2025 Mount Cook National Park Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

Getting There - New Zealand; Christchurch Airport Attractions - Lake Tekapo, The Church of the Good Shepherd Hotels - Mantra Lake Tekapo Food & Restaurants - Blue Lake Eatery & Bar A good getaway from the city area. Located in a small town in the southern part of New Zealand. Drive was about 3.5 hours from Christchurch Airport. Amazing display of clear sky with lots of stars. Rare sight in most countries. Weather is below 0 degrees with occasional strong winds, t thick jacket and layering will be advisable. Definitely a recommendable place to visit this holiday. #newzealandtravel #laketekapo #mountcook

Lake Tekapo- This is probably one of the most visited tourist attraction in New Zealand, and that is because it is really an amazing place to be in. Located at South West of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo is a 3 hours scenic drive away from Christchurch. The beauty of Lake Tekapo comes from its crystal blue/turquoise coloured lake, next to the giant mountains in the region. It is no wonder why this place is such a popular place among photographers. A huge highlight would be the Lupins, where the whole Lake Tekapo will be bloomed with it during the Spring to summer season. Next to it, is the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Being situated right next to the beautiful Lake Tekapo, it becomes a perfect photo spot due to how everything just looks perfectly fitting to each other. Stay for the night, and you can even take an epic photo of the church together with the Milky Way during a good weather. For those traveling in the South Island of New Zealand, this place is a MUST-VISIT. #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #hiking #naturalwonders #newzealand

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand,it is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers.

TEKAPO LAKE-New zealand Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand. It covers an area of 83 square kilometres, and is at an altitude of 710 metres above sea level.Every year's birthday is almost every year, so it's almost all abroad.This year in New Zealand, Today's trip just came to the world's unique dragon ball stall and beautiful tekapo lake.PS: New Zealand is really beautiful! Those who haven't come yet, come on!

This was such a fun hike! Luckily we had enough warm clothes with us because we definitely underestimated the cold weather! Also, if you want to go there don‘t forget to bring snacks.

[New Zealand's most beautiful and most photographed cafe, super suitable for big movies! The most memorable attraction in New Zealand is Lake Tekapo. And the cafe Astro Cafe on the high ground near the lake (just next to the St. John Observatory) is estimated to be one of the best shops in the world... the price is not expensive, while taking a coffee and watching the scenery, I feel It's a great ~ location picture on the last page [Flying Kiss R] overlooking the lake view at a high point is very shocking, the photo effect is really good. On the way to the top of the mountain, it is also recommended to take a photo. The colorful meadows, coupled with the blue sky and the lake, are just as good as the backs of personal objects. Throughout the trip, the most satisfying photos were taken nearby, very recommended! Tips: When driving to the high ground, there will be a toll entrance. A car will be a few knives. It is not expensive but generally needs to be queued into the mouth. The entire climbing process is steep and it is not recommended for novices to drive. You must park your car on the way to the mountain, because the scenery is too beautiful to miss it! In addition, this highland is also the best spot to watch the stars at night, you can see the Milky Way. Here is the starry sky protection zone, don't miss it~

#newyearnewtrip Location📍Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park New Zealand🇳🇿库克山公园 As long as you start from Lake Tekapo and go to Mount Cook, you can pass this road😍 The most important thing is safety⚠️Be sure to pay attention to the traffic in both directions. We waited for almost 3 minutes and no car came, so we got off the car to take pictures. You can take a lot of poses and they are all photogenic❤️ You can sit and take pictures with a group of friends, and take pictures in a row📷 🚗You can only park on the side of the road 🚽No toilet ⚠️Pay attention to the vehicles coming and going #newyeartrip

#getgoing2025 #newzealand #mountcook A road trip through New Zealand's South Island to Mount Cook is like stepping into a travel postcard at every turn. Driving through snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and turquoise lakes, the journey is as breathtaking as the destination itself. By the time you reach Mount Cook National Park, you'll feel as though you've entered nature's masterpiece. After a scenic hike along the Hooker Valley Track, where you cross swing bridges and marvel at towering peaks and glaciers, it's time to reward yourself. With a portable stove and a few fresh ingredients, cooking a simple hot pot outdoors becomes an unforgettable experience. As steam rises from your meal, you watch the sun dip behind the mountains, casting golden hues across the rugged landscape. But the real magic is heading up a nearby hill or lookout point to catch a view of the beach from above. Seeing the coastline stretch out below the dramatic alpine setting is surreal—a blend of mountain majesty and ocean serenity.

Mount Cook National Park has some of the best hiking spots in New Zealand. To get there, you have to travel past Lake Pukaki. One of the most scenic hikes I have taken was the one to the first swing bridge all the way to the third swing bridge. The views become even more scenic as you pass by each swing bridge. However, I hiked to the second swing bridge and turned back after that, the overall distance to the second swing bridge is around 4km

Mount Cook view is really stunning. Lucky before the rain come. View on October. #mountcook #Newzealand

Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki/Mount Cook, is New Zealand’s highest mountain, standing at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). Located in the Southern Alps of the South Island, it’s part of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, glaciers, and world-class hiking and mountaineering. Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand and a symbol of the country’s rugged natural beauty. It’s a dream destination for climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering challenging terrains as well as easier scenic walks.Aoraki is a sacred mountain to the Ngāi Tahu Māori tribe. According to Māori legend, Aoraki was the name of a boy who, along with his brothers, turned into stone, forming the mountain after their canoe became stranded on a reef and tilted skyward. The mountain holds deep spiritual significance, and the name Aoraki was officially added to Mount Cook in 1998 as part of a settlement between the New Zealand government and the Ngāi Tahu. Aoraki/Mount Cook is not only a paradise for outdoor adventurers but also a place of awe-inspiring beauty, cultural significance, and natural wonder. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or simply taking in the views, it’s one of New Zealand’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations.

In the morning, we first went to Hooker Glacier, which is a 10 km round trip. It was snowing early in the morning, so only the first bridge was open. After inquiring, we were told that it would be open in the afternoon depending on the situation, at least until the snow stopped or the snowplow team cleared a path. We then moved to Tasman Glacier. Because it was still snowing slightly in the morning, there weren't many tourists out. We went down to the river and, seeing no one around, bravely took a dip in the glacier water. How can you not be crazy when you're young? Due to global warming, the glacier is retreating very quickly, with only a few ice chunks left. In a few years, the glacier might be gone. The snow stopped in the afternoon, so we planned to unlock Hooker Glacier the next day.

What a amazing trip to NZ, spectacular mountain and beautiful views. Looking forward to going back again!

Awesome scenery! Unbelievable views…

#Aurora 🌟Beautiful Aurora Exploration Tour: A Complete Guide to Watching the Aurora in New Zealand🌌 Hey explorers! Want to get a glimpse of the most gorgeous secret in the night sky - the Aurora? Don't worry, let's embark on a fantasy journey through New Zealand and chase those green ghosts dancing in the sky! 👇 📅【Best time】 If you want to capture the beauty of the Aurora, you have to choose the right time! Every year from May to August, especially June and July, is the golden period when New Zealand's South Island is most likely to see the aurora feast. The long night and the bright starry sky are the perfect stage for the aurora to quietly appear. 🌌✨ 📍【Best location】 Mount Cook National Park: Far away from the light pollution of the city, the clear night sky of Mount Cook is a paradise for aurora lovers. Looking up at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, it seems as if the entire universe is lighting up for you. 🏔🌌 Lake Tekapo: Against the backdrop of the lake and mountains, the aurora unfolds like a scroll, and every flash is mesmerizingly beautiful. The surface of the lake is like a mirror, reflecting the fantastic colors of the sky, just like a dream. 🏞🌌 Dunedin to Invercargill Coast: Along this quiet coastline, the aurora dances with the waves, adding an indescribable romance to your trip. 🌊🌌 🚗【Itinerary planning】 Be prepared: Remember to check weather forecasts and aurora prediction websites to choose a clear, cloudless night. ☁🌙 Warm gear: After all, this is a winter adventure, so a thick down jacket, scarf, and gloves are indispensable. Don’t let the cold affect your good mood! 🧣🧤 Camera on standby: Bring your tripod and wide-angle lens, adjust the parameters, and prepare to record this rare spectacle! 📷💫 💡【Tips】 Aurora is the result of the interaction between solar wind and the earth's atmosphere. It is uncertain. Patience and luck are equally important! 🙏

#newzealand

#cherryblossom2024 Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is located in the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand and is part of the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most popular hiking trails in the area is the Hooker Valley Track, which provides stunning views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the surrounding landscape, including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and turquoise lakes.

I can say this is must place to go when you are in New Zealand. Absolutely stunning views with this beautiful Mount Cook. Don’t forget to do some hiking there to feel the ambiance of nature. Sealy Tarn, Hooker Valley and Kea Point are the most famous trails in Mt Cook area. You won’t regret it!

Mount Cook. South Island, New Zealand.

It was a trip to New Zealand and we visited Queenstown Gardens. We explored the lush gardens with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. The gardens feature walking tracks, floral displays, and a variety of native and exotic plant species. Which I really recommend you to visit. Queenstown Gardens 📍Park Street, Queenstown 9300 We also explored the very famous, Fergburger and ordered their iconic New Zealand burgers made with locally-sourced ingredients. This place is known for its generous portions and diverse menu options. Overall, the price and quality of good is considered good and I would recommend you to visit as the ingredients were really fresh 💯💯💯 Fergburger 📍42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300 Also, we explored the Ben Lomond Track, which Embarked on a scenic hike up Ben Lomond for breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. The track offered a mix of forested sections and alpine landscapes. The view was absolutely stunning 😍 📍Starts from the Queenstown Gondola base station, accessed via Brecon St or Tiki Trail As for dinner, I would recommend you to try Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar. We experienced dining in the sky at the top of the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, enjoying a buffet dinner featuring a variety of New Zealand cuisine while taking in panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu which was very very amazing! The price was about $75 per pax 💰 Skyline Queenstown Gondola 📍Skyline Queenstown, Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300 These are some of my favourite places in New Zealand that I would recommend 😍😍😍 I have also attached some picture taken during the whole New Zealand trip. Do remember to visit Cook Mountain if you have time too 😍 Definitely worth to visit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #getaway #vacation #Nature

The view is like painting! The track is easy and for all ages! Just chill and enjoy the awesome landscapes of the Southern Alps. While trekking, you will experience the Hooker Valley past alpine streams and glaciers in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track will take 3 hours/10 kms. It sounds far but the breathtaking view will keep you going. A must experience when you visit Mount Cook! #mountcook #Hookervalleytrack

#hiking #stargazing #mountcook #newzealand

On a quiet night, I wandered around the wild field and the southern light bursted out at that moment fur away behind the Mt.Cook

Church of the Good Shepherd Personally feel this place is so romantic as it located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Walk around the Church and found there is dog statue also, another spot to visit. A must visit if you are in Lake Tekapo area. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Lake Tekapo The lake is so beautiful..it attracted me to keep looking it without getting bored. During the sunset, the lake surrounding became golden colour that brought to another scenery. In the early morning, I walked to lakeside and was sitting there with blank mind..relax and calm. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Hermitage Hotel We stay a night in this hotel and had a great experience. The reason we selected this hotel is we have a mountain view of mt.cook. We can have the mountain view at anytime at the balcony or inside the room. Great experience and recommended. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Mt Cook 1st Bridge We took quite sometime to reach the first bridge as we walked up quite slow. The track is not bad and there were many visitors so we have no worry get lost. When we arrived the first bridge the scenery is superb and really worth to visit.#wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Lake Tekapo in the south island of new zealand is one of the most popular lake in the country. A stunning place with a natural fresh air and natural water, you may even drink directly from the lake and you can taste the pure water of New Zealand. During winter it can be very cold but the snowy mountain background offset that massively. What a beautiful place ! #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

Lake Tekapo is my favorite spot in South New Zealand, it is always surrounded by snowy mountains and it's also part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.

The world-famous Lake Tekapo Tkapo Lake is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the middle of the South Island, surrounded by the meandering Southern Alps. A pure lake of water, always showing a deep blue, exudes a quiet and noble temperament. The blue lake and the distant snow-capped mountains make the scenery spectacular. As a close-up lakeside, it changes constantly with the seasons - spring, full of colorful lush flowers; summer and autumn, full of golden grass; winter, just a snow white - like a picture frame In the same way, it adds a different embellishment to the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains in the distance, reflecting the long-distance and holiness of the pure land that is far from the dust. Lake Tekapo, surrounded by mountains, is often described as "the earth is quiet" to describe its beauty and tranquility. The calm, crystal-clear, crystal-clear lake reflects the snow-capped Southern Alps. It is known as the Lake Tekapo that the South Island has to visit because it is far away from the dust. Since 1935, there have been more good shepherds. The accompanying bronze statue of the church and the shepherd dog makes it quiet, more known, and chasing, just like us. Like the twilight of Lake Tekapo, the stone on the lakeside, the reflection of the autumn trees, very quiet.