Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park — Attraction in South Island

Mt Cook National Park was without a doubt the absolute highlight of our South Island trip. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the sheer beauty and scale of the mountains — truly majestic and awe-inspiring.

We were lucky enough to meet a female park ranger who was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. She provided us with detailed information about the park, Mt Cook, and its surroundings, and recommended we do the Hooker Valley Track — advice we’re so glad we took.

Although Mt Cook was hidden behind clouds for most of the day, we stayed hopeful throughout the hike. As we returned at sunset, the clouds finally parted and we caught a stunning glimpse of the mountain. It was a magical moment, and I managed to capture an incredible photo that I’ll treasure forever.

We also camped overnight in our RV at the park. The same ranger kindly helped us sort out the payment for our stay the next morning — such thoughtful and considerate service that really added to the experience.

The Hooker Valley Track was unfortunately closed partway (just past the first bridge), but even so, the views of Mt Cook, Mt Sefton, and the surrounding peaks were jaw-dropping. We could even hear the sound of small avalanches and ice cracking off the glaciers — a raw and powerful reminder of the nature surrounding us.

This visit was the highlight of my trip, hands down. I’ll definitely be back once the full track reopens — and I absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the South Island. It’s a photographer’s dream and a place that truly...

The DOC office in the Aoraki Village is a stellar place to start your journey through the park. There is an extensive museum-style display on the history of mountaineering in the area, with lots of photos and physical/interactive displays. The staff are numerous and very knowledgeable. As for the park itself, we did the Mueller Hut track, which was a slog, but so worth it. We stayed overnight at the hut which was such a special experience (book in advance!). If the Mueller hut track is more advanced than you are looking for, try the kea point track or the Hooker Valley track. There is a clean and well equipped DOC campsite at the trail heads, which we stayed at. The facilities were very clean, and there was an indoor cooking are with running water! (Bring your own stove). Overall we really enjoyed our time in the park, and I would like to congratulate DOC on running such a top...

A beautiful area including on the way there, at the Aoraki Mount Cook Village, and hiking along the tracks. There are a wide range of tracks for easy, moderate, and challenging hikes. On my way to the Sealy Tams Track along Kea Point Track I realized apart from the beautiful mountainous surrounding and the lovely singing of the birds something else was different. I inhaled and my nose was tranquilized by a unique fragrance of nature. The initial track Kea Point track is easy and has an installed walkway that goes over the grass areas which can be saturated from rain. Further along the are rocky tracks but still quite level. The challenge comes with the Sealy Tams Track which is structured with wooden steps but is quite steep and may require periodic resting along the way. Once at the top it is understood why the task was worth it with a lovely view of Mount Cook...