National Parks Atlas
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01 · New Zealand · Canterbury

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

New Zealand's highest mountain and the country's longest glacier – reached by a road that ends inside the park.

Photo: Michal Klajban ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Aoraki/Mount Cook at a glance · PDF, 2 pages

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: landscape and origins

According to DOC, Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's great alpine park: the highest mountains and largest glaciers in the country, a harsh land of ice and rock.

Five major valley glaciers shaped the landscape: Godley, Murchison, Tasman, Hooker and Mueller. According to DOC there are also over 150 named smaller hanging glaciers. The lower Tasman is covered in rock debris; near the Hochstetter Icefall its ice is about 600 m (1,969 ft) thick.

Captain J. L. Stokes gave the mountain its European name in 1851, after James Cook. Ngāi Tahu see Aoraki as an ancestor and consider it inappropriate to climb onto his head. The summit was first reached in 1894 by Tom Fyfe, Jack Clarke and George Graham.

The park is part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area in south-west New Zealand, inscribed by UNESCO in 1990; it covers 2.6 million hectares, about 10 per cent of the country.

DOC: Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook brochure (70,696 ha, 1953, tracks, times, height gain) ↗

The park in numbers

Area
70,696 ha
National park since
1953
Aoraki/Mount Cook
3,724 m
Glacier cover
40 %
Tasman Glacier
about 23 km
World Heritage
1990
Plant species
over 300
Bird species
about 40

Visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook: ice, rock and a village in the park

Field book 03 · TicketsThe park itself is free. DOC fees for 2026/27.Field book 01 · WhenHigh mountains: sudden changes in the weather and avalanches in every season.Field book 02 · Getting thereFrom State Highway 8 at Lake Pukaki to the end of the road inside the park.

02 · Places

Map: Hooker Valley, Mueller Hut and Tasman Valley

Car parks, bridges, lakes, hut and summit, each point documented in OpenStreetMap.

Photo: Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia ↗ · CC BY 3.0 ↗

Map

15 places on the map

Car parks, bridges, lakes, hut and summit, each point documented in OpenStreetMap.

Open map3D terrain · details and photos for every place
  • Viewpoints2
  • Mountains & rock3
  • Water3
  • Arrival2
  • Where to stay1
  • Nature4

03 · Out and about

Hikes & routes: Hooker Valley, Sealy Tarns, Mueller Hut and Tasman Valley

The best-known walks, with DOC's figures.

Photo: Paul Stewart ↗ · CC0 ↗

“With no towns nearby and shielded lighting in the village, the sky here is crystal clear, according to DOC.”

Hooker Valley · Milky Way

Hikes & routes: Hooker Valley, Sealy Tarns, Mueller Hut and Tasman Valley

Offer photo: Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding · Helicopter and glacier hike · 3 hours

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

By helicopter onto the upper Tasman Glacier, then across the ice with a mountain guide and crampons, and back to the airfield.

4.9 out of 5 stars329 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €497.35as of 9 Oct

  • 3 hours
  • From Mount Cook Airport
  • Mountain guide, English
  • Gear provided

Departure Terminal at Mount Cook Airport, Mt Cook Glacier Guiding desk. The airfield is in the Tasman Valley, south of the village.

According to the inclusion list: two flights, guide, leather boots, wool socks, crampons, walking pole and rain jacket. Not included: food and drinks. Not suitable for people with reduced mobility; weather dependent, full refund if cancelled. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Offer photo: Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

INFLITE Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters · Scenic helicopter flight · 25 minutes

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

Take-off at Mount Cook Airport in the Tasman Valley, then north up the Tasman Valley and over a glacier lake, a landing high in the Southern Alps and back to the airfield.

4.7 out of 5 stars521 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €174.45as of 9 Oct

  • 25 minutes
  • Take-off Mount Cook Airport
  • Pilot commentary
  • Snow not guaranteed

Departure Mount Cook Aerodrome, Mount Cook Road. The airfield is in the Tasman Valley, south of Aoraki/Mount Cook village.

According to the inclusion list: the 25-minute flight with landing and the pilot as guide. According to the provider, snow at the landing site is not guaranteed all year; for guaranteed snow landings it refers to its combined ski-plane flight. The provider confirms date and time by email after booking.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Offer photo: Mt Cook Stargazing Experience

Silver River Stargazing · Stargazing · 75 minutes

Mt Cook Stargazing Experience

A guided evening with telescopes in the Dark Sky Reserve: the Milky Way, star clusters and planets, explained by the guides. Check in at the Tasman Glacier car park, then a shuttle to the viewing site.

4.8 out of 5 stars13 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €49.48as of 9 Oct

  • 75 minutes
  • Check-in Tasman Glacier car park
  • Guide in English
  • Telescopes provided

Departure Tasman Glacier car park in the Tasman Valley; the guide checks you in with a red or white torch, and a shuttle takes you to the provider's viewing site.

According to the inclusion list: the guided astronomy tour, telescopes, a digital group photo and the shuttle from check-in to the viewing site. Not included: tips. Flash photography and alcohol are not allowed; bring warm clothing. The product page does not say exactly where the viewing site is.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 9 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

Nature: glaciers, alpine plants and the kea

Field book 04 · Where to stayThe park has a DOC campsite, mountain huts and accommodation in the village.Field book 05 · RulesWhat DOC requires and advises.

04 · Before you go

Park film and places nearby

Photo: Michal Klajban ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Film by the Mountain Safety Council

Mueller Hut Route: Alpine Tramping Series

Six and a half minutes from the NZ Mountain Safety Council, linked from DOC's Mueller Hut Route page: how to prepare for the route, gear, decision points, hazards and typical conditions. In English.

Source: NZ Mountain Safety Council · View channel ↗

Around the park

Field book 07 · Sources17 sources, checked 9 Oct 2026

Field book · Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

checked 9 Oct 2026

Aoraki/Mount Cook at a glance · PDF, 2 pages ↓

00My visit

Nothing saved yet. Every place card has a pin, and so does every place on the Map. What you save collects here, with days, notes and a preview you can share.

01Best time to visit: summer for the tracks, winter only with experience

High mountains: sudden changes in the weather and avalanches in every season.

Weather changes fast

Strong wind, heavy rain, snowfall and rapid temperature changes can occur at any time of year, according to DOC.

DOC: Hooker Valley Track (sections, new suspension bridge, White Horse Hill parking fees) ↗

Avalanches at any time

According to DOC, avalanches can happen in any season; most of the park is complex avalanche terrain. DOC refers to the daily New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

DOC: avalanche danger in Aoraki/Mount Cook (NZAA, ATES, Hooker Valley, Mueller Hut Route) ↗

Busy summer

From November to April the tracks and car parks are very busy; on the Hooker Valley Track DOC suggests quieter times of day.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Winter: ice on the track

In winter the Hooker Valley Track gets very icy in shady spots; DOC recommends microspikes and poles. The lakes are about 3 °C (37 °F), and ice on them is not safe to walk on.

DOC: Hooker Valley Track (sections, new suspension bridge, White Horse Hill parking fees) ↗

02How to get there: State Highway 80

From State Highway 8 at Lake Pukaki to the end of the road inside the park.

From Queenstown and Christchurch

The park is reached off State Highway 8 at the end of State Highway 80. According to DOC it is a 3.5-hour drive from Queenstown and 4.5 hours from Christchurch.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Nearest towns

The nearest supermarkets are in Twizel and Tekapo. The park page gives one hour and 1.5 hours by car, the Hooker Valley Track page 50 minutes to Twizel.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Snow on the road

From June to September snow can limit access; DOC refers to the highway conditions for Canterbury. Snow can close State Highway 80.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Park only in marked areas

In the village, park only in the marked areas. At White Horse Hill spaces can run short between 10:00 and 16:00 from November to March.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Show on the map

Tekapo Shuttle · Shuttle day tour from Lake Tekapo · 8.5 hours

Tekapo Shuttle: Mt Cook Day Tour via Pukaki & Tasman Lake

If you have no car: by bus from Lake Tekapo via Peter's Lookout at Lake Pukaki into the park, a short climb to Tasman Glacier View, then about four hours on your own in the Hooker Valley.

4.8 out of 5 stars426 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €84.47as of 9 Oct

Departure Four Square supermarket car park in Tekapo or the public car park next to it; check in 5 to 15 minutes before departure.

According to the inclusion list: water, snacks, Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB charging on the bus, and snow spikes when it snows. Not included: lunch, which you bring yourself. According to the description the shuttle runs all year with no minimum numbers and up to 60 passengers; in the park you walk on your own. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

More checked toursAd · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 9 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

03Aoraki/Mount Cook fees: parking, hut, campsite

The park itself is free. DOC fees for 2026/27.

Check official fees ↗

White Horse Hill parking

NZ$2.50 per half hour, NZ$25 a day; free for up to 20 minutes. Pay on arrival at the machine, card only. If you stay overnight you pay for two days (NZ$50).

DOC: Hooker Valley Track (sections, new suspension bridge, White Horse Hill parking fees) ↗

Show on the map

Mueller Hut: NZ$50 to NZ$62

Adults pay NZ$50 a night from 1 May to 30 September, NZ$55 (weekends NZ$57) from 1 October to 30 April, and NZ$60 (weekends NZ$62) from 1 December to 29 February. Children aged 5 to 17 pay half.

DOC: Mueller Hut (28 bunks, fees by season, bookings 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027) ↗

Show on the map

White Horse Hill campsite

Adults NZ$20 a night, children aged 5 to 17 NZ$10, infants free. The campsite is often full all year and must be booked in advance.

DOC: White Horse Hill Campsite (fees, booking, facilities) ↗

Show on the map

Tasman Valley free

At the car park in the Tasman Valley, the start of the Tasman Glacier View walk, cars and campervans park free of charge.

DOC: Tasman Glacier View Track (Tasman Lake since 1974, free parking) ↗

Show on the map

Visitor centre free

Entry to the visitor centre is free. Open daily 8:30 to 17:00 from October to April and 8:30 to 16:30 from May to September.

DOC: Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre (opening hours, free entry) ↗

Show on the map

Visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook: ice, rock and a village in the park

One road leads in, and at its end are the village, the visitor centre and the trailheads.

70,696 hectares

That is the size of the park according to DOC; it has been a national park since 1953. Glaciers cover 40 per cent of the area.

DOC: Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook brochure (70,696 ha, 1953, tracks, times, height gain) ↗

Highest mountain in New Zealand

According to DOC, Aoraki/Mount Cook is 3,724 m (12,218 ft) high. For Ngāi Tahu, Aoraki is the most sacred of ancestors; the mountain has Tōpuni status.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Show on the map

19 or 21 three-thousanders

DOC's park page lists 19 peaks over 3,000 m (9,843 ft), the same agency's brochure 21.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

A village in the park

At the end of State Highway 80 there is a small alpine village with a visitor centre, a petrol station, a day shelter with toilets and coin-operated showers, and a few cafés and restaurants.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Show on the map

No entrance fee

Under the General Policy for New Zealand's national parks, public access is free. You pay for parking at White Horse Hill, huts, the campsite and tours.

New Zealand Conservation Authority: General Policy for National Parks (free public access) ↗

Access charge planned

The government is investigating access charges for international visitors at four sites, including Aoraki/Mount Cook. The bill had its first reading on 12 May 2026; New Zealanders and residents are to stay exempt.

DOC: access charge for international visitors at four sites, including Aoraki/Mount Cook (status of the bill, retrieved 9 Oct 2026) ↗

Hikes & routes: Hooker Valley, Sealy Tarns, Mueller Hut and Tasman Valley

The best-known walks, with DOC's figures.

Hooker Valley Track

From White Horse Hill over three suspension bridges to Hooker Lake at the foot of Aoraki: 5 km (3.1 mi) each way, 80 m (262 ft) of climb. The brochure gives 3 hours return, the park page 3 to 4 hours.

DOC: Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook brochure (70,696 ha, 1953, tracks, times, height gain) ↗

Show on the map

Sealy Tarns

2,200 steps climb steeply to the small lakes above the Hooker Valley, 600 m (1,969 ft) of climb, 3 to 4 hours return. No shelter, icy in winter.

DOC: Sealy Tarns Track (2,200 steps, 600 m of climb) ↗

Show on the map

Mueller Hut Route

Beyond Sealy Tarns there is no maintained track, only an alpine route over scree and, in winter, snow. Then you need an ice axe, crampons and avalanche gear.

DOC: Mueller Hut Route (times, experience by season, avalanches) ↗

Show on the map

Tasman Glacier View

More than 300 steps in 15 minutes up a moraine with a view of Tasman Lake and the Tasman Glacier. The lake has only existed since 1974; it is growing because the glacier is melting.

DOC: Tasman Glacier View Track (Tasman Lake since 1974, free parking) ↗

Show on the map

Kea Point

From White Horse Hill about an hour return to the viewing platform on the Mueller moraine, 180 m (591 ft) of climb over 3 km (1.9 mi) from the village.

DOC: Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook brochure (70,696 ha, 1953, tracks, times, height gain) ↗

Show on the map

Stars at night

According to DOC one of the best places in New Zealand to see the night sky; the village has shielded lighting. The park is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Nature: glaciers, alpine plants and the kea

Hardly any forest, but a rich alpine flora.

Tasman Glacier

According to the park page, New Zealand's longest glacier is 23 km (14 mi) long, up to 3 km (1.9 mi) wide and 101 km² (39 sq mi) in area; the brochure gives about 22 km (14 mi) and over 100 km².

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Show on the map

World's largest buttercup

Over 300 plant species grow in the park. The Mount Cook lily, Ranunculus lyallii, is the largest buttercup in the world, according to DOC.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Kea and rock wren

About 40 bird species live in the park, the best known being the kea. The only true alpine bird is the tiny rock wren.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

The kakī

The braided riverbed of the Tasman is home to the kakī, or black stilt, one of New Zealand's rarest birds.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

04Where to stay: campsite, hut or in the village

The park has a DOC campsite, mountain huts and accommodation in the village.

White Horse Hill Campsite

Standard campsite at the end of Hooker Valley Road, 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from the village, with drinking water, a cooking shelter and toilets, no power or showers. Check-in 14:00 to 20:00.

DOC: White Horse Hill Campsite (fees, booking, facilities) ↗

Show on the map

Booking Mueller Hut

From 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027 only with a DOC booking; no spaces are kept for walk-ins. From 1 May to 1 November the visitor centre allocates spaces on the day of your hike.

DOC: Mueller Hut (28 bunks, fees by season, bookings 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027) ↗

Show on the map

Hut passes not valid

Backcountry Hut Passes and hut tickets are not accepted at Mueller Hut. Phone or in-person bookings carry a NZ$10 fee.

DOC: Mueller Hut (28 bunks, fees by season, bookings 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027) ↗

05Rules in Aoraki/Mount Cook: no dogs, no fires, no drones

What DOC requires and advises.

No dogs

Dogs and other animals are not allowed in the national park.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Permanent fire ban

A permanent fire ban applies throughout the park, including fireworks.

DOC: White Horse Hill Campsite (fees, booking, facilities) ↗

No recreational drones

Recreational drones are banned throughout the park; commercial flights need a DOC permit.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Take your rubbish out

There are hardly any bins. Take out all waste, including human waste in the alpine areas; for Ngāi Tahu the waters that flow from Aoraki are sacred.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Stay off the ice

Do not go into the lakes, and do not climb onto icebergs or frozen lakes; the ice can give way at any time.

DOC: Hooker Valley Track (sections, new suspension bridge, White Horse Hill parking fees) ↗

Do not feed kea

Kea are protected mountain parrots and must not be fed.

DOC: Tasman Glacier View Track (Tasman Lake since 1974, free parking) ↗

What comes next

The Mackenzie Basin under dark skies.

Dark Sky Reserve

Since 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve has covered the park and the Mackenzie Basin with Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, 4,367 km² (1,686 sq mi) in total.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve: the reserve (2012, 4,367 km²) ↗

06Frequently asked questions: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Is there an entrance fee for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park?

No, access to New Zealand's national parks is free. You pay for parking at White Horse Hill (NZ$25 a day), huts, the campsite and tours. An access charge for international visitors is planned; the bill is before Parliament.

New Zealand Conservation Authority: General Policy for National Parks (free public access) ↗

How long is the Hooker Valley Track?

5 km (3.1 mi) each way with 80 m (262 ft) of climb. DOC's brochure gives 3 hours return, the park page 3 to 4 hours.

DOC: Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook brochure (70,696 ha, 1953, tracks, times, height gain) ↗

Do you need to book Mueller Hut?

From 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027, yes, online with DOC. From 1 May to 1 November spaces are allocated on the day at the visitor centre.

DOC: Mueller Hut (28 bunks, fees by season, bookings 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027) ↗

How high is Mount Cook?

According to DOC 3,724 m (12,218 ft); it is the highest mountain in New Zealand.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

How far is it from Queenstown?

According to DOC about 3.5 hours by car, 4.5 hours from Christchurch, via State Highway 80.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

Are dogs or drones allowed?

No. Dogs are not allowed in the park, and recreational drones are banned.

Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗

07Where the information comes from

Department of Conservation (park pages, brochure, 2026 media releases), UNESCO and the Dark Sky Reserve; offers checked with the providers.

  1. Department of Conservation (DOC): Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (getting there, rules, glaciers, 3,724 m, plants and birds) ↗
  2. DOC: Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook brochure (70,696 ha, 1953, tracks, times, height gain) ↗
  3. DOC: Hooker Valley Track (sections, new suspension bridge, White Horse Hill parking fees) ↗
  4. DOC: Mueller Hut (28 bunks, fees by season, bookings 2 November 2026 to 2 May 2027) ↗
  5. DOC: Mueller Hut Route (times, experience by season, avalanches) ↗
  6. DOC: Sealy Tarns Track (2,200 steps, 600 m of climb) ↗
  7. DOC: Tasman Glacier View Track (Tasman Lake since 1974, free parking) ↗
  8. DOC: White Horse Hill Campsite (fees, booking, facilities) ↗
  9. DOC: Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre (opening hours, free entry) ↗
  10. DOC: history (Tōpuni, first ascent 1894) ↗
  11. DOC: avalanche danger in Aoraki/Mount Cook (NZAA, ATES, Hooker Valley, Mueller Hut Route) ↗
  12. DOC: new Hooker Valley suspension bridge from 28 July 2026 (media release 22 July 2026) ↗
  13. DOC: gate on the first Hooker bridge, 20-person limit (media release 22 September 2026) ↗
  14. DOC: access charge for international visitors at four sites, including Aoraki/Mount Cook (status of the bill, retrieved 9 Oct 2026) ↗
  15. New Zealand Conservation Authority: General Policy for National Parks (free public access) ↗
  16. UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand (1990) ↗
  17. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve: the reserve (2012, 4,367 km²) ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 9 Oct 2026. Not a live status. Dates apply only to the year stated. A successful automatic fetch is not an editorial confirmation; outdated automatic values are hidden and replaced by the source link.

Current information from the park ↗

Image and map credits

Location sources: All points come from OpenStreetMap and are each documented by their object number. Every point was checked against the national park boundary in OpenStreetMap (relation 6970225) and lies inside, including the village with the visitor centre. Twizel, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki lie outside and are not shown. Markers do not imply that access is permitted. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coastlines of the chapter map: Natural Earth.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗