Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near Mount Cook National Park

  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

    Climb to Mueller Hut

    5.0
    6.4 mi / 3000 ft gain
    This trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow the signs for the Hooker Valley) and park in the ...
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  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to Hooker Lake

    5.0
    10 mi
    Once in Mount Cook Village follow the signs to the White Horse Hill Campground where you'll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, you can camp in the campground and begin the hike before sunrise for the best experience. The sign says that the one-way hiking time is 1 hour and ...
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  • 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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  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

    Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point

    4.0
    Wake before the sun rises and make the short half hour hike from the White Horse Hill Campground to Kea Point. This easy to follow trail leads to a beautiful overlook with views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. You won't be disappointed as you watch the sun rise behind Mt. Cook and ...
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  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to Muller Hut

    6.2 mi / 5905.5 ft gain
    One of the most spectacular hikes in New Zealand next to New Zealand's highest mountain - Mount Cook (aka Aoraki).5.2km one way, it is a tough ascent. The first part of the track ascends to Sealy tarns. This involves climbing zig zag stairs where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over ...
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  • Tasman River, New Zealand

    Climb Mt. Wakefield

    4.0
    3 mi / 4593.2 ft gain
    The route begins on Tasman Valley Road right after it crosses over the Hooker River heading towards the Tasman Valley. Right after the bridge at Hooker corner there will be a small cutoff on the left side (as you head towards the Tasman). This gravel cutoff is where the trail starts up Mt. Wakefi...
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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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  • Westland National Park, New Zealand

    Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier

    5 mi / 3430 ft gain
    The trail starts 3 km south of Fox Glacier Township. Take the Haast Highway until Thirsty Culvert, which has a small parking lot on the right side of the road. Start early in the morning to miss the almost daily afternoon fog. The trail climbs relentlessly through a lush rain forest. The route is...
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  • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

    Heli Ice Climb on Fox Glacier

    2.5 mi / 980 ft gain
    Fox Glacier is one of the most remote, yet awesome places to visit on New Zealand's wild west coast of the South Island.  The weather here is extreme; it changes daily and the heavy rainfall paves the way for incredible green landscapes and native birds. The glacier rises above the township and i...
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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

    Camp on Alex Knob

    4.0
    11 mi / 3800 ft gain
    From Highway 6 on the New Zealand South Island's west coast, take the Glacier Access Road for 2km to where the signposted Alex Knob track begins. There will be a obvious parking lot on the right.The trail begins at the parking lot breaks off to the left from the Lake Wombat trail about a half-mil...
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