About Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

This highest mountain range in New Zealand runs the length of the South Island. The rockslide in 1991, and the subsequent erosion has reduced its height 3,724 metres in 2014 as compared to 3,764m in 1991. This mountain has helped the legend sir Edmund Hillary sharpen his skills in preparation of his Everest conquest. The scenic beauty is picture-perfect with the high peaks, glaciers and snow fields sheltered under the star-studded sky. As you enter the park, you are welcomed by the visitor centre and it introduces you to the wonders of the place. Explore the artwork and exhibits and get more information about the areas through watching the DVDs.

As you proceed further, soak in the rich cultural and industrial heritage. The Tapu associated with Aoraki has tribal value attached to it and signifies power over life and death. This is one of the finest areas for both experienced and novice climbers. The park can also be a harsh land of ice and rock with glaciers covering over 40% of it. These glaciers have shaped the park’s landscape. the park is alive with over 300 species of alpine plants and over 40 species of birds.  The absence of forests is compensated by the variety of fauna like dragonflies, grasshoppers, moths and butterflies.

Must See

  • Hike on the Hooker Valley Track
  • Heli Hike over Tasman Glacier
  • Boatng in the Tasman lake
  • Cilmbing atop Mount Cook
  • Mueller Hut
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor centre

How to reach

You can reach Mount Cook by bus which will take approx. 4 hours

Tips

  • You have to be physically agile to undertake this tour
  • Be very careful regarding climbing atop Mount cook as the gradient is very steep
  • One must take a proper guide along with him since climbing Mount Cook generally takes at least 3 climbing days 
  • Please visit the information centre in case you wish to know more on the tour
  • Mount Cook has snow all the year round so take all appropriate precautions on that 
  • There are a few hotels and a small visitor centre in side the park
  • Do always carry a raincoat or an umbrella along with you on this track

Visit Time

October to April                                                                                            

Sunday :               8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                      

Monday :              8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                      

Tuesday :              8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                      

Wednesday:          8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                      

Thursday :            8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                      .

Friday :                 8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                          .

Saturday:              8:30 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.                                                                        

May to September 

Sunday:                8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday:                8:30 a.m. to  4:30 p.m.

Tuesday:               8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday :         8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Thursday:              8:30 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m.

Friday:                   8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday:               8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Time Icon

Waiting Time

30 minutes to one hour

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

at least 3 to 4 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Broken Clouds -11.63°C

 

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