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Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Looking for the best chillin in Mount Cook National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mount Cook National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Mount Cook National Park

  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to Sealy Tarns

    From the car park follow the trail as it begins fairly flat on a gravel trail. After five minutes or so you will see a sign that points you, left, towards the Sealy Tarns track. After following this trail for around 10 more minutes, as it goes slowly uphill, you will come to the base of the steps...
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  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

    Climb Mt. Ollivier

    5.0
    7 mi / 3436 ft gain
    Start on the track from the White Horse Hill campground. Follow the track up almost 2,000 steps until you reach Sealy Tarns. From here the track continues steeply up the mountain until you reach the ridge. Continue over the ridge until reaching the hut. From here continue up the ridge to the summ...
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  • Westland National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to the Fox Glacier

    1.6 mi / 246.1 ft gain
    From the carpark follow the well marked trail to the toe of the Fox Glacier. Do not stray from the trail as unstable ice and moraine can be very dangerous. Looking for a longer adventure? You can hike to the summit of Mt. Fox above Fox Glacier. 
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  • Karangarua, New Zealand

    Backpack to the Welcome Flat Hut

    5.0
    11.2 mi / 1378 ft gain
    The Welcome Flat Hut is more of a local destination than a tourist one. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier both see heaps of visitors on any given day, mainly for small-scale adventures. But, if you're looking to get away from some of the crowds and experience the Westland area at a slightly more intens...
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  • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

    Explore Lake Matheson

    4.5
    2.7 mi / 98.4 ft gain
    The Basics: Just a few kilometers outside the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson provides stunning vistas in a mere 4.4 km return walk alongside a river, through dense foliage, and by expansive fields. Your adventure begins at a large carpark, complete with restrooms and a full-service cafe. This...
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  • Westland National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

    4.0
    From the carpark take a quick walk through a green, forested area before making your way into the valley. Here you will get your first view of the glacier. At this point the trail gets a bit rocky but is still very doable. The trail continues mostly flat for the next 35 minutes. You will pass ...
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  • Westland National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)

    5.0
    7.6 mi / 1640.4 ft gain
    This trail is one of my favorite in New Zeanand. It wasn't so much 'built' as it was 'discovered'. The trail follows natural erosion and clean exposed flows of glacier carved granite walkways.You will enjoy thick, green rainforest, the reflective water of Pete's Pond, and a few long swinging brid...
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  • Westland National Park, New Zealand

    Explore Peter's Pool

    From the carpark for Franz Josef Glacier, Peter's Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets. The walk takes you through a fern and beech forest, eventually dropping you in front of the gorgeous and reflective Peter's Pool. Snap a few photos and then return the way you came or continue along...
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  • Westland National Park, New Zealand

    Watch the Sunset from the Waiho River Bridge

    The Waiho River is a glacial fed river from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The main road to get there is Highway 6, which becomes a long single-lane bridge when it crosses the river. If you find yourself staying in the small town of Franz Josef over night then you should make the short walk...
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  • Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

    Hike the Mount John Walkway

    From the lakefront, walk left until you reach the trailhead. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to walk it at an average pace. The track is on privately owned land, so expect for sheep to be nearby at all times.You can mountain bike the trail if you wish to. The trail varies from long, drawn out section...
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  • Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

    Visit Mt. John Observatory

    This is a 1032m peak with amazing scenery is surrounded by the beautiful Lake Tekapo. Keep in mind that it gets very windy the higher you go. There is an entry fee for vehicles and tours of the observatory are available. 
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  • Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to the Blue Pools

    4.5
    0.3 mi / 10 ft gain
    From the carpark the trail can easily be identified across the street. A short walk through native beech forest and over a long swing-bridge takes you to the boardwalk just before reaching the bridge over the Blue Pools.  
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