Aoraki / Mount Cook

Things to do near Aoraki / Mount Cook

In Aoraki / Mount Cook, visitors can indulge in a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, walking, and kayaking. The area boasts an activity centre that provides valuable information on the best day hikes and popular trails, ensuring an unforgettable adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Whether you seek challenging treks or leisurely strolls, Aoraki / Mount Cook offers something for every nature enthusiast.

Shopping

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers limited shopping options, with the Mount Cook Village Store providing souvenirs and local products. If you're up for a drive, nearby Tekapo has the Tekapo Springs and local shops for a wider selection of gifts and crafts to take home.

Recreation

Indulge in the soothing experience at Waiho Hot Tubs, located 24.1km from Aoraki / Mount Cook. Immerse yourself in the natural hot springs, surrounded by serene landscapes, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploring the stunning alpine scenery.

Adventure

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track, an 12.9km hike featuring stunning landscapes and serene vibes. Experience breathtaking views on an Air Safaris scenic flight, located 11.3km away. Lastly, explore the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, 16.1km from Aoraki, for an invigorating outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a serene nightlife, perfect for stargazing while enjoying a quiet drink at the Hermitage Hotel's bar. For a unique experience, join a guided night tour to observe the breathtaking Southern Hemisphere constellations against a stunning alpine backdrop.

Find the best attractions near Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a plethora of attractions for every type of traveller, including breathtaking national parks, stunning glaciers, and serene lakes. Adventure seekers can explore Mount Cook and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy the views from Aoraki Alpine Lodge. Don't miss the charming Aoraki Mount Cook Village, where the natural scenery provides an idyllic backdrop for outdoor pursuits and unforgettable experiences.

• Mount Cook National Park: Experience breathtaking scenery and exhilarating adventure in this stunning national park, located 12.9km from Aoraki / Mount Cook. With its towering peaks and diverse landscapes, it's perfect for hiking, climbing, and immersing yourself in nature's grandeur.
• Tasman Glacier: Just 6.4km from Aoraki / Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier offers a unique chance to witness the beauty of glacial landscapes. Marvel at the striking blue ice and the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot for photography and leisurely walks.
• Mount Tasman: A mere 3.2km away, Mount Tasman invites outdoor enthusiasts with its rugged terrain and stunning vistas. Enjoy thrilling hikes and adventure activities while soaking in the dramatic scenery of this iconic mountain.

Best time to go to Aoraki / Mount Cook

The best time to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Aoraki / Mount Cook falls in February, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Aoraki / Mount Cook falls in July, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
February	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
July	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
August	26.4°F (-3.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
September	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aoraki / Mount Cook

To save money on your visit to Aoraki / Mount Cook, consider travelling during the shoulder months of May and August to September, when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search features to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for further savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aoraki / Mount Cook are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Aoraki / Mount Cook is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aoraki / Mount Cook is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Aoraki / Mount Cook is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation at Aoraki / Mount Cook with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.