Experiences in
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
The ultimate alpine adventures in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where soaring peaks, ancient glaciers, and crystal-clear alpine lakes create a playground for adventure. Whether you’re seeking gentle exploration or high-adrenaline thrills, there’s an experience here to suit every traveller. We have listed the best things to do while you are in the National Park—stroll along short walking tracks that showcase breathtaking alpine scenery, glide across the glacial waters of Tasman Lake on the Glacier Explorers boat, or take to the skies on an unforgettable heli-hike or ski plane adventure to land directly on the ice. With New Zealand Private Tours, these remarkable experiences can be seamlessly included in your custom itinerary, ensuring your visit to Mt Cook is as awe-inspiring and unique as the landscape itself.
Glacier Explorers
The Glacier Explorers boat tour is one of Mount Cook’s most iconic experiences, offering a rare chance to journey across the glacial waters of Tasman Lake. Surrounded by towering peaks and ice-carved landscapes, you’ll cruise amongst floating icebergs, some of which are freshly calved from the mighty Tasman Glacier—the longest glacier in New Zealand. As you glide across the lake, expert guides share fascinating insights into the glacier’s history and ever-changing environment. This adventure is both awe-inspiring and accessible, making it an unforgettable highlight for visitors of all ages.
Location: Tasman Lake, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (including transfers and boat time)
Transfers: Return transfers included from The Hermitage Hotel
Heli Hike
A heli-hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is the ultimate way to step directly onto a glacier and immerse yourself in this otherworldly environment. After a breathtaking scenic flight over rugged peaks and deep valleys, your helicopter lands high on the Tasman Glacier. Equipped with crampons, you’ll explore shimmering ice caves, dramatic crevasses, and sculpted formations under the guidance of expert mountaineer guides. This experience combines the thrill of flight with the rare opportunity to walk on New Zealand’s most famous glacier.
Location: Tasman Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours (including flight and guided hike)
Transfers: Return transfers included from The Hermitage Hotel
Ski Plane
The ski plane is an iconic Mt Cook adventure, offering a unique way to land on snowfields that are otherwise unreachable. Soar over the Southern Alps in a specially designed aircraft before touching down on the glacier itself, where you’ll step out into a pristine alpine wonderland. With views stretching across Aoraki Mount Cook, the Tasman Valley, and beyond, the ski plane provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly connect with the vast scale and beauty of this alpine landscape.
Location: Tasman Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour (scenic flight and glacier landing)
Transfers: Return transfers available from The Hermitage Hotel (on request)
Big Sky Stargazing
Mount Cook is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places on earth for stargazing. On a clear night, the sky comes alive with the Milky Way, constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, and even glimpses of distant galaxies. Guided Big Sky Stargazing tours use powerful telescopes and expert knowledge to bring the universe closer, while the peaceful alpine setting enhances the magic of the night sky. It’s a humbling and unforgettable experience that connects you with the vastness of the cosmos.
Location: The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Mount Cook Village
Duration: Approximately 1–1.5 hours
Transfers: Not required (tours depart directly from The Hermitage Hotel)
Grand Circle Flight - Helicopter or Small Plane
The Grand Circle scenic flight showcases the very best of the Southern Alps in a single breathtaking journey. This extended aerial adventure takes you over Aoraki Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the stunning West Coast glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, before circling back across rugged alpine passes and turquoise glacial lakes. From the air, the sheer scale and majesty of New Zealand’s highest peaks and longest glaciers are revealed in a way that simply cannot be appreciated from the ground.
Location: Mount Cook Airport, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Transfers: Return transfers available from The Hermitage Hotel (on request)
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre (DOC Centre)
The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for exploring Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Here you’ll find detailed information on walking tracks, weather conditions, and safety advice, along with engaging exhibits about the region’s unique geology, flora, fauna, and cultural history. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and help plan your time in the park, making it an essential stop for both first-time visitors and experienced adventurers.
Location: Mount Cook Village
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour (longer if exploring exhibits)
Transfers: Not required (centrally located within Mount Cook Village)
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Located within The Hermitage Hotel, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre celebrates the life and achievements of one of New Zealand’s greatest explorers. The centre features a museum dedicated to the history of climbing in the Southern Alps, a 3D planetarium, and a state-of-the-art theatre showing daily films and documentaries. Visitors can learn about Sir Edmund Hillary’s mountaineering legacy, the region’s alpine environment, and the pioneering spirit that defines Mount Cook. It’s an inspiring and educational experience for all ages.
Location: The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Mount Cook Village
Duration: 1–2 hours (depending on films and exhibits)
Transfers: Not required (located inside The Hermitage Hotel)
Short Walks in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Nestled beneath New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook offers some of the country’s most rewarding short walks. From gentle valley strolls to alpine tracks with breathtaking glacier views, these walks showcase the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps without requiring long hikes. To make planning easy, we’ve created a dedicated page with detailed descriptions, distances, and highlights of each track. If you’d like to discover which walks are best suited to your visit, simply click the link to explore more.