Best trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Want to find the best trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 29 great trails for hiking, walking, and camping and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 6 easy hiking trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 3 to 4,681 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
Top trails
1
(1750)
•Hard
•3.3 mi
•Est. 2h 51m
This trail is often called ''Stairway to Heaven’’ with about 2200 stairs to climb until you reach the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns. The climb is steep and challenging in places, but the views of the Hooker Valley and Mount Cook from the top are epic. Bring plenty of water and a hat - there's not much shade along the way. Return via the same track or continue climbing up to Mueller Hut. White Horse Hill Campground is located at the trailhead - bookings in advance are required...
2
(1905)
•Hard
•6.0 mi
The Mueller Hut Route is a challenging and rewarding alpine hike in New Zealand's Southern Alps, located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The track is known for its steep inclines, rugged terrain, and spectacular views. It's one of the most popular walking tracks in the region.
The track starts at the White Horse Hill Campground, and from there, the track follows a steep and rocky path, leading to Sealy Tarns, a series of 2200 stairs that wind up the hillside. As you ascend, the landscape...
3
(894)
•Easy
•1.8 mi
•Est. 49m
The Kea Point Track is located in Aoraki/Mount Cok National Park in the Canterbury region. It's a pleasant return hike to the foot of the Glacier. There are beautiful views of Mount Sefton, The Footstool, Hooker valley, Mueller Glacier Lake, and Aoraki/Mount Cook on the way and at the point itself. If you only have a day or two here this is the perfect scenic trail. Some parts of the track are rocky with no shade - wear suitable shoes and a hat. White Horse Hill Campground is located at the...
4
(853)
•Moderate
•0.7 mi
•Est. 28m
Hike up about 300 steps to see fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest glacier) and Terminal Lake. This track is short, but you could easily spend longer if you explore a few different walks near the glacier and the lake. Prepare for the short section with stairs and no shade along the track. There's a carpark with a public shelter at the trailhead.
5
(334)
•Easy
•1.1 mi
•Est. 27m
This is a lovely short walk near Mount Cook Village. It’s mostly flat and offers the most spectacular views per ounce of energy in all of New Zealand. There is a bench and a stone landing at the Muller Lake Lookout. Make sure to come on a clear day for the best experience and go early to try to avoid crowds. The carpark at the end of Hooker Valley Road is usually packed after 9 am but there is enough space for 200 cars. Camping is also available at the trailhead and offers a separate car...
6
(389)
•Hard
•6.9 mi
This is a challenging climb to the top of Mount Ollivier (1933m) suitable for well-equipped and experienced trampers only. It has about 2200 stairs to climb until you reach Sealy Tarns. After that's the track is more rugged. There is a lot of rock climbing, not pro level but easy. Once the stairs end, the trail can be followed by spotting the orange poles. After you reach the top, there is less climbing with epic views of New Zealand’s highest peaks and surrounding glaciers. Please note that...
7
(562)
•Easy
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 3m
The Tasman Lake Track starts from the Blue Lakes Car Park at the end of Tasman Valley Road. It's a relatively short track with few stairs on a wide gravel track. There are beautiful views over the lake with icebergs and the Tasman Glacier, and plenty of little details to see along the way, such as lichens, mosses, and tiny plants between the rocks.
8
(453)
•Moderate
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
The Red Tarns Track takes you to tarns with red pondweed. The track is relatively short but steep with many steps on the way. Views at the top are worth the steep walk. Bring a snack and sit on the bench overlooking the pond and the mountains. This place is also great to view the sunset in summer. Just be careful when there has been a wet day because the stairs can get very slippery in places. There's a car park with shelter and public toilets located at the trailhead.
9
(360)
•Hard
•6.0 mi
This track takes you from Mount Cook Village to Kea Viewpoint and Sealy Tarns, located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Kea Point Track is a pleasant walk to the foot of the Glacier with beautiful views of Mount Sefton, The Footstool, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Sealy Tarns Track is often called ''Stairway to Heaven’’ with about 2200 stairs to climb until you reach the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns. The climb is steep and challenging in places, but the...
10
(324)
•Easy
•1.7 mi
•Est. 38m
This track takes you to where the Tasman River meets the Tasman Lake. It's a magical spot that is perfect for catching stunning reflections. The walk down to the edge of the lake from the end of the path requires you to make your path over a few rocks. However, you get amazing views from the bottom and can even touch icebergs.
Showing results 1–10 of 29
Trail reviews for Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Beautiful bluebird day. Busy trail by NZ standards. Stunning views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. Was glad of lightweight boots / no poles.
Difficulty: Easy
Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track [CLOSED]
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is Sealy Tarns Track, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,750 reviews. This trail is 3.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,791 ft.
What is the longest trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is Ball Hut Route. This trail is estimated to be 12.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
There are 29 trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 18,525 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park has you covered. Mount Wakefield Track boasts the most elevation gain with 4,681 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Ollivier Summit via Mueller Hut Route, which will get you 3,776 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 11 camping trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and the most popular is Sealy Tarns Track with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,750 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and the most popular is Governors Bush Track with an average 4.4 star rating from 180 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park which is Alps to Ocean Segment 1: White Horse Hill Campground to the Airport with an average 4.5 star rating from 14 community reviews.