Aoraki / Mount Cook

Things to do near Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a variety of activities for couples and adventurous individuals alike, including stunning hiking and walking trails, as well as kayaking opportunities in the pristine surroundings. The activity centre provides options catering to various fitness levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're seeking a romantic stroll or a challenging hike, Mount Cook has something for everyone to experience its natural beauty.

Shopping

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a quaint shopping experience with local gift shops like the Mount Cook Village Café and the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, perfect for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the larger shopping centres in Twizel, about 30 minutes away, provide more extensive options.

Recreation

Indulge in a soothing soak at Waiho Hot Tubs, located 24.1km from Aoraki / Mount Cook, where you can unwind in natural thermal waters surrounded by serene landscapes. The tranquil atmosphere enhances relaxation, making it a perfect retreat for rejuvenation and wellness.

Adventure

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track for a stunning hike, immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery about 12.9km from Aoraki / Mount Cook. Experience the thrill of Air Safaris, a scenic flight located 11.3km away, and take a leisurely stroll along the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, situated 16.1km from the mountain.

Nightlife

Aoraki / Mount Cook has a tranquil yet enchanting nightlife, perfect for stargazing and enjoying local cuisine. The Hermitage Hotel offers fine dining with stunning views, while the nearby Aoraki Mount Cook Village provides a cosy atmosphere for post-dinner drinks, making it an ideal retreat after a day of adventure.

Find the best attractions near Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook offers a wealth of attractions for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the breathtaking national parks, marvel at the magnificent glaciers, and enjoy the serene beauty of the lakes. Whether you're after thrilling outdoor experiences or simply wish to soak in the natural beauty, the region caters to every traveler's desire for exploration and excitement.

• Mount Cook National Park: This stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery and a plethora of outdoor activities. From hiking trails to stargazing opportunities, visitors can immerse themselves in nature while surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
• Tasman Glacier: As New Zealand’s largest glacier, Tasman Glacier captivates with its awe-inspiring views. The serene atmosphere and striking blue ice formations provide a unique opportunity for photography and exploration, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
• Mount Tasman: Known for its rugged beauty, Mount Tasman is a haven for adventure seekers. The mountain offers thrilling climbing experiences and panoramic views, allowing visitors to connect with the great outdoors in an unforgettable way.

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 during your trip to Aoraki / Mount Cook, consider visiting in May or August to September when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and hotel type, such as eco-certified options, to find the best deals. Additionally, look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, 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 tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Aoraki / Mount Cook with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.