Hiking, or “tramping” as backpackers know it, will etch trails in your memory as well as tracks in the snow covered peaks found at what is literally the top of the world in the southern hemisphere. Aoraki is the official nomenclature assigned to Mt. Cook New Zealand National Park in recognition of the country’s highly revered Maori cultural heritage.
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Vast terrain is defined by one third of its peaks capped in snow, highest glacier coverage at 40% and the longest glacier in the South Pacific islands, 25 peaks measuring over 3,000 and several hundred over 2,000. Mt. Cook New Zealand is literally at the top of the bottom of the world. |
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Large mountain daisies, lilies, buttercup, and spear grass are among many alpine plants that grow in this forestless park. Desolate silence is punctuated by screeching calls of the world’s only mountain parrot, the kea. Dark lateral moraines and milky blue glaciers yield a surreal quality, and the sum of its parts offers a variety of trail exploration for avid hiking and tramping souls. |
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Aoraki Mt. Cook New Zealand National Park offers various paths to explore its spectacular scenery. Walking tracks are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Tramping tracks are for average fitness levels and may require experienced skills. Route requires a high degree of skill, experience and navigational ability for well equipped hikers. This scene is from Hooker Trail. |
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Of the ten easy short or full day walks around Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village which is found within the park, Kea Point and Hooker Valley are the most popular. Experienced trampers will enjoy hiking through three alpine routes: Mueller, Copland, and Ball Passes. Remember to bring sturdy travel clothing and gear! |
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Copland Valley and Mueller Hut trails require an overnight trip of 3 or 4 hours each way with a steep climb of 1,000 meters. A two or three-day alpine pass takes the tramping adventurers through steep ice axe and crampons at Ball Pass. A guide and/or mountaineering experience is required and avalanches are a concern. |
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Gentler Kea Point Trail winds through sub-alpine grasslands to Mueller Glacier moraine wall and passes through landscape once carved by a glacier stream. It ends at an observatory deck perched over stunning mountain views. Tramping through one of the most popular park trails, Hooker Valley Track, goes past a great viewpoint and Hooker River, then crosses swingbridges twice before reaching a shelter area. |
During your New Zealand vacation, take in breathtaking scenery on these Aoraki Mt. Cook trails New Zealand for peak adventure!
