Most folks fall in love with Aoraki\/Mount Cook National Park as quickly as they drive in \u2013 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\u2019re there.<\/p>\n
An ideal place to remain at Aoraki Mount Cook is\u00a0proper within the coronary heart of Mount Cook village, waking as much as among the most breathtaking scenes conceivable out of your hostel window.<\/p>\n
Whilst it\u2019s 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\u2019m a Mount Cook fanatic \u2013 having accomplished each single path, so listed below are my prime picks.<\/p>\n
![\"It\u2019s](\"https:\/\/blog.straytravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/P1080956.jpg\")
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Hooker Valley Track: hottest path at Mount Cook
<\/strong><\/h2>\nTime:<\/strong> 3-hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park (4-hour return from the village)
Difficulty stage:<\/strong> Easy\/Medium
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Exposed, however principally flat<\/p>\nUndoubtedly the preferred path within the space, and there\u2019s an excellent purpose why! Hooker Valley<\/a> gives the backdrop\u00a0for\u00a0these iconic Mt Cook photographs you will notice plastered throughout social media. Come cloud or shine, the views are at all times phenomenal. You\u2019ll cross not one, however THREE giant swing bridges earlier than reaching the beautiful glacier lake, the place you\u2019ll be surrounded by the Southern Alps (it\u2019s additionally an superior place for a picnic).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t![\"One](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tOne of the three swing bridges
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tThe iconic Mt Cook picture
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tIcebergs on the glacier lake
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\nI’d advocate doing the Hooker Valley Track within the morning throughout the summer time months. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n
\n- The solar might be shining immediately onto the glacier lake<\/strong> 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\u2019t fear if you happen to can\u2019t get began till the afternoon! During the winter it\u2019s 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!<\/li>\n
- The Hooker Valley monitor is a extremely popular stroll<\/strong> \u2013 there are typically fewer folks out and about within the morning than within the afternoon.<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s a very uncovered monitor<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/a>No scarcity of nice Instagram backdrops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSealy Tarns Track<\/h2>\n
Time:<\/strong> 3-4 hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Medium\/Hard
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Exposed and uphill<\/p>\nThis 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\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you! The views up there are fairly unimaginable although, so I\u2019d say it\u2019s nicely price it if you happen to\u2019re in good condition.<\/p>\n
One final tip: Don\u2019t go up there except it\u2019s a transparent day \u2013 you don\u2019t wish to make investments all of that vitality to see nothing however clouds!<\/p>\n<\/a>Sealy Tarns scenes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nKea Point Track<\/h2>\n
Time:<\/strong> 30-minute return from White Horse Hill automobile park
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Very straightforward
Track circumstances:<\/strong>\u00a0Flat<\/p>\nIf you\u2019ve 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\u2019t be fooled by the quick time it takes \u2013 the views are nonetheless simply as unimaginable:<\/p>\n<\/a>The stunning (and underrated) Kea Point<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMueller Hut Track: multi-day hike at Mount Cook<\/h2>\n
Time:<\/strong> 7-8 hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park (most individuals cut up this between 2 days)
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Hard<\/p>\nFor all of the diehard hikers on the market, this monitor is for you! It\u2019s a continuation of the Sealy Tarns monitor as much as the very prime of the mountain. You\u2019ll positively must hop off the Stray bus for this one because it\u2019s 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<\/a>), however you\u00a0may\u00a0<\/em>select to do a spherical journey in sooner or later. I believe it\u2019s price staying in a single day if there are areas out there although \u2013 there\u2019s nothing fairly like watching the sundown and rise once more over the valley.<\/p>\n<\/a>The solar setting on Mueller Hut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nUnless you’re extraordinarily skilled and carry crampons, avalanche gear and an ice axe with you in your travels (sure, it\u2019s that hardcore), then you definately\u2019ll 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.\u00a0Good luck!<\/p>\n
Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier lookout tracks<\/h2>\n
Time:<\/strong> 1 hour from Tasman Valley automobile park
Difficulty stage:<\/strong> Easy\/Medium
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Uphill, however not steep<\/p>\nI did this stroll on a cloudy day and nonetheless thought every part appeared majestic, so it\u2019s positively one to think about if the climate isn\u2019t in your favour. Your first cease would be the Blue Lakes (they\u2019re really inexperienced) and then you definately\u2019ll meander up the steps to the lookout over the glacier lake. It\u2019s a brief monitor and has nowhere close to as many steps because the Sealy Tarns, so it\u2019s nice for a fast morning\/afternoon journey.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tThere\u2019s one other blue (inexperienced) lake simply across the nook from this one
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tThe view makes the stair climbing price it
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tYour reward for reaching the highest!
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTasman Glacier river and jetty tracks<\/h2>\n
Time:<\/strong> 1 hour from Tasman Valley automobile park
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Easy
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Exposed, however utterly flat<\/p>\nEasily 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\u2019t fancy strolling for hours on finish, then that is the monitor for you! You gained\u2019t see Mt Cook as clearly\u00a0right here, however you’ll nonetheless see a fantastic glacier lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tView of the jetty \u2013 the place the boat journeys depart!
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tEasy, flat path in Aoraki\/Mount Cook National Park
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSkimming stones on the glacier lake
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\nFor anybody who\u00a0needs a extra glamorous expertise of Mt Cook then you’ll be able to at all times catch\u00a0a scenic flight over the glaciers or\u00a0hop on a boat<\/a>\u00a0to rise up shut and private with\u00a0the icebergs on the lakes. You may even discover the realm on a\u00a04WD\u00a0tour<\/a> and if you happen to\u2019re extra of an evening owl then there\u2019s at all times stargazing<\/a>\u00a0to think about! Long story quick, this can be a Stray cease to not be missed.<\/p>\nFor extra information concerning the space, learn Stray\u2019s Mt Cook vacation spot information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a>The unforgettable Aoraki\/Mt Cook National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhich monitor at Aoraki Mount Cook will you select?<\/h2>\n
Difficulty stage:<\/strong> Easy\/Medium
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Exposed, however principally flat<\/p>\n
Undoubtedly the preferred path within the space, and there\u2019s an excellent purpose why! Hooker Valley<\/a> gives the backdrop\u00a0for\u00a0these iconic Mt Cook photographs you will notice plastered throughout social media. Come cloud or shine, the views are at all times phenomenal. You\u2019ll cross not one, however THREE giant swing bridges earlier than reaching the beautiful glacier lake, the place you\u2019ll be surrounded by the Southern Alps (it\u2019s additionally an superior place for a picnic).<\/p>\n I’d advocate doing the Hooker Valley Track within the morning throughout the summer time months. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 3-4 hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park 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\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you! The views up there are fairly unimaginable although, so I\u2019d say it\u2019s nicely price it if you happen to\u2019re in good condition.<\/p>\n One final tip: Don\u2019t go up there except it\u2019s a transparent day \u2013 you don\u2019t wish to make investments all of that vitality to see nothing however clouds!<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 30-minute return from White Horse Hill automobile park If you\u2019ve 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\u2019t be fooled by the quick time it takes \u2013 the views are nonetheless simply as unimaginable:<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 7-8 hour return from White Horse Hill automobile park (most individuals cut up this between 2 days) For all of the diehard hikers on the market, this monitor is for you! It\u2019s a continuation of the Sealy Tarns monitor as much as the very prime of the mountain. You\u2019ll positively must hop off the Stray bus for this one because it\u2019s 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<\/a>), however you\u00a0may\u00a0<\/em>select to do a spherical journey in sooner or later. I believe it\u2019s price staying in a single day if there are areas out there although \u2013 there\u2019s nothing fairly like watching the sundown and rise once more over the valley.<\/p>\n Unless you’re extraordinarily skilled and carry crampons, avalanche gear and an ice axe with you in your travels (sure, it\u2019s that hardcore), then you definately\u2019ll 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.\u00a0Good luck!<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 1 hour from Tasman Valley automobile park I did this stroll on a cloudy day and nonetheless thought every part appeared majestic, so it\u2019s positively one to think about if the climate isn\u2019t in your favour. Your first cease would be the Blue Lakes (they\u2019re really inexperienced) and then you definately\u2019ll meander up the steps to the lookout over the glacier lake. It\u2019s a brief monitor and has nowhere close to as many steps because the Sealy Tarns, so it\u2019s nice for a fast morning\/afternoon journey.<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> 1 hour from Tasman Valley automobile park 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\u2019t fancy strolling for hours on finish, then that is the monitor for you! You gained\u2019t see Mt Cook as clearly\u00a0right here, however you’ll nonetheless see a fantastic glacier lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For anybody who\u00a0needs a extra glamorous expertise of Mt Cook then you’ll be able to at all times catch\u00a0a scenic flight over the glaciers or\u00a0hop on a boat<\/a>\u00a0to rise up shut and private with\u00a0the icebergs on the lakes. You may even discover the realm on a\u00a04WD\u00a0tour<\/a> and if you happen to\u2019re extra of an evening owl then there\u2019s at all times stargazing<\/a>\u00a0to think about! Long story quick, this can be a Stray cease to not be missed.<\/p>\n For extra information concerning the space, learn Stray\u2019s Mt Cook vacation spot information<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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Sealy Tarns Track<\/h2>\n
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Medium\/Hard
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Exposed and uphill<\/p>\nKea Point Track<\/h2>\n
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Very straightforward
Track circumstances:<\/strong>\u00a0Flat<\/p>\nMueller Hut Track: multi-day hike at Mount Cook<\/h2>\n
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Hard<\/p>\nBlue Lakes and Tasman Glacier lookout tracks<\/h2>\n
Difficulty stage:<\/strong> Easy\/Medium
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Uphill, however not steep<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTasman Glacier river and jetty tracks<\/h2>\n
Difficulty stage<\/strong>: Easy
Track circumstances:<\/strong> Exposed, however utterly flat<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhich monitor at Aoraki Mount Cook will you select?<\/h2>\n