Most folks fall in love with Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park as quickly as they drive in – the highway is known for its beautiful views of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. Here are 6 superior trails to take a look at when you’re there.
An ideal place to remain at Aoraki Mount Cook is proper within the coronary heart of Mount Cook village, waking as much as among the most breathtaking scenes conceivable out of your hostel window.
Whilst it’s straightforward to move a day simply sitting on the balcony, studying your guide and absorbing the ambiance, I’d extremely advocate that you simply get out and expertise one (or extra) of the strolling tracks. I’m a Mount Cook fanatic – having accomplished each single path, so listed below are my prime picks.
Hooker Valley Track: hottest path at Mount Cook
Time: 3-hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park (4-hour return from the village)
Difficulty stage: Easy/Medium
Track circumstances: Exposed, however principally flat
Undoubtedly the preferred path within the space, and there’s an excellent purpose why! Hooker Valley gives the backdrop for these iconic Mt Cook photographs you will notice plastered throughout social media. Come cloud or shine, the views are at all times phenomenal. You’ll cross not one, however THREE giant swing bridges earlier than reaching the beautiful glacier lake, the place you’ll be surrounded by the Southern Alps (it’s additionally an superior place for a picnic).
I’d advocate doing the Hooker Valley Track within the morning throughout the summer time months. Here’s why.
- The solar might be shining immediately onto the glacier lake and also you is likely to be fortunate sufficient to see a mirrored image of Mt Cook within the water. That mentioned, the glacier lake is a sight to behold at any time of day, so don’t fear if you happen to can’t get began till the afternoon! During the winter it’s finest to simply comply with the nice climate (as it might change in a second) so maintain an eye fixed out for a transparent sky and get on the market!
- The Hooker Valley monitor is a extremely popular stroll – there are typically fewer folks out and about within the morning than within the afternoon.
- It’s a very uncovered monitor and through summer time the solar may be very sturdy throughout the afternoon, making a mere 3-hour stroll really feel like a 7-hour hike.
Sealy Tarns Track
Time: 3-4 hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park
Difficulty stage: Medium/Hard
Track circumstances: Exposed and uphill
This monitor begins from the identical automobile park because the Hooker Valley monitor, however it’s important that you simply select correctly between the 2! Whilst chances are you’ll be deceived by the primary quarter-hour of flat terrain, it’s worthwhile to be ready for a a lot more durable path that’s composed of 2200 steps and a 450m elevation acquire. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! The views up there are fairly unimaginable although, so I’d say it’s nicely price it if you happen to’re in good condition.
One final tip: Don’t go up there except it’s a transparent day – you don’t wish to make investments all of that vitality to see nothing however clouds!
Kea Point Track
Time: 30-minute return from White Horse Hill automobile park
Difficulty stage: Very straightforward
Track circumstances: Flat
If you’ve received some spare time after the Hooker Valley stroll and wish to see the magical Mount Cook from a distinct angle then that is the proper monitor for you! It takes simply half-hour return however don’t be fooled by the quick time it takes – the views are nonetheless simply as unimaginable:
Mueller Hut Track: multi-day hike at Mount Cook
Time: 7-8 hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park (most individuals cut up this between 2 days)
Difficulty stage: Hard
For all of the diehard hikers on the market, this monitor is for you! It’s a continuation of the Sealy Tarns monitor as much as the very prime of the mountain. You’ll positively must hop off the Stray bus for this one because it’s not potential to finish in only one afternoon. Lots of people select to separate the stroll between two days and camp in a single day in Mueller Hut (bookings required), however you may select to do a spherical journey in sooner or later. I believe it’s price staying in a single day if there are areas out there although – there’s nothing fairly like watching the sundown and rise once more over the valley.
Unless you’re extraordinarily skilled and carry crampons, avalanche gear and an ice axe with you in your travels (sure, it’s that hardcore), then you definately’ll must do the Mueller Hut stroll in summer time. Make certain you’re totally geared up with sufficient meals, water and security tools with loads of detachable layers in an effort to modify to the fixed temperature adjustments. Good luck!
Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier lookout tracks
Time: 1 hour from Tasman Valley automobile park
Difficulty stage: Easy/Medium
Track circumstances: Uphill, however not steep
I did this stroll on a cloudy day and nonetheless thought every part appeared majestic, so it’s positively one to think about if the climate isn’t in your favour. Your first cease would be the Blue Lakes (they’re really inexperienced) and then you definately’ll meander up the steps to the lookout over the glacier lake. It’s a brief monitor and has nowhere close to as many steps because the Sealy Tarns, so it’s nice for a fast morning/afternoon journey.
Tasman Glacier river and jetty tracks
Time: 1 hour from Tasman Valley automobile park
Difficulty stage: Easy
Track circumstances: Exposed, however utterly flat
Easily my favorite stroll in the whole nationwide park, which additionally occurs to be one of many quickest/best. If you simply plan on sticking to minimal time on the Stray bus and don’t fancy strolling for hours on finish, then that is the monitor for you! You gained’t see Mt Cook as clearly right here, however you’ll nonetheless see a fantastic glacier lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
Unlike the Hooker Valley, these walks are finest skilled afterward within the day because the solar shines on the Tasman Glacier lake throughout the afternoon. It additionally tends to be a lot quieter than the lake at Hooker Valley, which implies you’ll be able to take photographs and eat your picnic in peace.
For anybody who needs a extra glamorous expertise of Mt Cook then you’ll be able to at all times catch a scenic flight over the glaciers or hop on a boat to rise up shut and private with the icebergs on the lakes. You may even discover the realm on a 4WD tour and if you happen to’re extra of an evening owl then there’s at all times stargazing to think about! Long story quick, this can be a Stray cease to not be missed.
For extra information concerning the space, learn Stray’s Mt Cook vacation spot information.
Which monitor at Aoraki Mount Cook will you select?
As you’ll be able to see there are many climbing choices in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park? Which monitor will you go for? Or which one in case your favorite climbing monitor? Let us know within the remark part.
