There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Aoraki (Mount Cook), but it can be challenging to experience them all during a short visit. To help you decide which activities to choose, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes and other nature-related activities, based on my travels to New Zealand in the summer and spring months.

Mt Cook Hikes New Zealand - Sealy Tarns

Is it worth visiting Aoraki (Mt Cook) in summer?

Absolutely! A trip to Aoraki during your South Island road trip is a must-do. You’ll get to see New Zealand’s tallest mountain and other impressive peaks in the region. Summer was a great season to visit Aoraki (Mt Cook). We could see snow and glaciers from stunning lookouts and have a lovely time on the walking trails. We had very nice weather in summer, and Aoraki (Mt Cook) was one of the most beautiful places I had ever visited. And you don’t even have to venture too far or hike for hours to get the best views of Aoraki (Mt Cook).

My favourite Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes

Please note that Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes are situated in the mountains, so it’s crucial to check the weather conditions before starting any walk. Even during the summer and spring months, weather conditions can change abruptly and become dangerous. During my visit to Aoraki, we experienced ideal weather conditions, but this information is not applicable in bad weather or during the cold seasons.

My biggest tips for these Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes in summer?

Wear layers, don’t forget to apply sunscreen (even if you’re cold!), use proper footwear and always check the weather forecast.

The number in front of each hike corresponds to its position on the map at the end of this post. Please note that it’s not a ranking of my favourite Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes, as it’s impossible to decide which one is the best!

1. Hooker Valley Hike

Easy. Three to four hours return. Leave from White Horse Hill campsite.

The Hooker Valley hike is the most popular hike in Aoraki (Mt Cook). It’s very accessible even for those who aren’t used to hiking. I was surprised to find such a flat and easy 10-kilometre hike in an alpine mountain area.

It may be a bit frustrating for experienced hikers to follow many people and queue to pass the bridges. But you forget everything as you get subjugated by the views of the valley and later on the Hooker Lake with Aoraki (Mount Cook) in the background.

Although the Hooker Valley is an easy hike, I would still recommend taking it seriously. I’ve seen many people on the track without any hiking equipment at all. Keep in mind the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so you at least need extra clothes and water.

You may want to turn it into an overnight hike. From the Hooker Valley Track, you can access the Hooker Hut (you’ll need to follow directions you find online, there’s no sign). It is a rare opportunity for a secluded stay with stunning views of Aoraki (Mt Cook).

2. Sealy Tarns

A lot of steps (500m elevation). Just under two hours return. Leave from White Horse Hill campsite.

This hike is all about climbing stairs to get fantastic views of Mount Cook. Something around 2,000 stairs. Even if you’re worried about the number of stairs, don’t hesitate to try. You may not make it all the way up to the Sealy Tarns, but the views from halfway are already worth it (and an excellent excuse to take breaks).

Once you’re up there – if it’s sunny and there’s no wind – take the time to catch the reflections of the beautiful snowy mountains (Mt Sefton and Mt Cook) on the small pond.

Sealy Tarns hike Mt Cook reflexion
Mt Cook View From Sealy Tarns New Zealand

3. Mueller Hut

I didn’t go to the top. Estimated time is four hours return. Leave from White Horse Hill campsite.

If you’re keen for a challenge, you can continue after the Sealy Tarns to reach Mueller Hut. It’s a long steep walk that only fit hikers can do in one day return.

Most people go to Mueller Hut as an overnight hike. But it means you need to carry a heavier backpack up there. We started the Sealy Tarns hike at the end of the day, so we didn’t have much time to continue to the hut. The 360-degree views of the valley and New Zealand’s highest peaks from 1,800 metres above sea level were tempting. But Sealy Tarns felt like enough stairs already! Once at Mueller Hut, you can reach the top of Mt Ollivier in about one hour return.

In summer and spring, you can book the hut online. Winter is a totally different experience.

4. Red Tarns

Many steps (300m elevation). Leave from the public shelter in town.

After hiking up Sealy Tarns, I thought Red Tarns might be a bit repetitive. But it ended up being very different. The views of Mount Cook aren’t as good as from Sealy Tarns, but the Red Tarn is surprisingly red indeed. However, my best memory of that time was the bird-watching opportunity. We were surrounded by keas, big and beautiful alpine parrots.

Kea flying at Sealy Tarns in New Zealand

The hike is reputed for sunset. But going there at the end of the day didn’t work with our planning, so we did it early in the morning. We loved how peaceful it was. We were up there by ourselves for a while, with the keas of course.

5. Tasman Glacier Viewpoint

A few steps (100m elevation) but it goes up gradually on a very well maintained path. Most people should be able to do the return walk in one hour. It took us a lot less than that… only if you don’t count the time spent at the lookout! Leave from Blue Lakes car park.

I told every single person who hesitated in front of the stairs leading to the lookout that it was worth the effort. Indeed, I’ll never forget what I saw up there. Plus, it’s not even that hard even for those who aren’t fit as there’s space and opportunities to take breaks.

Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Mt Cook hike New Zealand

The view from up there is unbelievable. Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, we were lucky to visit not long after a part of the glacier fell – an event that happens only every five to ten years. Although the tragic reminder of how quickly the glaciers retreat worldwide due to climate change somehow wasted the experience, the view was stunning. We could see big floating icebergs just in front of us and spread everywhere on the lake.

Responsible travel tip: Many glaciers worldwide are in a phase of quick melting that won’t get a chance to slow down if no actions are done to reduce our emissions that contribute to climate change. It’s often hard to imagine that, as small individuals, we can change something so big. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. We can act by reducing our emissions, offsetting, supporting politics that want to bring positive environmental changes and spreading the word.

I also highly advise walking up to the lookout before doing the Blue Lakes hike, as you may decide to change your mind about doing this one after you see it from above.

6-7. Tasman Lake Track

Very easy: it’s short and flat. Most people can do it in under one hour but, again, you’ll want to add time to admire the view.

This walk will take you to a jetty on the lake. As the glacier had just broken, no cruise or kayaking was allowed on the lake when we visited. We still had a fantastic time at the jetty to have a closer look at this unique scenery as the icebergs were hitting the pontoon from time to time.

From there, we walked on the small ridge of the hill to reach the river and made a loop to the Tasman River. It’s another viewpoint to watch the icebergs.

The Tasman Lake Track is a stunning, nearly-flat walk that no one visiting this area should miss.

If you have the budget, you can hike the glacier with a tour*. You go up there by helicopter to hike in very adventurous conditions. It looks like an incredible experience. However, it may feel weird to burn fuel and increase the pressure on the environment to check out a place that’s disappearing because of climate change.

Climbing Aoraki (Mt Cook)

It is possible to climb Aoraki (Mt Cook). But even in summer, Aoraki (Mt Cook) is a big mountaineering adventure. It is technically difficult and long. Nothing like the other Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes listed above. Sure, Aoraki (Mt Cook) is “only” 3,724m above sea level. We’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the world’s highest summits (5,895m), but it’s a walk in the park compared to climbing Aoraki’s vertical drop. Only the most experienced can sign up for it.

Other things to do in Aoraki (Mt Cook)

Hiking was really my favourite activity in Aoraki (Mt Cook). Plus, it’s free and eco-friendly. But if you’ve done all the hikes, or cannot walk for long, you’ll still find other great things to do in Aoraki (Mt Cook) that do not involve walking. For example, you could go skydiving, admire the views on a scenic helicopter flight* or see the glacier from closer while kayaking.

Have you been to Mt Cook in the summer? What’s your favourite hike there? Share your experience in the comments below!

Where are these Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes, and how do you get there?

Aoraki (Mt Cook) is an obvious stop on a New Zealand South Island itinerary, between Christchurch and Queenstown. Driving from the famous Lake Tekapo to Aoraki (Mt Cook) takes about two hours.

How long to spend in Aoraki (Mt Cook)?

If you have time to spend a couple of nights in Aoraki (Mt Cook), you won’t regret it. Aoraki (Mt Cook) is a Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s beautiful even at night to see the stars!

See below my recommendations for an overnight stay and a day trip to Aoraki (Mt Cook).

Staying overnight at Aoraki (Mt Cook)

You may hire a van or a car and drive there yourself. That was my favourite choice during our visit to Mount Cook in the summer. The White Horse Hill campground has a perfect location at the start of a few hikes, including the famous Hooker Valley. The surrounding views of Mt Sefton are stunning. If you are sleeping in a tent, I highly recommend placing it close to the bushes to get shelter in case the wind picks up. 

For those who don’t like camping, or if you’re visiting when it’s cold, there are accommodation options in Mount Cook Village* not far at all with lovely views too. If you’re travelling on a budget, the best choice is the YHA*. But if you’ve got the money and want more space, the Aoraki Court Motel* or the Hermitage Hotel* (also recommended for the views from the restaurant!) could be your favourite.

Make sure you stop at a supermarket before arriving in Aoraki (Mt Cook). The small village doesn’t have much; you’ll only find basic supplies.

White Horse Hill Campground with Mt Sefton in the background

Visiting Aoraki (Mt Cook) as a day trip

It doesn’t get dark until 9 pm in Aoraki (Mt Cook) in summer. But if you choose to go to Aoraki (Mt Cook) as a day trip, I highly recommend joining a tour. It’s a long and tiring drive, so it’s better to relax and enjoy the views. Plus, a guide will make it easier for you to keep track of the time you have available so you can fill in as much as possible during your short visit. There are many tours organising day trips, for example:

Road going to Mt Cook
Driving to Aoraki (Mt Cook)

Did you like this article about my favourite summer Aoraki (Mt Cook) hikes? Add it to your Pinterest board:

View from one of Mt Cook Hikes in New Zealand South Island
The best things to do in Mt Cook for nature lovers
Mt Cook must do walks
The best Mt Cook hikes

Eloise

Eloise is the creator and writer of MyFavouriteEscapes.com. She writes about her experiences exploring exotic destinations and finding hidden gems closer to home. Her goal is to share tips and stories to inspire and encourage others to go on their own adventures. She loves outdoor and nature-based activities like scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. She grew up in France and has lived in England and Turkey before calling Australia home for the past decade. So let's get ready for another adventure!

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