Easy Trekking Route at Mount Cook for Beginners

If you’re dreaming of visiting New Zealand’s most iconic mountain but feel short on time or not quite fit enough to reach its summit, don’t worry! This article reveals our experience on a trekking adventure at Mount Cook that’s accessible even for beginners. Get ready to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments!

From a distance, as viewed from the shores of Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook rises majestically above its smaller Alpine siblings. Known as Aoraki in Maori, it is the highest peak in New Zealand, towering over 3,700 meters. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get closer to this magnificent mountain and see if it truly is as imposing as it appears from afar.

As we drove along the stunning 50 km route from Lake Pukaki to the small settlement near Mount Cook—simply called Mt Cook Village—we were treated to breathtaking views at every turn. This road is arguably one of the most beautiful scenic drives we have experienced in the country. However, we quickly learned to capture the views from the warmth of our car, as stepping out into the crisp air was quite a shock!

About 10 km before reaching the village, a left turn leads to a gravel road that takes you to a viewing shelter. This was our first stop. From here, several trails offer spectacular vistas of the Tasman Valley and the Tasman Glacier. There’s also a short trail to the Blue Lakes, which unfortunately didn’t live up to their name with their rather dull appearance.

After a brief detour, we finally arrived at the village, which consists of a handful of modest accommodations and the grand Hermitage Hotel, steeped in mountaineering history since its opening in 1884. The real treasure lies in the various tracks that begin here, winding through the valleys of this majestic mountain range. Among them, the most famous is undoubtedly the Hooker Valley Track, leading to the Hooker Glacier.

This picturesque trail follows the river fed by the glacier, with Mount Cook as a constant backdrop. However, on the day of our trek, dense clouds obscured the view, leaving us to imagine the peak’s grandeur. Regardless, the journey was nothing short of spectacular, as the surroundings were breathtaking!

But don’t expect to see a traditional glacier at the end of the trail. Instead, you’ll find some floating ice chunks in the lake, which still make for a beautiful photograph. It’s worth noting that this area seems to be a wind factory, as we battled strong gusts, especially near the lake! On our way back to one of our favorite spots in New Zealand, along the edges of Lake Pukaki with Aoraki in the distance and stars brightening the night, we bid farewell to this majestic peak, a central figure in a beautiful Maori legend:

According to Maori legend, Aoraki was one of the four sons of Rakinui, the "Sky Father," who traveled with his three brothers across Papatuanuku, the "Earth Mother." Their canoe became stranded on a reef and capsized. Aoraki and his brothers climbed onto the hull, but the cold southern winds froze them, turning them to stone. The legend tells that their canoe transformed into Te Waka, the South Island of New Zealand, and the adventurers became the Southern Alps, with Aoraki, the tallest brother, becoming the highest point of the island, Mount Cook.

Essential Information: Trekking at Mount Cook

Essential Information: Trekking at Mount Cook

If you’re planning a visit to Mount Cook, here is some essential information to help you make the most of your adventure:

Popular Tracks:

There are two major trails worth exploring in this area:

Tasman Glacier and Blue Lakes: This track begins at the Blue Lakes Shelter. To reach it, take a right turn a few kilometers before arriving at the village and follow the gravel road for 8 km. Once there, a path ascends a hill and splits into two: right leads to Tasman Lake and glacier, while left heads towards the Blue Lakes. Both paths are easy and can be completed in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Hooker Valley Track: After passing the village, you’ll find the DOC camping site "White Horse Hill," which requires a fee. The trail starts from here, leading through this incredible valley towards Mount Cook and ultimately to the glacier. The route is straightforward, crossing several bridges over the Hooker River, with a total distance of about 5 km, typically taking around an hour and a half. Plan for approximately 3 hours for the round trip.