise waters and icebergs floating gently on the surface. The view of Mount Cook reflecting on the lake was breathtaking — truly a picture-perfect moment. Even though it was early spring, the air was crisp and refreshing, and there were still patches of snow that added to the dramatic landscape. We spent time at the lake, taking photos and enjoying the peacefulness of the area. The trail is about 10 km return but it feels easy thanks to the well-maintained path and gentle terrain. Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone visiting Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It’s accessible, scenic and offers some of the best alpine views in New Zealand. Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers alike!

Hooker Valley Track – Absolutely Breathtaking! We were blessed with great weather — clear skies but a bit chilly, which made the walk refreshing! Only the first bridge was open during our visit, so it was a shorter trail (about 15 minutes each way, 30 minutes total), but still totally worth it. The view was absolutely breathtaking — snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear water, and that stunning Mt Cook backdrop. Even with the limited access, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone heading to the area. ❄️✨

Good place to trek. Exceeded my expectations. It was a lovely sunny day when I went and I had a good enjoyable exercise day. 2 of the bridges were still closed but it's still worth going. Not difficult to walk. I saw people with wheelchairs along the way. Highly recommended.

Hike was done in early Oct , 2nd swing bridge is closed so we didnt find the terrain too difficult. Very scenic. Great weather on the day we hiked so all was good. Highly recommended.

Stunning scenarios and views. Would reccomend to go on a hike here. We came during spring, the weather was good, there wasn't much of a crowd and the air was fresh and clean. The hiking trails are decent, safe, and can be easily spotted so its really hard to get loss.

This world-famous track is all over social media on a blue-sky day, but honestly, it’s just as stunning when the weather turns moody — cloudy or light rain gives the whole valley a dramatic, almost mystical vibe. Of course, if it’s pouring down or snowing heavily, it’s better to stay away for safety reasons. And on a foggy day, visibility gets so low that walking into the valley kind of defeats the purpose. The track itself is medium-level at most. With some basic gear you can easily finish it. Still, whether it’s summer or winter, make sure you bring proper layers and rain protection — the weather in the valley isn’t exactly four-seasons-in-one-day, but it can be as unpredictable as someone in love. The swing bridges, the glacier lake and the Hooker River are absolute highlights — not that you can miss them anyway. If you’re lucky, you might catch a full view of Aoraki / Mt Cook, but most of the time the summit hides behind the clouds. And if you ever get to witness the golden glow on the peak at sunrise or sunset, that’s pure magic — a real blessing. Trust me, unless the track is closed or visibility is dangerously low, spending around four hours here is worth it at any time.

it was a bit crowded when we visited in the beginning of march, but we were lucky to get a parking slot 😅 the way leads you through the stunning scenery of the mountains along the amazing glacier river until the lake - no steep part, it goes up and down in a really easy way and is mostly flat... also some boardwalk parts and three swing bridges to cross the river 😍🥰 definitely a must-do👍🏻✨️

Visiting Mount Cook in winter was a breathtaking experience like no other — the entire landscape was blanketed in pristine snow, with majestic peaks rising through the clouds and reflecting off the icy lake below. The silence of the snowy trails, the crisp mountain air, and the surreal beauty of the surroundings made it feel like a dream. Every turn offered a postcard-perfect view, from the glowing clouds behind the mountains to the untouched white expanses stretching in all directions. It’s a peaceful, magical escape into nature’s raw beauty — truly a must-visit winter wonderland in New Zealand.

Visiting Mount Cook was absolutely breathtaking! The sheer scale of the mountains and the stunning glaciers left us speechless. The views are epic in every direction, whether you’re close up or admiring from a distance. Even just driving through the area, the scenery is unforgettable. Definitely a must-see for anyone traveling in New Zealand!

Breathtaking place! The views of Mount Cook and surrounding glaciers are absolutely stunning. Great walks, crystal-clear lakes, and perfect photo spots everywhere. A must-visit highlight of New Zealand! 🏔️🇳🇿✨

A truly stunning area, well signposted and laid out walks, car park is busy but that's to be expected. There are easy walks direct from the car park and much harder, whether just due to the sheer number of steps even if short walks! The views are to die for though, and can't be missed in all of NZ!

Stayed at the Hermitage hotel. Superb accommodation and the food, although not cheap, was outstanding. The view from my hotel room was incredible. The staff could not have been more helpful and friendly.

Amazing experience, walked up to the tasman glacier counted the steps there are aprox 338 steps took a while iam not a hiker, but definitely well worth it. The view is amazing

If you are in New Zealand you cannot miss a visit to Mt Cook. The scenery will take your breath away even if you don't reach the summit. There are several routes and you can choose the one that best suits you. Make sure you have the right clothing, put on sunscreen (the sun can be really bad at the top) and the right amount of water. Visit the glacier and you can read about how much it has already shrunk over the years. Maybe it will open your eyes a little to our global environmental situation. I don't think that helicopter tours are environmentally friendly, quite the opposite. We only have one planet and if we want to continue to enjoy its beauty we should take better care of it.

We were so lucky to have a snow fall in October so we could enjoy having fun in the patches around. Visited the café and the visitors centre

“Mount Cook is beautiful in every way. The drive there is so good with amazing views all around. Snowy mountains, fresh air, and peaceful nature make it feel like heaven. A perfect place to relax and enjoy.”

The trip and hiking to Aoraki / Mt. Cook has been really interesting. The natural beauty and views of the natural environment there has been vibrant and amazing, the glacier there had dated to be thousands plus years old. Temperature drops significantly as you further hike up the altitudes. One of the most visitors and tourist attractive geographical feature in South Island, New Zealand.😍😊

Very nice view. 1st we went at evening and because it bevome sark early, then we come back next day. My kids very happy to play with snow

Loved going up there it's a good change of scenery away from city life

A beautiful outdoor hiking experience. The mountain views,river valleys and trails are absolutely worth the trip.

Lovely place. I went here with a tour. Hoping that I’ll visit the place again and do some camping!

We didn’t really complete the hike as there were too many stairs and elevation. Do travel light if possible and be prepared for lots of elevations. Start point is around 5-10 minutes from carpark which is free.

The Sealy Tarns Track is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike that offers some of the most breathtaking alpine views in the Mount Cook National Park. Be prepared for a serious workout as there are a lot of stairs (over 2,200), and the elevation gain is no joke. While the summit tarns themselves were recently frozen over due to a recent avalanche and lingering snow, the views along the way more than made up for it. In fact, the lookout points during the ascent arguably offered better scenery than the summit this time around. There was a significant amount of snow and ice on the track, especially higher up. Microspikes and hiking poles are highly recommended for traction and stability—it can get dangerously slippery. Temperature fluctuations between sun-exposed and shaded areas also created varying trail conditions, making it even more essential to come well-prepared. This is a difficult but beautiful hike that should not be underestimated. It can be dangerous if you're not equipped for alpine conditions. Bring proper gear, check the weather, and don’t come unprepared.

Place had fantastic view and a great hike. But definitely not moderate and do include more time if needed. Steep section of stairs with no handle rails. Please bring a hiking pole and wear hiking shoes.

Pretty steep but worth it once you get to the top! Did it on a clear day with no poles / good hiking shoes and was absolutely fine. We did the return journey in just over two hours (as two fairly fit people!).

The most honest review you'll get: People were doing it without much of an exercise background, and not in hiking gear, just takes longer - maybe 2+hrs up. I did it in 50 min up because it was breezy/ cool temp wise and only stopped for a couple water swigs and to let people pass since up/down is the same staircase. But it wasn't overcrowded. My friends who are a bit less active got up in 1h20m with some breaks (there's some little benches/rocks available) And lastly, my friend who just had a hip replacement did it in about 1h45m going at her own pace. The mental component is most challenging not knowing how far you are but i think the yellow emergency kit was the halfway point or at least it felt that way. You can't miss it and there's only one. The view at the top is worth it. There's a small lake up there and 360* views. You can see a little more than 50% of the view if you stop mid way up. The down was the most difficult with uneven steps and constant pounding on the knees but i also made it down in about 45 min so i was going semi quick with a few stops to stretch. I'm glad i didn't bring a day pack. Just brought a rain jacket, sweatpants over shorts and bag with 1L water which was plenty given the weather. And a chocolate croissant to refuel at the top. So happy i did it. Some of the best views on the trip.

We visited in early November, so there was still snow at the top, and even though the hike was quite demanding with all those stairs, it was absolutely worth it. We took frequent breaks whenever we felt it was needed, which helped us reach the summit comfortably, and this approach made the whole climb very manageable. The views were beautiful, and since the track to Hooker Lake is closed from the second swing bridge onward, this is the only way to see the lake right now.

It takes 1.5 hr to walk up from the bottom, road are no slippy in august and no ice cracker is needed. But it’s quite tiring to walk up 2500 stairs haha. But the view worth it!

This track is very easy and quick if you are looking for something to do. The views are good and similar to Hooker Valley Track from the same starting point. The trail is well maintained.

A reasonably easy trek up this track to view the glaciers at the spectacular Kea point. The views at the end are worth it, and so is the beautiful walk up to this point. I could do it with a child on my back. Highly recommended.

Easy and short hike with fantastic views. If hooker valley is too long and crowded for your taste, kea point is a good alternative, although Hooked Valley is still quite a bit better in my opinion, if it wasn’t for the sea of tourists, but hey, I’m one of them so can’t complain 🤷🏻‍♀️ we brought pizza from the store Edmund Hillary cafe at the hermitage, although the pizza was cold when we arrived, it was still delicious after a hike 😂👍

easy hike with good scenery throughout. Mueller Lake is a bit underwhelming though. should be the easiest walk in the Mt Cook area - easier than Tasman Glvier viewpoint.

Kea point look out track is pretty easy track. About 30minutes of walk to reach the kea point from the parking area. Not much of a climb, even old people were completing the stretch. Kea point overlooks the Meuller lake, you can also see the Mt Sefton, Mt Cook from here. If you want to choose between Hooker valley track and Kea track and if you have 3hrs to spare - then go for Hooker valley ..

Very lovely easy walk to a nice view of the Mountains! Took us about 50 mins return at a slow pace!

I saw the glacier for the first time in my life here, and was deeply moved! The scenery is magnificent and surprisingly accessible—highly recommended for casual travelers!

The museum is dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary while he was in Aoraki training in preparation for his ascent on Everest. It also has the 1st glacier landing plane located there. Awesome 👌

This is attached to the hermitage hotel it has a large shop selling hiking gear but quite expensive it has very few general items. The cafe on the first floor is welcome after the hiking but can get very crowded when the tours return. There is a small museum

My wife is really interested in Sir Edmund Hillary and we were really interested in visiting the museum. Don't bother. Most of the museum talks above the alpine centre and area itself. Yes, I find that somewhat interesting, but paying $25 per adult I thought I'd get more. Get a free month on Netflix and watch some documentaries instead.

Save yourself $25 and just don't bother with this. Vaguely interesting yes but at the end of the day it is poorly presented and isn't much more than a small collection of books and photos. So much more could be done to present the story of this man in an amazing way. Until then save yourself the money

We were only visitors for a short stay. Haven't made good use of this centre. You can get information here and can also buy supplies for the climbing the snow mountains. There' s also a museum and movie to watch. It's a pity that we didn't have time to enjoy all these. Hope I can stay a few days here next time when I came.

A great perspective o the history of the nz Alps and sir Edmund Hilary.

Tourist trap. You spend there 20 minutes for $25. Mount Cook National Park visitor centre nearby is much better and free.

I went here with my friends and we all had a great time. There was plenty of space in the kitchen for multiple groups to cook at a time and dining space for everyone. The shared area was very nice and included a tv with a fireplace. The rooms were very nice, my group stayed in a cabin with 5 bunk beds which included a toilet. If you wanted to have a shower you had to go to a different block where there were multiple toilets and showers. The showers were very nice and hot. Had an amazing time :)

Very good location for stargazing. Rooms are spacious. This one was the 10 bed cabin. The cooking and showering is at a Central Area. Kitchen is big and lots of cooking equipment for sharing. The cooking equipment are not the most well maintained but they serve their function. There is also laundry ($4 for was and $4 for dryer). Great stay !

The views are beautiful. You get to pick your spot (in our case our powered site) on a first come first served basis. Many of the lake front sites were already taken when we got there, but some of the sites at the back are great - more spacious and in the trees (in fact our spot was very private and so far the largest and most private we have found in NZ). I did find the men’s’ facilities to be a little small relative to the size of the park - they were crowded and a little messy in the morning.

We stayed at this campsite with our van Pros : location is perfect, closest powered campsite to the touristic places. The facilities are great, kitchen is big, toilets and showers were clean. Living room was warm and big enough to welcome everyone (on winter time) Cons : Frontdesk wasn’t super friendly, almost felt like we were bothering. The washing machine and dryer are a joke (clothes soaking wet after laundry and dryer did not dry them at all). Not dump station. The shower room isn’t heated. For 75NZD I felt it was a bit overpriced.

For a campsite this size, only 4 female showers available to guests (another toilet was reserved for student events). Dinning room table is very dusty and dirty. No dumping station < be warned if you're expecting a "regular holiday park service" Terrible service overall.

We stayed in the larger room with a bathroom and kitchen. Was clean and nice but a bit pricy. Would not recommend the bed only rooms. Location was good and a nice walk down to the lake and not far from Tasman Glacier walks. But avoid the cafe, unfortunately the sweets are all days old and stale as well as the hot food.

Amazing location, only 20 mins drive on the most spectacular road down to Mt Cook village. Only $35pp for a powered site in a location like this I’ll take. You get a choice of site which is good as a lot aren’t level but the night skies are awesome. Wifi was good. Only negative was there was only 2 toilets and 4 showers in the bathroom which wasn’t enough for the amount of people staying there. Queues in the morning for the bathroom isn’t great. But other than that it’s a good site and much cheaper than staying in the village with better weather!

I’ve done a lot of hikes in my life but this hike was by far the most challenging (and most stunning) I’ve ever done. I did the hike end of March in good weather. I found it tiring to walk up the 2200 steps (but absolutely do able) and extremely challenging to hike up the slope because there are a lot of lose rocks and I did worry I might slip (especially on the way down). I took my time to make sure to find some good footing. You can’t get lost as long as you don’t end up in fog / clouds as there are orange markers every few meters. However, it’s not always clear where the path is. You climb over rocks on your way to the next marker. The end part is a climb over big rocks instead of a path. It’s safe (you can always sit on your bottom and use your hands and feet if you feel unsafe) but it takes time. I couldn’t have done the hike in one day and was grateful I managed to book a bed in the hut. Everyone was in bed early as it’s quite cold in the hut. I didn’t get a lot of sleep as you are lying really close next to each other in a room of 12 or 16 and the mattresses are thin and hard. There’s gas to cook in a kitchen and there were even some spare pots I could use and liquid to clean them. There’s drinking water you can boil or drink like this. The toilet wasn’t my favourite place but it’s a functioning toilet. Warden Denis was friendly and explained everything you needed to know and was there if you had any other questions. I felt really safe in the hut and on the hike as a female solo traveller. On the way down I twisted my ankle on one of the steps that was currently undergoing repair (they even put a warning sign up but I had put so much concentration in not misssteping on the slope, that I got tired and didn’t pay enough attention to the steps). A really lovely French gentleman carried my backpack down, someone gave me some sweets and he and his wife did walk me down all the way which was such a relief (not having to have the weight on the ankle through the backpack but also the emotional support). It’s so good to feel that you are not alone. Merci beaucoup! The Mueller Hut hike and the experience of staying a night in the hut was the highlight of my travels to New Zealand. While walking up you could see and hear approx every 20-30 minutes an avalanche going down Mt Sefton. To experience the force of nature but knowing that you are safe as you are on a different mountain, was incredible. The views on the glacier, lakes and mountains (especially Aoraki Mt Cook) were breathtakingly beautiful. Spending the night up in the hut with only 28 other people and some sneaky keas under the stars was really really special.

We hiked up to Muella Hut in November and there was still snow at the top, which made it difficult to pass without crampons and poles but still doable. If you want to stay in the huts, it is best to book at the DOC visitor centre and costs $45 pp but we decided to camp ($15 pp), which was great but obviously quite cold. There are a few spots to put your tent which have stone walls to cover from the wind. We absolutely loved it and would highly recommend doing it.

Went up couple a days ago, quite fortunate that it snowed a day before our hike, and were so blessed with the weather as well. 2200 stairs (around 2hrs) to climb then followed by rocky slopes, ices and snows. Can be challenging for some people to climb but definitely worth every effort!

The highlight of our three-week trip! Awesome location and views (especially with the clear skies we had), and the ranger was very nice and knowledgeable (despite it only being his first week at Mueller Hut). Didn't sleep suuuper well due to some people being quite loud when entering the room and the mattresses being very firm, but hey, who cares, the views and hike were more than worth it!

Hiked up on a stunning day, was going to spend the night in the hut but hut warden Dennis gave me a speech not to due to the terrible gale/rain next morning, and it turned out to be the case. Very responsible and helpful. Stunning mountain and glacier view, and sound of avalanche was still echoing in my ears days after the trip. Can't ask for more from a mountain hike. Will definitely return for the hut stay!

Hike up for an overnighter! The dorm is comfy, reasonable kitchen area, and the outside toilet quite fun to walk to at night. Don't be a weight-saving cheapskate with normal hiking food, the hut has enough space to make a nice platter. Bring some cask wine and enjoy the views, fresh mountain air and sounds of the nearby glacier! Ensure to wake early for sunrise over Aoraki.

The hike up is definitely worth the effort. Takes some time though and don't recommend doing it very close to sunset (as we did, for a day trip up). The hut is a nice place to listen to neighbouring avalanches.

Went for both the jetty and river spot, and was glad we did since it offers quite a different view into the river - the river allows you to get down and close with the shore, while the jetty is more of an overview which doesn’t let you see much of the icebergs. I would opt and recommend the river trek, on the right, if you are worn out and only want to visit one of them (though it wasn’t a long distance from the split road).

Worth climbing the many steps to ascend to the top. Before that, there's the lovely Blue Lake to visit midway. Once at the top, the gorgeous views are so worth the efforts and steps. Very windy at the top, mind your hat/cap doesn't get blown away!

Visited on early Oct. Theae pics are taken at about 230pm after some light morning rain. Not so difficult terrain, mainly flat except last part which u need to walk on rocks to get down to the lake. No strong fitness needed for this terrain.

Involves steep sections and many steps, making it a challenging short hike. It is not recommended for older visitors or those requiring easy paths. However, the drive to the parking lot is absolutely breathtaking and well worth the journey itself.

A 30-45 min hike, I would prepare for 1.5-2 hrs. This hike is listed as moderate due to the elevation and its 300 steps. You can hike it at your own pace, I would suggest taking a water bottle and hiking sticks if you have.

Quite a view from top. Though it is a bit of a climb, it’s wort the effort. On the way you can see the blue lake. One can take the pathways beside the stairs, which reduces the effort to some extent.

A short hike with great views at the top. There are many steps and it’s an uphill climb but worth the trek.

Great campsite with breathtaking views. A good central point for some amazing hikes. Enough toilets to go round (and they are flushing toilets). A decent sized kitchen area with sinks. No electricity here so you won't get lighting on microwaves etc. Bring your own gear. Came here end of March/early April and enough space for everyone (just). Just don't be someone who gets in late or you'll struggle to find a place to set up for the night.

Clean toilets and drinking water available. No showers. Non powered sites. We pre booked but spaces are not allocated or reserved and it filled up pretty quickly and we arrived at the designated 2pm time. It was the Easter school holiday period so it was busy. Easy access to lots of good hiking tracks and the Kea Point walk was awesome and very easy offering great views of the mountains. See photos. You can take a short 1.5km walk to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine centre which has a great cafe bar and restaurant and super clean facilities. The drive in from the turn off is spectacular as well so allow plenty of time to stop at the many pull over points along the way. Visit the salmon shop 800m from the turn off for amazing fresh and frozen salmon.

We spent one night at White Horse Hill Campground and absolutely loved the experience. We booked an unpowered campsite for NZD $50 and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stays of our trip. The campground is set right in the heart of nature, surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views. Waking up here was truly magical, imagine opening your door to see snow-capped peaks and crisp, fresh mountain air. The area is very well-maintained, clean and organized. Despite being unpowered, the campsite was comfortable, peaceful and safe. The starry night sky was another highlight, incredibly clear and beautiful, perfect for stargazing before bedtime. We also appreciated how close the campground is to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park’s walking trails, making it a great base for exploring the area. The parking area was spacious and easy to access as well. Overall, White Horse Hill Campground is the perfect spot for nature lovers and anyone looking to unwind amidst stunning scenery. Highly recommended for a truly scenic, peaceful and unforgettable camping experience in Mount Cook.

Such a beautiful camp spot right at the base of the ice capped mountains. Free toilet and small shelter to shield from the wind. A perfect base camp for day hikes and to experience the strong winds and beautiful scenery.

Great campsite with clean bathrooms and an impressive shared cooking/eating hall. We stayed only one night, and it got quite cold, but everything went well otherwise. Snowy morning to wake up to. Great proximity to walking/hiking tracks.

Beautiful campsite! Definitely go there if you’re planning on doing the Mueller hut track or any track in this area tbh. It has a big shelter and quite a few toilets.

Large camping grounds, ample parking space. Starting point for about 3 hiling trails - Hooker valley track, Kea point track and Sealy Tarns track. Beautiful place. There is toilets and shelters here

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking for an hour to see where a glacier used to be, Franz Josef Glacier walk is your moment. The trail is beautiful — waterfalls, if your lucky —cliffs, and lots of rocks where, once upon a time, ice majestically sat. At the viewing platform, you’ll squint into the distance and maybe spot a tiny patch of ice clinging to the mountain, looking as disappointed as you feel. Still, the walk is scenic, the exercise is free, and you’ll leave with some great photos of… gravel. Lots of gravel.

A beautiful part of the world. It was rainy on the day we came but that didn't mean we missed out on seeing beautiful landscapes.

I can definitely NOT recommend visiting Franz Josef Glacier. What could be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural sights has sadly turned into a noisy, commercialized disappointment with tons of gravel. The absolute most ridiculous thing about the visit is the giant sign at the lookout that says, “What can I do against climate change?” — while the air is constantly filled with the deafening roar of tourist helicopters. How can this possibly be taken seriously? It seems the town has built an entire business model around helicopter flights: the standard hike to the glacier is closed for vague “safety” reasons, leaving only two short walks (about 15 minutes in total) with no real glacier view because you’re so far away. It genuinely feels like you’re being pushed into paying for a helicopter ride to see something that used to be accessible on foot. The whole place feels like a helicopter-tour hub rather than a nature destination. Here’s the kicker: a typical sightseeing helicopter burns 60 to 120 litres of fuel per hour, releasing between 185 kg and 500 kg of CO₂ every single hour — the equivalent of 10 to 40 hours of driving a car! And yet right there at the lookout you’re lectured about “what you can do against climate change.” The hypocrisy is unbelievable. Meanwhile, the environmentally friendly alternative — simply walking closer to the glacier — is blocked. Repair the walkways, let visitors hike, and stop pretending helicopter tourism is sustainable. Even the car park gives you an uneasy feeling with its many warning signs about theft and “do not leave any belongings in your car.” Not exactly welcoming. In short: this could be an incredible natural experience, but it’s buried under noise, emissions, gravel and commercialization. A frustrating example of how not to manage a natural wonder.

Franz Josef Glacier The road to the lookout is very well sign-posted and there’s plenty of free parking when you arrive. There are a few walking options from the carpark, we chose the short 15-minute walk to the “View of the Glacier” lookout. We visited in April 2025. Twenty-five years ago my best friend lived in this peaceful part of the world when we were teenagers. She always encouraged me to visit, telling me how the glacier once sat at ground level and how you could walk right up to it. She always said, “You’ll love it here.” Twenty-five years later, I finally made it to Franz Josef and it was a bittersweet experience. It’s incredible to be here at last, but climate change has not been kind to this beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand. The glacier has retreated far up the valley, and the only way to see the ancient ice up close now (or what I was expecting) is by helicopter. Next time, that’s exactly what we’ll try to do, weather permitting. I still absolutely recommend making the trip. Go with an open mind, appreciate the landscape for what it is today, and take in what remains of this iconic and truly special place in NZ.

November 2025: Glacier view track is closed. The sign said that due to the river changing course, the track has been washed away. This means that you can’t get anywhere near the glacier viewpoint, and we didn’t see anything but gravel. If you walk up the Sentinel Rock path, you might see a tiny bit of ice. It was still a lovely walk, but disappointing not to see the glacier.

Nothing is more beautiful than this glacier on west coast of New Zealand. A small town of Franz Josef which closes by 6 pm and wakes up in the morning with the frequent helicopters sound. Many agencies taking booking for a helicopter rides for the glacier. They will land on snow for some 7-8 mins in which u can play with snow and get ur photo clicked by the pilot also. Its the same temperature as the base so no need to carry heavy jackets as the helicopter is normally packed. U can use the locker of the agency. They will give u pick up and drop facility for the landing zone. Must do when in that part of the World.

I climbed only a small part of the Glacier as I was on a group tour, Connections 18 - 35. An incredible experience it was. I'm disappointed at the low ratings that some people have given for such a wonderful piece of the natural climate up close.

It's..... quite bad. We hike on end Nov 2024 and to the first viewpoint of the blue lake after the signage on the path. This is the first thing we saw and we turned around after. The glaciers do not flow well enough so it's now been filled by rainwater so it's not blue anymore. There may be more to the hike and not sure how it looks further up but If you are expecting to see blue lakes, I suggest to manage your expectations or just visit the tasman glacier lake! There should be signs to update that it's not blue anymore so people don't waste their time and effort hiking up to this point to see such water!

The lakes were not blue in March 2025. They were brown, not worth the effort. There is an overlook just up the trail so you can inspect the lakes from above before braving the thorns !

Great little diversion on the track up to the Tasman glacier viewpoint. There are 3 little lakes nestled in a sheltered spot. I didn’t realise there was more than one lake until I was near the top of the glacier view walk. We went in Autumn. Imagine it is more vibrant with some snow.

For the best view of Blue Lakes, skip the hike to the lake itself and head up to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. The view from above is far more impressive than the shoreline

Very picturesque little group of three main lakes, with two additional ponds. Looks great in winter. In June 2022 the track was quite overgrown, and I couldn’t make it past a particular section on east side. Had to scramble up the rocks.

Nice quiet place, shortest track from car park but you need to climb some steps to get here (but not as many steps as the Tasman glacier viewpoint). Beware of the spiky bush as you walk. The lake is no longer blue but greenish.

Lakes no longer blue and not very impressive. Can see them from the top of the glacier overlook hike nearby.

Worth the hike. Pretty steep, lots of stairs but nice view. Honestly the view doesn't change much tho. You only go higher. But there is this nice spot left of Mueller hut behind the rocks where you can take a great photo. Also saw some keas

The hike to the lookout 20 minutes before you reach the hut is only for the fit and sure footed. The views get more and more stunning and are just fabulous at this lookout point (once you reach a plateau continue straight on over some rocks to the end). We did not turn left to the hut as we were told that the view is best from where we were. It is fun scrambling over the rocks and quite challenging. The stairs up to the lovely Sealy Tarn are doable with a medium fitness level. In April it was not so hot anymore but still surprisingly many people around. Heaven knows how it is in summer. I would only do it on a mostly clear day and without snow.

One of the best hikes I’ve done in NZ so far. Definitely a tough one but loved the rock scramble towards the top. Amazing views of Mount Cook at sunrise on a clear morning. Can be done in a day but would highly recommend staying in the hut!

A fantastic, challenging walk which is 5km straight up. The 1st part is stairs (over 2000 of them) & the 2nd part is a scramble up a steep, rocky track. We are both fit & took it slow with breaks & it was still 3.5 hours to the Hut. I’d suggest you leave early to avoid the crowds going up. Coming down they’re unavoidable. If you do take this hike on you’ll be rewarded with stunning views!!

I traveled here with my housemates, and wow, wow, wow. Pure majesty, power, and amazing. The view of Aoraki, Mt Cook, is not to be missed. The Tarn, Mountain Lake, was a welcomed sight after walking the first 1000 steps. A place to refresh and swim if you're brave enough enough. The hike was tough but worth it. The Hut was a true mountain Hut and filled with energy and stories from those traveling. I highly recommend this hike to everyone.

Beautiful hike!! I consider my fitness level low to moderate, and it took me 8 hours round trip. 9:20am - left the parking lot 11am - Sealy Tarns viewpoint 13:20pm - arrived at Mueller Hut 14:30pm - left Mueller Hut 17:30pm - back to campground First part was a gentle incline with rocks, then steep stairs for most of the way until Sealy Tarns lookout. Then it changed to all sizes of rocks that required some hand holding and climbing to ascend. There's a view point approx. halfway between Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut where you aren't really ascending elevation anymore, you turn left, and it's more rock hopping and climbing but it's less slippery and steep. Overall, challenging, but if you allot enough time you could do with less fitness.

One of the most amazing hikes ever. With beautiful nature around you and Aoraki in the background all the time, this hike is a must! The hike to Muellers hut took 3hours up and 1,5 hours down. Worth every minute. You will see all the levels of vegetation ending up in an alpine snowy landscape (summertime). The beginning half of the hike has stairs making it easy to gain altitude and easy to get down.

First time visit. Where we took off and landed for our helicopter ride. A small but cosy airport. Very near to Mount Cook Village and hiking trails.

We took a helicopter from here to go glacier hiking, and the scenery was breathtaking. The staff here explained the safety rules very clearly, and we thoroughly enjoyed this journey.

It was amazing,Andy is a very nice guide,We have a very impressive journey.

Very basic airport without any drink or snack available.

Had a brief stop in to see what the tours were like, but alas too expensive despite having glacier hikes to stops and a few companies to choose from. Used the toilet facilities too then stood up on the second floor balcony to marvel at what was to come by the time we get to Mt Cook. Didn't seem to be all too much else in there or outside besides a place where could picnic

We took a trip with the Southern Lakes Helicopters today, even though the scenery was amazing, it was shadowed by the crew who looked after us. An amazing group of guys who just wanted you to enjoy yourselves. Thank you team Southern Lakes.

Wonderful helicopter 🚁 experience. Wonderful staff giving clear safety instructions, pilot Dylan 👨‍✈️ was very friendly and gave brief highlights and explained the sights. Would have preferred to have tried the ski plane ✈️. Too bad it was unavailable on our trip.

A recommended to do activity is to take the Helicopter to Fox Glacier, cost a-bit high at 2xx NZD for 30 mins, it stopped on top of the snow also, good place to visit in NZ

Would you believe me if I said you could land on a glacier in New Zealand? 🚁❄️”✨ The moment the helicopter lifted off, my heart was racing — not from fear, but from pure excitement. We soared over lush valleys, climbed above rugged peaks, and suddenly the world below turned into a sea of white and blue. ❄️🧊 Gliding above Fox Glacier felt like flying into another realm — jagged crevasses glowing with icy blues, mountains stretching endlessly, and clouds drifting just beneath us. And then came the most surreal part: the landing. Stepping out onto ancient ice, crunching snow beneath my boots, and spinning in a slow circle just to take in 360° of untouched beauty. It’s one of those adventures that makes you feel small yet wildly alive at the same time — a bucket-list memory I’ll carry forever. 🌍💙

We loved seeing this glacier from many angles. We visited the viewpoint, walked to the base of the glacier, and took a helicopter ride to look at it from the air. It’s majestic beauty is a sight that should not be missed when you are visiting the South Island!! Definitely take the time to see it from as many viewpoints as possible

First time seeing a glacier and riding a helicopter—such an awesome experience, absolutely worth every penny!

Beautiful and fun. Thanks God the weather was nice for our safety and stunning masterpiece. Sadly it will be melted within 10 years.

Very easy and short hike to the glacier from the car park. The Glacier is shrinking on a fast pace. Worth visiting but you can not compare it to the impressive glacier in Iceland, greenland and patagonia.

Wasn't a bad experience overall, got a new view on the helicopter ride, gear provided so you don't really need to bring your own unless you don't like wearing shared gear, the tour itself around 4hours abit longer than I wanted it to be I think 2-3hours good enough anything more you kinda get bored, very friendly staff, freestyling and taking g you around the glacier whilst giving you some educational talks which is nice, ideally bring a pack lunch as it will drag and you'll probably get hungry on on or after the walk then waiting around some more before boarding the helicopter for going back

Easy walk but with lots of steps for about 100 meters climb, most part are shaded, feeling like walking into a forest. Narrow path but there's no one else except us. Do be prepared for sandflies. Decent short walk if you have 1 hour to spend. Toilets available at the shelter by the trail head.

Well maintained up/down loop track through well labelled varied beech forest flora & fauna.

Fab walk if the weather has closed in. Recommend doing it anticlockwise. We did it in over a foot of snow which makes it more challenging, however the scenery was lovely.

Low to medium level of difficulty in tracking walk. It's a round trip beginning from the RV parking lots, and it cost almost one hour to finish. A good view to see the Mountain Cook, and the valley. Along with the road, there is much introductions for all special plant species.

A really beautiful trail that delivers diverse flora and fauna of the area and a few good views of the valley and the Red Tarn Hike. If you are stopping at the public shelter for food or the use of the shower/bathrooms, I would recommend taking the time to walk this trail it takes about 45 min.

Lovely walk with 150m climb. Gorgeous walk through the forest finishing off with rapids.

Don't miss it. Great for 60-90 minutes

Good track for Beautiful view

One of my favourite tracks and trails around the Aoraki area besides the Governor's Bush and Hookey Valley track. Worth the hike and steep stairs to enjoy those views at the top! It's also possible to keep climbing on upwards to Mt. Sebastopool and the summit from the top of this track - Looked like steep scree slopes but possible.

Heavy track with 1255 steps! But the view is so rewarding, we had clear weather and stunning views

(Translated by Google) It's a great place to cultivate your spirit, cleanse your mind and body, and restore your health! I recommend everyone to come for a walk. The mountain trails are not challenging and the air is clean. It's really great! (Original) 非常修身養性、洗滌心靈和身心，恢復健康的好地方！推薦大家來健走，山路挑戰度低，空氣清淨，實在太讚了！

Wonderful experience. You must come and see it.

Do it! The guide was great and everything was provided.

(Translated by Google) I booked a hiking activity online before traveling. Unfortunately, I checked out of the Hermitage this morning and then checked in. I was told that due to weather conditions, all flights were canceled today. Although we couldn’t see it with the naked eye, we just felt there were some dark clouds above, but I thought it was necessary for them to cancel a whole day’s itinerary due to their professionalism. The staff kindly asked us how long we planned to stay here and could we fly on another day. Unfortunately, we were only scheduled to be here for one day and could not reschedule, so all refunds were made. (Original) 行前在網路上預約了健行活動 很可惜的今天早上由隱士退房後來報到 被告知天侯問題，今天所有航班全面取消 雖然我們由肉眼看不出來只覺得上面有些許烏雲 但我想以他們的專業會取消整天的行程一定是有這個必要的 工作人員很親切的問我們打算在這裡待多久可以改天飛可惜我們只安排一天在這裡無法改期，所以全部退款。

Been planning this visit for 2 years now. Finally got the chance to go but unfortunately the Hooker Valley Track has been closed from the first bridge onwards. It is set to open Autumn 2026. So hopefully we make it for that next year. Otherwise, everything was so stunning. Seeing Mt.Cook right in front of me made me feel some sort of emotion- i cannot describe . I will definitely be going again in the winter.

If you are in New Zealand and you didn’t visit Mount Aoraki then it is a bog miss, not fulfilled of your trip. It is a mind blowing view from any place, the road trip is awesome and refreshing journey. The picture you will be taken will not present how beautiful the serenity is. Just be there, spend some time, be quiet, make your own way, stop somewhere and breathe.

Wonderful, soring mountains, glacier and native bush walks. Can be busy, but tracks are well built for the numbers. Take your time to soak or all in. DOC information centre worth a visit for informative display.

The Aoraki/Mt Cook NP Visitors Center is one of the best I have ever explored. I have a particular interest in exploration, trekking, and history of those activities. If you do too, it is well worth an hour or so of your time. Mt Cook has been a proving ground for great mountaineers and the center documents many of those who passed through. The presentations on rescues was fascinating too. It was also the first I've seen that gives props to the first women explorers. First females, essentially climbing in dresses, had great stories.

This tourist center is worth a visit for everyone. It showcases the history, development and construction process of Mt. Cook, as well as the protection of the mountain's environment and wildlife.

I recently lost my prescription glasses at Kea Point, Mt Cook, and assumed they were gone for good. Out of chance, I contacted the Department of Conservation with a short note describing them. Within minutes, Sandra from the Mt Cook team replied, confirmed they had been found, and offered to post them back to me. The efficiency and care were impressive, and it was a reminder of the professionalism behind New Zealand’s conservation services. Thank you to Sandra and the Mt Cook wildlife conservation team for the prompt support and assistance.

While we were watching the movie (which is very interesting!), we essentially got kicked out of the building at 11:30AM by the tenant, because it’s here lunch hour!!!! So my understanding is that no matter how many people are in there (we must have been about 20 or more, the parking is full), she emptied the building so she can have here lunch. I’m fine with people taking a break, don’t get me wrong, but isn’t there a better way to treat visitors who drove hours to get there? This is an internationally famous area, with loads of visitors year round! While the video explains how proud the Kiwis are about Aoraki Mount Cook, a Kiwi kicked if out of the visitor center! Now, this being said, if you can get in when it’s open, it’s beautiful in there, great book shop and exhibitions. But here we are in the car, watching groups after groups get turned around at the door!!

Unforgettable Adventure on Ice! The Glacier Explorer tour was an incredible experience! Cruising among icebergs on the Tasman Lake, right next to the glacier face, was surreal. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making it fun and educational. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to a glacier – absolutely worth it!

Well organised and significant care factor throughout, we initially had to cancel due to poor weather and were put in a wait list, they had a cancellation on a following day and we were called straight away. Ben was an excellent guide and shared lots of interesting facts and made the tour. Icebergs and scenery were amazing, highly recommend to anyone visiting for a unique experience.

First time on a glacier, first time in front of an iceberg, first time tasting ice that’s tens of thousands of years old. Our guide, Tara, made the whole experience even more enjoyable: she was punctual, precise, kind, and attentive to every passenger on the boat. For my wife and me, it was a truly one-of-a-kind experience — one we’ll probably never get to repeat (at least not until our next trip to New Zealand).

Worth a visit Need to hike before reaching the boarding point and hike back after that Need to leave the bags then wear safety vest. Safety briefing on the boat. Informative and educational tour about the glaciers. Get to go up close and also taste the glaciers Our guide was awesome, he would rotate the boat to ensure everyone had good views, also helped us to take photos Windy and cooling when boat is speeding.

Ben our guide was top notch. Super knowledgeable and funny. Didn’t want the experience to end. 5 stars! - from your Scotland crew 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Great experience it's a must do if your in the area, bit of a hike from the car park to the boats.

This excursion is a MUST if you're visiting queenstown. It was our favourite activity (and we did lots of them). We drove to the Hermitage hotel (3 hours from Queenstown) and back in one day. You can also stay there. Anton, our guide, eat knowledgeable and friendly and made the experience excellent. Thank you for a beautiful day

The view at the top definitely is worth the steep climb. Highly recommend especially when Hooker Valley is closed.

The hike is steep, but not too long, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. It was definitely worth the effort to get to the top! he surrounding mountains made the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos. I highly recommend this hike to anyone who loves nature and wants to see some of the most beautiful views has to offer!

Embarking on the Red Tarns Track in New Zealand is an exhilarating journey into alpine beauty. The trail's steep uphills demand effort, but the reward is the unrivaled spectacle awaiting at the summit. The panoramic views from Red Tarns showcase New Zealand's rugged charm, with the Southern Alps standing majestically on the horizon. The ascent unveils a different perspective of Mount Cook, adding a touch of awe to the adventure. As you navigate the track, the landscape transforms, revealing vibrant flora and the pristine beauty of alpine tarns. The sense of accomplishment at the summit is matched only by the awe-inspiring scenery, making the Red Tarns Track a must for hikers seeking a challenging yet gratifying exploration of New Zealand's natural wonders. Must bring enough water when hike on this track. Seldom visitors would come here, but if you have enough time I would highly recommend you to get to summit and enjoy a totally different view of Mt. Cook.

Amazing somewhat hidden away track trail..most tourists never get to experience... Its steep but well formed track... Great for a nice weather day... Awesome views from the top... 350mtr climb..allows Around 2.5 hrs return back to the Mt Cook Village.... Highly recommended...

Takes 1:30-2:15 hours to complete (return included). A lot of steps (over 1.000). Amazing view at the end.

One of the best walks I’ve done in NZ. Quite steep so it keeps the hoards away (thank god). Well worth the effort. A hidden gem.

Had a short stop here on the was to summit mount Sebastopol, safe but steep track benches and views enroute. If you continue up the scree for another 200 vertical meters you will find more tarns. Be aware the summit of Sebastopol is quite exposed and not for beginners.

What a memorable day. Blue skies, great views, no wind and 20cm of soft powder. Skiing was cruisy even for a 69 year old.

A truly magnificent day spent on the glacier with the Alpine Guides team. If you are looking for a calm, safe, relaxed, fun and professional way to introduce yourself to heli skiing, then this is it - bar none! Led by the extraordinary AGL guides JR and Woody, during the entire tour we were either gaining knowledge, having fun, being entertained and skiing some nice untouched lines on varying terrain. Would recommend to anyone of low intermediate or better ski ability. Thanks AGL!

What a fantastic trip !!! You embrace the enviroment your in. Easy skiing with the guide giving you tips on how to ski powder. Totally recommend the adventure. Heli pilots also excellent !!!

Such an incredible day. Unbelievable scenery fantastic guide (thanks Tai!) and a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve skied all my life and in many different countries; this is hard to beat. Thanks team

Awesome day. We had been thinking about doing this and the planets aligned. Weather forecast fine, nearby, and skiing legs working. It was better than imagined. We had the excellent guiding of Mal and Dave, who were confidence inspiring and this was an absolute chill and fun day. Thanks guys. The helicopter trip was an event all of its own, thanks to Daniel. The masterpiece in all this is Aoraki and the glacier, no words to describe.

I booked Ski The Tasman Glacier with a bunch of friends to celebrate my 40th birthday. It was AMAZING! We had a bluebird day, beautiful snow and skiing amongst those majestic mountains was an incredible experience. I highly recommend this trip, even to those with limited powder skiing experience!

Ski the Tasman was more-than-fabulous. Most importantly, just wow - the most awesome mountain environment. Pristine snow (no-one else is licensed for this trip), glittering in the alpine sun. Fun mix of easy and medium skiing. (All supported by great communication from the team. Highly professional operation that takes safety reassuringly seriously)

The whole West Coast of this south island is amazing for hikes, glacier scenery, glacier hikes, heli scenery and star photography! Loved this national park and got some good star photography done around Frans Joseph :)

It's a great walk to view Fox Glacier. A couple of hours, more if you stop and take photos.....

Great parking spaces. Bathrooms at the start. Quick, easy flattish walk. There's a very small incline. Bench at the end to enjoy the views. A couple of waterfalls along the way. Wide and well established path to the Glacier. No dogs allowed. It's definitely easy enough for kids.

The hike up Alex Knob was delightful, yet strenuous. Accomplishable in 4.5 hours round trip when proceeding at a decent clip, yet well worth settling into some bushes for a couple hours at the top for cover from the wind to watch the clouds roll by with occasional glimpses at the incredible glacier. My Toms were feeling their misuse by the end of this hike as the South Island terrain is testing them, yet I remain resolute and proud to continue to push their limits and enjoy the mocassin-like hiking which gives me a sense of connection and way to pay respects to native hikers of centuries past especially with the North American tribes that showed so much respect to the land and animals of their time.

This place is incredibly scenic and leads to the snout of Franz Josef Glacier. Another track crosses the river to the north (the photos are from this one). It is hard to tell which is the most beautiful, the vegetation or the geology, most probably the way they combine. Most of it is easily walkable but may prove slightly treacherous in bad weather. An absolute Must (but everybody knows that or obviously sees it).

Easy walk up Trig path to a most spectacular sight, the southern Alps on one side and the Tasman sea and all the lagoons and beaches on the other. Endless dense rain forest between the two. If you lucky you will see white herons, spoonbills and other rare birds

Wow, just wow...what a magnificent place. Such spectacular scenery, great cafes and restaurants and plenty of activities to do...there is also a track just south of the chapel in Franz Josef that where you can see glow worms just after sun down.

Well, it's a grand of a spot, alright. You rock up, maybe puff a wee bit on the track and BAM! Views for days. That turquoise lake, framed by those stoic Southern Alps. Makes you feel pretty small, in a good way. Definitely worth a stop to stretch the legs and snap a pic that'll make your mates jelly. its worth going the length of the track, just bring some decent shoes and be and keep and eye on the time. You don't wanna night time stroll!

The surroundings on this hike are amazing. It can be a bit crowded because it is one of the most well known hikes of NZ. Not a lot of parking space, but we had no issue finding a spot. It is a very easy walk. We walked a normal relaxing pace and it took 2,5/3 hours.

Short walk from the car park, but definitely not a casual stroll when conditions are rough. It was extremely windy when I went, with some icy patches along the path—so watch your step. The view? Absolutely worth it. Just be sure to dress warm and tread carefully.

Easy 10min walk from the car park. Bring extra clothes as it was freezing still in mid-October.

It’s free to come over here but unfortunately the Hooker Valley bridge was closed when we visited there!

Nice little lookout about 15 minutes walk from the car park. Relatively flat road but gravel and struggled a bit with a stroller. This place is absolute freezing and the pictures are amazing. Access to the bridge has stairs and not suitable for prams

It's a stunning lookout point with great mountain views and a hike! The water colour is worth watching.

Just head straight up to the Tasman Lake View point as you can also see the Blue Lakes as you hike up towards the highest point to get amazing views of the lake. We went up on a cold and windy day where the rain was extremely strong. After viewing the top, head back down and hike around 1.2km to the Tasman River and you can climb down the rocks to the river bank and actually touch the river water and if you are lucky, pick up some pieces of glacier ice that is close to the river bank. Total time spent should be around 1 to 1.5 hours(return) to complete the trail and river.

When we came on the verge of winter, only few icebergs were visible. I would not recommend coming here in winter, as you can see better views at Tasman Glacier View. But if you come in cold winter, perhaps there are more icebergs and would be cool to visit this place. The walk is easy and fairly flat. Easy to do!

Very beautiful scenery. Be careful when you walk down by the rocks. I came in mid of November, late spring but there’re still the ice on the lake. The scenery from the lake to the mountains is stunning. I will definitely come back on winter to see more icebergs 🥶

Did this a while back. Went around starting of February, nice walk. Quite easy, I had walked it in sneakers (do not recommend) wear proper shoes even though it's a nicely built track.

Combined walking to this with a walk to the main viewpoint. Really enjoyed both. Highly recommend you do both. Walk to the jetty and then hike along the ridge that flanks the river to the river exit of the lake. The boys loved the hike.

Date: 06/07/2025 Climate: Overcast The road to Glacier View was closed. Not sure of the reason. Looks like it has been closed for a while. Those pictures were taken while we were there. Breathtaking views.

Maybe even a better view of the Tasman Lake and the mountains. Definitely worth the little walk to get to the edge of the lake. The walk to the jetty for me wasn't really worth it but the walk to the Tasman River definitely was. Climb down from the rocks to the edge of the lake for some beautiful pictures.

The road to Mt Cook is an amazing drive as you encounter the lake and its amazing glacier blue colour and the mountains in the distance. There are a number of viewing points on the drive up that allow you to capture the moment and feel the stunning natural environment all around you.

Wiki camps states that this is a free overnight camp. We spend two nights there without any issues, no sign that says anything against it. Should be legit I guess. Incredible view to the mountains, close to the road but not much traffic over night. No toilets and space for maybe 20 campers, be careful on the edges in the gravel. Difficult to fly the drone because of the airports on both sides, I managed to start but after a view meters of flying I got the warning that I'm to close to the airports and couldn't fly back.

Glacier right in front of your eyes. Beautiful

Gorgeous but be careful! Vans get stuck here

This place was AMAZING! loved it!

A good place for starlight.

It was good the food was good

Had a great time with the star gazing tour, warm outer layers are provided. Guides were very knowledgeable and learnt so much more about constellations and astrology! Was cool looking into a powerful telescope too

Absolutely phenomenal! We had a perfectly clear night and were mesmerized by the sky. The guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. We were there in June, off-peak, and it was cold! They have heavy parkas that were warm but you need to be prepared at that time of year. The guides also have the coolest laser pointer I've ever seen. Highly recommended.

We wanted to do a stargazing tour at mt cook but the forecast wasn’t good either day until it cleared up almost completely at 8pm. They allowed us to sign up for the 1030 tour without charging our card in case the weather changed quickly. We made it onto the tour and took a short bus ride to the “star base” next to the airport. It was a wonderful experience with amazing stargazing and fantastic guides. There were about 20 people with 10 on each telescope and it was about 80 minutes out there. In the last 15 minutes they allowed guests to take photos and assisted. Highly recommended

Really cool experience especially if you are not used to seeing the night sky so vibrant and unpolluted by light. Got to look through the telescope to see different constellations and even saw Saturns rings. Pictures don’t really do it justice but it was a clear and beautiful night. Buy tickets in advance because it fills up regularly.

My girlfriend and I had the best time! The transport to the viewing position was short. They provide plenty of warm coats and blankets and a hot chocolate! The guides were very knowledgeable and very happy to answer our questions. The nights sky view is beautiful and the lack of light pollution allows for that which is great. Highly recommend!!

We didn't get to complete our full tour because of the weather. However, the parts we did see were incredible. Dave and Dave did an awesome job explaining what the different constellations were. It was neat to see parts of the Southern Hemisphere since we live in the Northern Hemisphere.

Loved this! It was a cold night (-8) but they provide coats and blankets to keep you warm, as well as a delicious hot chocolate! The guides were very informative and clearly had lots of knowledge that they were happy to share. Being able to see some of the stars through the big telescopes was great. Got there via a 10 minute bus ride from the Hermitage, nice and easy!

So beautiful with the sun ray's in the morning.

Mt. Sefton is 2nd highest peak if I am not wrong standing in opposite direction of highest peak Mt. Cook. When you do kea point trek you will end up near Mt. Sefton at the kea point lookout point. Snow covered mighty Sefton beautiful.

Nice view and beautiful place

Excilerating

Or sunset...

Great mountain. Very scenic

Great mountain - deserves more credit for the ceaseless mahi put in over the eons

(Translated by Google) The tour in a buggy car at the foot of the mountain (near Tasman Lake) is interesting. You may also see wild rabbits and Mount Cook Lily. (Original) 麓（タスマン湖の近く）をバギーカーで行くツアーは面白いです。野うさぎや、マウント・クック・リリー（花）も見れたりします。

(Translated by Google) Magnificent mountain range in which you will find Mount Cook, the highest point of New Zealand or the Franz Josef Glacier, the Fox Glacier The helicopter flight is definitely worth the detour (Original) Magnifique chaîne de montagnes dans laquelle vous y trouverez le mont Cook , le point culminant de Nouvelle Zelande ou encore le Franz Josef Glacier , le Fox Glacier Le vol en hélicoptère en vaut vraiment le détour

(Translated by Google) Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak I'll have to try it next year 12 nights and 13 days security training 10 months of making and doing Gian (Original) 뉴질랜드 최고봉쿡산 내년에 도전해봐야겠다 몸만들고12박13일경비 도만들고 하는기안10개월

(Translated by Google) It was really hard. Don't go! (Original) 정말 힘들었어요 가지마세요!

Unfortunately didn’t get to stay here! But what a view this hut has and just from what we seen from the inside so well maintain!

(Translated by Google) Very nice view, and quiet (Original) Muy linda vista, y tranquilo

We did part of section 2 as an out and back ride, starting at the Salmon Shop on the shores of Lake Pukaki and heading anti-clockwise around the lake. The trail is clearly marked and well set out. The first 8km to the main carpark on Hayman Rd is a gravel track that is undulating and fairly narrow. You have to look out for riders coming the other way. The track then moves onto the road until just after the power station, when it turns to gravel again. It looked like the road had been newly re-gravelled, which made it difficult to ride in and not that pleasant. We pulled in off the road when we saw the sign to a public toilet, thinking there might be a picnic table. This was at approx 17.8km around the lake. There was no picnic table so we sat on a gravel heap to have our lunch, and enjoyed the views of Aoraki Mt. Cook - which can also be seen while on the dunny 😄. We headed back at this point, totalling approx 35.6km and 255m elevation. The views along the way are stunning and the many small rises are just that - no hills as such, and nothing too steep to tackle. All in all, a really nice ride.

Brilliant 5 days on the A2O. I build MTB trails so know very well how much effort go's into building and maintaining an all weather trail. The investment by the Govt and the contribution from the local community's and Farmers is amazing. If you are doing the trail be aware of the turn off to the old railway tunnel. It's a sharp right and not easy to see and I rode right past and had to be pulled back into line by my wife.

(Translated by Google) 🇳🇿New Zealand’s longest bicycle route🚲The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail starts from here. The helicopter transported us and the bicycles from the west bank to the east bank of the river! It’s an amazing experience 👍 (Original) 🇳🇿新西兰最长的一条自行车🚲骑行路线Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail 从这里起步，直升飞机把我们和自行车一起从河西岸运到东岸！It’s an amazing experience 👍

(Translated by Google) Very good place I want to go there I live in Uzbekistan 43 (Original) Очень хорошо место я хочу туда я Узбекистан живу у меня 43