The Best Aoraki Mount Cook
Day Hikes & Walking Trails
Explore the stunning alpine landscapes of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
The Best Day Hikes & Walking Trails in Aoraki Mount Cook
The Best Day Hikes & Walking Trails in Aoraki Mount Cook
Explore Aoraki Mount Cook and its spectacular mountain landscapes
Welcome to Aoraki Mount Cook!
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in the Mackenzie region of New Zealand, is home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular day hikes, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine valleys. Whether you're looking for an easy walk or a more challenging climb, our selection of free walking trails provide the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Southern Alps.
You've likely arrived in Tekapo or Aoraki Mount Cook for an adventure and have a spare day or two to enjoy a hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, or you're keen to stretch your legs and get warmed up before taking on one of our alpine hikes and treks, mountaineering instruction courses or guided ascents, or ski and split-board tours. We've put together a list of our top day hikes in Aoraki Mount Cook - many of these are walking distance from the village centre, or just a short drive.
Hooker Valley Track – The Iconic Alpine Walk
⏳ Time: 3 hours return | 📏 Distance: 10 km
Easily the most famous day hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook, this well-formed trail takes you past swing bridges, glacial rivers, and stunning viewpoints, finishing at the Hooker Lake with jaw-dropping views of the South Face of Aoraki Mount Cook.
The track starts from the White Horse Hill Campground at the end of the Hooker Valley Road.
If you'd like to experience the rich history of the Aoraki Mount Cook region and learn about the unique flora and fauna in the National Park, join us for a guided hike.
Sealy Tarns Track – Stairway to the Sky
⏳ Time: 3-4 hours return | 📏 Distance: 5.8 km
Nicknamed the "Stairway to Heaven," the track is steep and stepped, with a height gain of 600m. The steep climb of over 2,200 steps rewards hikers with unparalleled views over the Hooker Valley and Aoraki Mount Cook.
Abundant alpine flowers in summer and spectacular views from the tarns make the hike up a challenging but worthwhile effort!
The track starts from the White Horse Hill Campground at the end of the Hooker Valley Road.
Mueller Hut Route – The Ultimate Day Hike
⏳ Time: 6-8 hours return | 📏 Distance: 10 km
For experienced hikers, the Mueller Hut Route offers an epic alpine adventure with glacier views, rugged ridgelines, and the chance to spot kea. A full-day challenge, but one of the best hikes in New Zealand!
Take care when there is snow on the route as it can get very slippery, with a bad runout - numerous hikers have had to be rescued by the local SAR team. Crampons, ice axe and mountaineering experience are required in icy conditions - we highly recommend going with a guide!
Contact Alpine Recreation to arrange a guided hike or visit Mueller Hut as part of the Sealy Range Traverse.
Blue Lakes & Tasman Lake Track – Short Walk to a Stunning Glacier View
⏳ Time: 1 hour return | 📏 Distance: 2.6 km
An easy walk past the Blue Lakes (which are now more green than blue!) leading to a breathtaking lookout over the Tasman Glacier and its terminal lake. If the glacier has calved recently, you may see floating icebergs in the lake below!
The track starts from the Blue Lakes carpark at the end of the Tasman Valley Road.
Red Tarns Track – Best Sunset Viewpoint
⏳ Time: 2 hours return | 📏 Distance: 3.2 km
This steep but rewarding climb takes you to a small alpine tarn reflecting Aoraki Mount Cook’s snowy peak. One of the best sunset spots in the National Park!
The track starts at the public shelter on Bowen Drive, in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
Kea Point Track – Easy Walk with Spectacular Views
⏳ Time: 1-2 hours return | 📏 Distance: 3-6 km
A gentle, well-graded trail leading to an incredible viewpoint overlooking the Mueller Glacier and Mount Sefton. Family-friendly and great for photography!
The track starts from Terrace Road near the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre; for a shorter wark, start from White Horse Hill Campground at the end of Hooker Valley Road.
Governors Bush Walk – A Tranquil Forest Escape
⏳ Time: 40 minutes loop | 📏 Distance: 1.5 km
A lovely short loop track through beech forest, offering shade and birdlife. A great option on windy days or for families with small children.
The track starts at the public shelter on Bowen Drive, in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
Ball Hut Route – Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
⏳ Time: 6-8 hours return | 📏 11km
For those looking for a longer and less-traveled route, this track follows an old moraine wall to Ball Hut, with fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier. Starting at the Blue Lakes carpark, the first 5km follows the historic Ball Hut Road. It opens up to spectacular views after the end of the 4WD track, where the route becomes more difficult.
Severe weather events in 2019 significantly impacted the track at Husky Flat, creating a large and impassable gorge. To navigate above the gorge at Husky Flat you will need good navigation and backcountry skills. There is no marked route and you are entering unstable and exposed backcountry terrain. We highly recommend going with a guide!
Contact Alpine Recreation to arrange a guided hike or visit Ball Hut as part of the Ball Pass Summit Trek.
Ready to explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park?
Professional guides ~ small groups ~ equipment included ~ private huts
Discover the beauty of the Aoraki Mount Cook region on one of our guided alpine treks. Alpine Recreation specialise in alpine treks and hikes and have been guiding in the mountains and valleys of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for over 40 years. Our professional IFMGA & NZMGA qualified guides are passionate about what they do and will take you to the most stunning remote locations in the region.
