27 Things to Do at Mount Cook if You Love a Good View

One of the best parts of our three weeks in New Zealand was the three nights we spent at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

While my only goal during our time there was to see Aoraki on a clear day (as you can tell by the photos on this page, mission accomplished!), it turns out there are so many scenic and fun things to do at Mount Cook! 

After adventuring through some of New Zealand’s biggest and most popular cities, fiords and Hobbit villages, it was nice to take a chance to base ourselves in the middle of some epic alpine scenery, far different from anything else we had seen in Aotearoa (the Māori word for New Zealand).

Everywhere we looked at Aoraki Mt Cook National Park was stunning and I loved all of the activities that got us closer to that nature.

The great thing about Aoraki is that if you want to spend all day exploring by foot, bike, 4WD, plane, helicopter, snowshoe or kayak, you can. But if you’d like to take the afternoon off and cozy up with a nice book in front of a beautiful view, you can do that too.

I really think there are things to do at Mt Cook for everyone, no matter your budget, interests or activity level. Some people make it seem like Aoraki is only for hikers or only worth a day trip, but I disagree.

As a budget-minded non-hiker, I had a great time (and even went on a few easy hikes!) during our three nights at Aoraki Mt Cook.

Check out 27 things to do at Mount Cook if you love a gorgeous view, plus my tips for how long and where to stay in Aoraki Mt Cook Village! 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Is Aoraki Mt Cook worth visiting?

Absolutely! Aoraki Mount Cook is definitely worth visiting and I highly recommend it be on your New Zealand itinerary. Aoraki is New Zealand’s tallest mountain and nestled in the stunning Southern Alps amidst lakes, valleys, glaciers and more mountains.

This part of New Zealand is unlike anywhere else, but just as stunning as the country’s best fiords or geothermal parks. It’s also an important place in Aotearoa history. Aoraki Mount Cook is the mountain that Kiwi legend Sir Edmund Hillary trained on before he became the first person to summit Mount Everest, alongside his Sherpa mountaineer, Tenzing Norgay.

If you like beautiful views, hikes or adrenaline rides out into nature, and the chance to just sit back and relax in a cozy mountain village, Aoraki Mount Cook is definitely worth the visit!

My top 3 things to do at Mount Cook

My top three things to do at Mount Cook are:

1. Hike the Hooker Valley Track
2. Spend time at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
3. Enjoy a meal with a view of Aoraki

Best of all, those are all FREE things to do at Mount Cook (assuming you make your own meal, like the grocery store charcuterie dinners we had!).

You’ll notice that I don’t have climbing Aoraki on my list of must-do’s. That’s because most visitors to the national park don’t actually climb Aoraki Mount Cook. It’s an extremely demanding climb, taking 16-22 hours, and only for the most experienced and fit hikers (aka not me). Remember, people used Mt Cook to train for Everest!

Instead, most visitors spend their time around Aoraki Mount Cook, admiring New Zealand’s tallest mountain from a distance. Some of the best hikes, boat rides, flights and viewpoints look out over Aoraki. So even if you’re not a mountain climber, you can still enjoy this area of New Zealand!

27 scenic things to do at Mount Cook, New Zealand

1. Walk the Hooker Valley Track

When we first started planning our trip to New Zealand, I knew the best way to see the country’s natural beauty was going to be on a hike. And lucky for a non-hiker like me, one of the most stunning hikes in Aotearoa is perfect for beginners!

My favourite experience in Aoraki Mount Cook was walking the Hooker Valley Track. This mostly flat (thank god!) 10km out and back trail is absolutely stunning, with views of snowcapped mountains, including Aoraki, the whole way. The hike ends at Hooker Lake, a glacier fed body of water where you can rest and enjoy the views.

There was a slight uphill on the way out and by the time we got to the end of the Hooker Valley Track, I was breathing a bit harder. But it never felt like I had to stop and take a break. Many elderly people and even families with strollers were doing the hike, so if you’re an unexperienced hiker like me or have lower mobility, I encourage you to give it a try.

The nice thing about the Hooker Valley Track is that you can get some beautiful views without doing the whole trail, so feel free to turn back whenever you need to.

We headed out on the hike around 11:00 am and were treated to a beautifully sunny day. The trail is very well marked, with some sections made out of wooden bridges. There are also a number of swing bridges you cross during the hike. I was nervous at first, but actually found the swing bridges – and the views from them – really fun.

I wasn’t sure if we would finish the whole 10km trail, but we did! We reached the glacier lake at the end and joined other hikers hanging out at the picnic tables and down by the water. I couldn’t resist picking up a piece of the ice (I don’t get to touch glacier ice every day!) and enjoyed staring at the almost milky water with a perfect view of Aoraki Mt Cook in the background.

The walk back to our car was nice as there was a gradual downhill and we didn’t have the sun in our eyes. There is one big staircase that I didn’t love climbing up, but we made it. Hands down, the Hooker Valley Track is one of the best things to do at Mount Cook!

2. Explore the Tasman Valley by 4WD

For an adventure on four wheels, join Tasman Glacier Valley Tours for an unbelievable ride into the heart of the Southern Alps! This three hour tour begins with an ATV drive up the Tasman Valley Road and Ball Hut Road where your personal tour guide will discuss local history, wildlife and points of interest with you. Once you reach the glacier, you’ll start your trek on foot to see stunning views of the valley below.

The cost for this private activity is $1275 NZD for 1-5 participants. They say the ability level is easy, so it’s fun for the whole family! Learn more about taking an ATV ride around Aoraki Mt Cook here.

3. Spend time at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre

We first headed to the the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre to buy a magnet for our collection, but ended up spending more than an hour there! The visitor centre is extremely well put together and is actually known as the best DOC visitor centre in the country. In addition to a nice gift shop (we did get a cool magnet) there were two floors filled with information, artifacts and exhibits.

We learned all about the various people who have climbed Aoraki Mt Cook, including Sir Edmund Hillary and the first woman to climb it, Freda Du Faur. There was information on the geology of the area, local animals, Aoraki over the years and local Māori culture. I’m not usually a museum person but I was super impressed with the visitor centre.

This is also the place to come if you have any questions or need information about trails and huts in the national park. The info desk was well staffed and I saw a few people getting information for their upcoming multi-day hikes.

4. Explore Aoraki Mount Cook by helicopter

What better way to appreciate the beauty of the Southern Alps than with a helicopter ride over Aoraki Mt Cook? If there was ever a place to splurge on an activity, this would be it.

Check out this Tasman Glacier & National Park Scenic Flight where you’ll enjoy a 40 minute helicopter ride with incredible views everywhere you look. Or, opt for a shorter ride but a chance to get out on the mountaintop with this 25 minute Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing.

5. Take a scenic flight over Aoraki Mount Cook

If a helicopter isn’t your thing, why not soar over Aoraki Mt Cook National Park in an airplane? For example, you can check out The Grand Traverse which allows you to see not only Mount Cook but other areas around Lake Tekapo and the Franz Josef Glacier in a ski plane.

Or if you can’t decide between a helicopter and a plane, get the best of both worlds with this Ski Plane and Helicopter Alpine Combo Flight. You’ll head out on a 45 minute flight experience via helicopter or ski plane over the Tasman Valley and Aoraki Mt Cook with a landing on the Tasman Glacier. After walking around the glacier, you’ll switch vehicles and fly back down to Mt Cook Airport.

6. Enjoy a buffet dinner or breakfast with a view of Mt Cook

One of the best places to dine in Mt Cook Village is at Alpine Restaurant at the Hermitage Hotel. This giant dining room has floor to ceiling windows affording you the best views of Aoraki Mt Cook while you eat.

Alpine Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a buffet dinner. I’ve heard people rave about both, but breakfast seems more popular. Breakfast costs $39 NZD per adult and you don’t need to book in advance. Dinner costs $79 NZD per adult and bookings are required; click here to check out the menu and make a reservation.

7. Hike around Tasman Lake

Besides the Hooker Valley Track, we also did a short hike around Tasman Lake where you can see the Tasman Glacier, the largest glacier in New Zealand, and Tasman River. In researching for our New Zealand trip, I learned there were quite a few trails around Tasman Lake. I was most interested in the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake Trail (a 3km walk to the start of the Tasman River) and the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Viewpoint (a 2km return walk to a viewpoint).

When we arrived, we ended up taking the flatter path towards the Tasman River because my legs were not wanting to take the stairs up to the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Viewpoint after finishing the 10km Hooker Valley Track earlier that morning. Despite not going to the glacier viewpoint, we still had beautiful views of the lake, river and glacier. We also walked over to the jetty to see where the glacier boats leave from (more on those below).

Not only did we get gorgeous water views, but the landscape behind us wasn’t bad either. I really liked that the Tasman Lake walks were incredibly scenic with different paths depending on how long and how steep you wanted to hike. Best of all, we had the whole place to ourselves! So if the Hooker Valley Track is too crowded or too long for you, definitely check out Tasman Lake.

8. Go on other Mt Cook walks and easy hikes

Besides the Hooker Valley Track and trails around Tasman Lake, there are a number of other tracks, trails and walks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. If you’re having trouble picking one, pop into the visitor centre for some advice. If you’re looking for easier hikes (I always say my ideal hike can best be described as a walk) check out my list below!

Easy walks and short hikes in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

• Kea Point Track: a 1-2 hour return walk to a glacier viewpoint
• Blue Lakes Loop Track: a 45 minute trail that leaves from Mt Cook Village (though does involve 300 steps)
• Governors Bush Walk: a 1 hour loop walk to a lookout point popular with bird watchers
• Glencoe Walk: a 30 minute zig-zag through the trees that leads to a view of the village, Hooker Glacier and Aoraki

9. Push yourself with a challenging Mt Cook National Park tramp

For more experienced hikers, there’s lots to satisfy in Aoraki National Park. Before setting out on any of the hikes below, please ensure you’ve accurately assessed your experience and fitness level, as well as the weather conditions, which can change quickly on the mountains.

Check in with the visitor centre before you go for guidance about your chosen track and to fill out an intentions card so rangers can check on you if you’re late getting back.

More difficult hikes in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

• Sealy Tarns Track: a 3 hour hike up 2,200 stairs (dubbed the Stairway to Heaven) along the Sealy Range
• Mueller Hut Route: an extra 2 hours from Sealy Tarns on a challenging trail to Mueller Hut where you can book to stay the night
• Hooker Hut Track: a 4 hour return hike to Hooker Hut, the oldest hut in the national park, that starts on the Hooker Valley Track

10. Take a glacial boat ride

When we were hiking around Tasman Lake we watched the Glacier Explorers group get in their boats and I have to say, I was pretty jealous we weren’t joining them! Glacier Explorers is a three hour boat trip on Tasman Lake getting up close and personal with the glacier and icebergs. It’s both educational and thrilling – and if you’re really lucky you might get to see a glacier calving (when a chunk of ice breaks off)!

The experience lasts three hours and include a bus ride to the lake, 25 minute walk to the jetty and the boat ride. Rates start at $179 NZD per adult.

11. Star gaze in the middle of the International Dark Sky Reserve

Did you know Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is in the middle of world’s largest Gold Status International Dark Sky Reserve? That means it’s one of the best places to see incredibly bright stars (and maybe even the Southern Lights, if you’re lucky).

During our trip to Mount Cook, we bundled up in our warmest clothes and headed out around 10:00 pm to see what we could see. We decided to just take a walk from our hotel and sit out on a picnic table looking up at the sky. It was incredible how bright the stars were. I even saw a shooting star!

If you want to take your stargazing in Aoraki Mount Cook to the next level, you can join the Big Sky Stargazing experience through Hermitage Hotel. Take a 90 minute tour of the night sky with telescopes, a visit to the star base, and hot chocolate, of course!

12. Learn something at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

As I shared above, Sir Edmund Hillary is one of the most famous people in New Zealand and trained for his Everest ascent on Aoraki Mt Cook. To honour his legacy and learn more about his life, you can visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at the Hermitage Hotel. This multimedia museum offers lots of info about Sir Ed, as well as memorabilia and a theatre screening a documentary about him. There’s also information and artifacts from the Hermitage’s history, as the hotel was first opened in 1884.

The museum was opened just three weeks before Hillary died in 2008. Admission is $25 NZD for adults and it’s one of the best things to do at Mount Cook in bad weather since it’s completely indoors.

13. Journey to space

If the awesome mountain landscape at Aoraki Mt Cook isn’t enough for you, then why not take a trip to space? This indoor planetarium allows you to “explore the wonders of the Southern Hemisphere night sky from the comfort of your seat.” Astronomy guides will narrate your journey across space on the planetarium’s 8.5 metre dome screen.

There are currently two programs offered: Galactic Journey, a live 45 minute discovery of the Southern Hemisphere, and Space Travellers, suited to families with young children. Admission starts at $35 NZD per adult.

14. Stop for salmon on the way to Mount Cook

As you drive to Aoraki Mt Cook Village, you’ll be driving State Highway 80 along Lake Pukaki. I highly recommend a stop at the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop on your way.

As a sushi and salmon lover, I was super excited to try the local freshwater salmon sashimi the shop was serving. Not only was the salmon delicious, but we got to enjoy it with a gorgeous water view. We also picked up some local smoked salmon and salmon spread which we enjoyed as part of our picnic lunch once we reached Mt Cook.

15. Enjoy views of Lake Pukaki

Before you reach Aoraki Mt Cook you’ll spend almost an hour driving along Lake Pukaki. And lucky for you, this lake is absolutely stunning! I loved stopping at various lookouts for views over the lake and, because we lucked out with a clear day, views of Mt Cook. It was so cool to see Mt Cook grow taller as we made our way there.

Some of the best viewpoints on Lake Pukaki are Lake Pukaki Viewpoint (Mount Cook Road), Lake Pukaki Lookout and Aoraki Mt Cook Scenic Lookout. I’ve linked the Google Map pins so you can easily find these spots!

Right next door to the salmon shop on Lake Pukaki is the Punatahu Visitor Center. This small visitor centre gives you a brief overview of the area and displays some local artwork. (It’s a cool visitor centre but has nothing on the one at Mt Cook.)

But the best part is the glass wall that, on a clear day, perfectly frames Aoraki Mt Cook in the background. The inscription on the wall reads, “If you must bow your head, then let it be to the lofty mountain, Aoraki.”

16. Grab a drink at The Old Mountaineers Cafe

Aoraki Mt Cook Village is very small with limited services, so there aren’t too many places to eat or grab a drink. Luckily, The Old Mountaineers Cafe is available. This family-run restaurant has been serving folks in Mt Cook for over 20 years!

Because of staffing shortages, the owners note that the cafe may have reduced hours and a limited menu, and they thank you for your patience. They suggest calling them ahead of time to confirm if they’re open. You can click here to peruse their menu and find their contact information.

17. Day trip to Lake Tekapo from Aoraki Mt Cook

Lake Tekapo is about 75 minutes from Aoraki Mount Cook, making it a great day trip. We had planned to visit Lake Tekapo during our time in Mt Cook but ended up enjoying the Aoraki Mt Cook area too much to leave!

If you do manage to tear yourself away from the Aoraki views, you’ll find lots of beautiful things to look at by Lake Tekapo too. The area is famous for the lupins that bloom every spring and The Church of the Good Shepherd, pictured above. Night sky enthusiasts will want to go on a stargazing experience while bathers can relax at Tekapo Springs.

18. Go skydiving over Aoraki Mt Cook

So the hikes, helicopter rides and glacial boats were cool, but you’re looking for even more adventurous and adrenaline-pumping things to do at Mount Cook? Enter: skydiving in Mount Cook. Because the best way to end a scenic flight has to be jumping out the plane door, right?

With the Mount Cook: Tandem Skydive Experience you’ll enjoy a 20 minute scenic flight where, if your nerves aren’t getting the best of you, you can take in the views over the mountains and glaciers. Then it’s a 60 second free-fall from 15,000 feet high before your professional tandem skydiving master brings you safely back to the ground (where I’ll be waiting, because there’s no way in hell you’ll ever catch me skydiving!).

19. Kayak around glaciers at Mount Cook

Welcome to Big Berg Country where New Zealand’s longest glacier meets its terminal lake, creating tons of icebergs and moraines for you to explore. And what better way to explore them than by kayak? Glacier Kayaking offers a fully guided and eco-friendly experience where you’ll paddle around the glacier Tasman Lake, getting up close to icebergs and enjoying lunch in a glacier bay.

This half day adventure is best suited to adults and older kids (over 14 years of age) with some paddling experience. The cost is $295 NZD per person. They also offer kayak tours on Mueller Glacier Lake from $320 NZD per person.

20. Take your hike to new heights with a Mt Cook heli hike

If you want to combine your love of hiking and the views of a helicopter ride in the ultimate Aoraki Mt Cook experience, you definitely want to try a heli hike!

The Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier experience begins with a scenic flight over Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. You’ll land on the ice where you’ll be provided with glacier boots and ice crampons to make the most of your two hour hike through the untouched mountains. After exploring this alpine paradise, you’ll get back on a helicopter for another scenic flight home.

21. Stop for ice cream

I first heard about NZ Alpine Lavender from a YouTube video where the vlogger pranced through lavender fields and enjoyed a giant scoop of lavender ice cream. I was sold and immediately bookmarked the place on Google Maps. Sadly, this organic lavender farm was not open when we visited Aoraki Mt Cook but I definitely encourage you to stop by if you’re there between November and April.

At NZ Alpine Lavender you can walk through the fresh rows of lavender, take the most beautiful purple-powered photos, pick up lavender skincare products at the shop and, of course, try their legendary fresh lavender ice cream.

22. Bike past Mt Cook on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Not only is Aoraki Mt Cook a good place for hikers, but it’s a great spot for bikers too since it’s home to the first part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail! This section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is a 2km downhill ride from the Mt Cook Village to the airport. The full trail goes all the way to Oamaru on the east coast and involves a helicopter ride from Mt Cook Airport across the valley.

Other biking trails in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park include Hooker Valley, a 2km cycle path along the Hooker Valley Road, and Tasman Valley, an 8.5km ride through the valley to the Blue Lakes. Note that cycling is not permitted on walking paths in the national park.

23. Go to climbing school with the Alpine Guides

If spending all this time around mountains and glaciers has you thinking, “Gee, I really wish I knew how to climb one of those things!” then you’re in luck. You can get a complete mountain education with Alpine Guides, New Zealand’s first climbing school. Their professional guides offer a number of courses depending on your experience and skill level.

Beginners can start with Avalanche Awareness Training, while those up for a moderate challenge can try the 3.5 day Mountain Skills Course in winter or 5 day Mountain Experience Course in summer. They also have challenging courses for experienced climbers looking to learn self-rescue, alpine climbing, expedition training or glacier travel.

Once you’ve mastered the courses, you can also join Alpine Guides for guided climbing, ski tours and heli-ski adventures.

24. Go snowshoeing on Tasman Glacier at Mt Cook

Another one of the outdoorsy things to do at Mount Cook is strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore. With Tasman Glacier Snowshoeing, you’ll first take a ski plane to the upper Tasman glacier region. Once there, you’ll don your equipment and head out on snowshoe to explore this remote alpine area. You’ll be led by an expert guide who will also provide information about the glacier and surrounding area.

This experience lasts 3-4 hours (with 1-2 hours of trekking) and costs $750 NZD per person.

25. Celebrate the holidays at Aoraki

While I loved our visit in April – not too cold and not too crowded – Aoraki Mt Cook sounds like a magical place to spend the holidays. Unlike what I’m used to in North America, Christmas is in the middle of New Zealand’s summer. Of course, the glaciers and mountaintops will still be covered in snow, but the temperature on the ground will be quite pleasant and perfect for enjoying all the things to do at Mount Cook.

Mount Cook’s Hermitage Hotel goes all out for the holidays with festive packages for Christmas and New Year’s. For Christmas they offer special dining and kid-friendly entertainment at Santa’s Grotto. For New Year’s there’s more specialty dining, drink packages and live music.

26. Visit Mt Cook on a day trip from Queenstown or Christchurch

While I think Aoraki Mt Cook deserves more than just a day trip, I get that you may not have time in your itinerary. There are just so many incredible and scenic things to do in New Zealand!

So if you don’t have time for all the things to do at Mount Cook, you can still see the highlights on a day trip.

Aoraki Mt Cook day trip from Christchurch

On the Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch you’ll head out with a small group for a full day (13 hours) of Mt Cook sightseeing. Your tour includes pick up and drop off from your Christchurch hotel, a visit to the historic town of Geraldine, time at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, stops at viewpoints along Lake Pukaki, and a chance to hike and see the views at Aoraki Mt Cook.

While this day trip is long, I love that you get to see both Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook with stunning views the whole time. Plus, since you’re not the one driving, you can always take a quick nap on the drive back after your long day!

Aoraki Mt Cook day trip from Queenstown

On the From Queenstown: Mount Cook and Hooker Valley Day Trip tour (12 hours) you’ll head out on a stunning drive from Queenstown stopping at the Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, Omarama and other beautiful lookouts on your way to Aoraki Mt Cook. Once you arrive in the national park, you’ll head out on the Hooker Valley Track hike. On the way back to Queenstown you’ll make a yummy stop at High Country Salmon.

While this tour doesn’t include Lake Tekapo, I like that you have enough time at Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to do the full Hooker Valley Track hike (apx 3 hrs). That hike was one of my favourite parts of Mount Cook and would definitely be the highlight of this day trip.

27. Just enjoy the views of Aoraki Mt Cook!

One of the best things to do at Mount Cook is just sit back and enjoy the views! Aoraki Mt Cook was the last stop on our three week itinerary of New Zealand. I loved having a few days to slow down, relax and see stunning alpine scenery out of every window.

One of my favourite windows to watch the views from was at our hotel, Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge. The guest lounge had a huge A-frame window wall with beautiful views of Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains (check out the photo below!). Considering Mt Cook is only visible on average one out of every three days, we were very lucky to get great views of her for most of our three day stay.

How many days do you need at Aoraki Mount Cook?

I would recommend 2-3 days at Aoraki Mount Cook. That way, you have a better chance of seeing Aoraki in good weather, and time to go on some of the best hikes and nature experiences in the area.

With so many things to do at Mount Cook, you may need 3-4 days to accomplish everything on your list. If you don’t want to do a lot, I’d still recommend at least two nights so you don’t miss seeing the famous mountains if one of your days is overcast.

Many people do a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook from nearby Twizel or Lake Tekapo, or even farther from Christchurch or Queenstown. But if you have the time and budget, I’d recommend staying directly in Aoraki Mt Cook Village so you don’t waste time driving or have to skip any of the things to do at Mount Cook.

Don’t have a lot of time to visit Aoraki Mt Cook? While I’d recommend staying 2-3 days, a day trip is better than nothing and still absolutely worth it. Check out a day trip to Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo from Christchurch or a day trip to Mt Cook from Queenstown!

Accommodation at Mt Cook: Where to stay at Aoraki Mt Cook?

If you’re looking for accommodation in Mt Cook on a budget with beautiful views in a great location, I can’t recommend the hotel we stayed in, Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge, enough.

We paid $216 NZD ($126 USD) per night for a 3-night weekend stay in April 2023, in a Deluxe Studio with kitchenette and mountain view. Our room was spacious, comfortable and clean, with a fully-stocked kitchenette and private balcony, plus we had access to the beautiful guest lounge and huge communal kitchen.

Other great options for budget travellers in Mt Cook Village are Aoraki Court Motel and Glentanner Park (20 minutes from the village). If you want to splurge a little, definitely check out Hermitage Hotel. This legendary hotel offers some of the best views – not to mention best dining and best experiences – in all of Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

Check out my breakdown of everywhere to stay in Aoraki Mt Cook here!

Keep in mind that services are very limited in Mt Cook Village. You’ll want to stock up on groceries, gas and money before you arrive as the village has no grocery store, no ATM, one fuel pump (which is said to be finicky) and very few restaurants. We, like many Aoraki Mt Cook visitors, stopped in Twizel on our way where we filled up on gas and picked up groceries at the local Four Square.

Wrapping up: Enjoying all the things to do at Mount Cook, New Zealand

Whether you want to head out on long hikes, learn about history, take to the skies or just sit back and enjoy the views, there are so many things to do at Mount Cook. I am so glad we spent three night at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It was one of my favourite parts of our time in Aotearoa and the perfect way to end our three week trip.

I wasn’t sure if the Mt Cook area would be for me as I consider myself more of a city girl and certainly not much of a hiker. But I completely enjoyed the slower pace in the village, the walking tracks in the area and, of course, the beautiful mountain scenery. I highly recommend you add Aoraki Mt Cook to your NZ bucket list!

For more incredible things to do in New Zealand, check out these posts:

• An Epic 14 Day New Zealand Itinerary
• 22 Awesome Things to Do in Taupo, New Zealand
• The Best Rotorua Geothermal Parks to Visit
• 28 Exciting Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand
• Your Guide to the Set Tour of Hobbiton
• Cruising on Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound
• 23 Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand
• 10 Day South Island Road Trip