Top 10 Things to Do in Mount Cook in One Day

Mount Cook National Park is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations and is a must-visit on any traveller’s list. Home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak, and surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and alpine terrain, it is a place that offers a truly unique and unforgettable adventure. If you have only one day to explore, don’t worry—we got you! Check out our list of top 10 things to do in Mount Cook.

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Drive the Stunning Mount Cook Road for Scenic Photo Stops

There is only one road to Mount Cook. Mount Cook Road (State Highway 80) is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful drives, offering endless opportunities for breathtaking photo stops.

As you get closer to Mount Cook Village, the panoramic vistas become even more dramatic, showcasing the Tasman River alongside the towering mountains, and creating photo-worthy scenes.

We often see people parked on the side of the road taking selfies.

Starting at Lake Pukaki’s southern end, the 45-minute drive to Mt Cook Village is one of our favourite things to do in Mount Cook.

Make sure to stop at Peters Lookout, which offers a viewing deck to take the best photos of the lake’s turquoise waters with Aoraki/Mount Cook in the distance.

Continue along the road; you will see additional viewpoints. If you love taking photos, pull over to capture those iconic highway photos framed by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.

Visit the Glentanner Park Centre for refreshments and more beautiful views.

Driving to Mount Cook is truly one of the best things to do in Mount Cook National Park. So, if you don’t have the inclination for hikes or the budget for adventure activities, simply getting there is fun in itself!

Glacier Walk Mt Cook

A glacier walk in Mt Cook is another highlight. The Tasman Glacier View Track is a must-do for a close look at Mount Cook’s glacial landscape and the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier.

Start with the short but steep climb to the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. At the top, you will see the glacier with its blue ice interior and its spectacular meltwater lake, often dotted with floating icebergs.

A short detour is available to the Blue Lakes, though, in summer, they can be dry and murky. 

The short walk takes about 30 minutes round trip and is accessible from Tasman Glacier car park.

While there are many steps, the surreal views make it absolutely worthwhile!

Glacier Explorers Boat Tour

For a unique perspective, take a Glacier Explorers boat trip on Tasman Lake.

This guided experience gets you up close to the icebergs floating in the lake and offers the most spectacular view of the Tasman Glacier’s terminal face.

It is a rare opportunity to see an iceberg in New Zealand and learn about the fascinating glacial landscape.

This tour is one of our top 10 South Island Highlights!

Tours begin at the Hermitage Hotel and travel to the Tasman Glacier car park. The tour includes a 1.5 km (20-minute) alpine walk through the National Park along the Tasman Lake and River Track to the Tasman Lake jetty.

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide Tip: As they both start from the same carpark, you could do the Tasman Glacier View Track before your Glacier Explorers boat trip. However, you need to get to the car park on your own and arrange to meet the tour group at either the car park or the Tasman Lake jetty.

If you are short on time and can only choose one experience, the Glacier Explorers Mt Cook boat trip is the ultimate choice. These tours are an excellent choice for those seeking a truly extraordinary experience.

Read our comprehensive review of the Glacier Explorers tour, as well as information and photos of what you will see and how to book.

Hooker Valley Track Mount Cook

The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best Mount Cook attractions. If you only do one hike, let it be this iconic walk.

The 10-kilometre return walk takes about 3 hours and can get very busy, so start your day early (We recommend a 6 am start). This will also give you time to do everything on our top 10 things to do in Mt Cook list.

The track offers stunning views of the mountains, glaciers, and Hooker Lake. Along the way, you will cross three suspension bridges and follow the Hooker River to its spectacular endpoint. Having done the walk recently for the first time, we think it really is one of the best walks in New Zealand.

The path is mostly flat, so it is an easy walk. While it took us 3 hours, some people have said they have hiked the trail in 2 to 2.5 hrs.

Make sure to read our recent article for comprehensive details on the Hooker Vallery Track and photos of what you will see on the walk.

Mount Cook Visitor Centre

Head to the Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre in the village for interactive displays about the area’s geology, history, and mountaineering culture.

The centre is a great way to learn more about Mount Cook and its surroundings, especially if the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities.

Further, if you need ideas on what to do in Mt Cook National Park for longer adventures and multi-day hikes, DOC (Department of Conservation) rangers are available to help you with information.

Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a must-visit for history buffs and mountain enthusiasts alike.

Located at The Hermitage Hotel, this small museum celebrates the life and achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest.

It also delves into the rich climbing history of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding area.

Highlights include engaging exhibits, archival photographs, and a 3D movie experience that brings the region’s alpine environment to life. It’s a great indoor activity if the weather is not so great but also one that families with children especially love.

Dine at The Hermitage Hotel

Add a memorable dining experience to your day by enjoying a meal at the iconic Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village. The views from your table are some of the best restaurant views in New Zealand.

Whether you choose their buffet lunch or dinner at Alpine Restaurant,  a la carte fine dining at Panorama Room, or a more relaxed experience with charcuterie and cocktails at the Snowline Bar, you will enjoy delicious food paired with unbeatable views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

We recently had drinks at Snowline Bar, followed by the dinner buffet. The buffet included a variety of roasted meats and seafood, including prawns, mussels and 4 different salmon dishes. On top of that, there were over 20 hot and cold salads to choose from and a cheese and dessert buffet. The yummy meal with comfortable seating and epic views is one of the most delightful things to do in Mt Cook village.

In a rush or on a budget? The Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe offers Kiwi favourites, like pies, burgers and pizzas, also with outstanding mountain views!

Stay at The Hermitage Hotel

If one day is not enough to soak in the beauty of Mount Cook, extend your visit with a stay at The Hermitage Hotel.

The hotel has been world famous in New Zealand since 1884 and is on the South Island travel bucket list for many Kiwis.

This iconic accommodation, nestled among stunning scenery within the Mount Cook National Park, offers a range of options, from premium rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of Aoraki/Mount Cook to more budget-friendly alternatives.

Waking up to the sight of New Zealand’s highest peak is an experience that is hard to beat. Plus, staying overnight means you get more time for Mt Cook’s trails, activities, and stargazing at a more relaxed pace.

Other Walks & Fun Things to Do at Mount Cook

You will likely not have time to do these all in one day but, besides the Hooker Vallery Track and the Tasman Glacier View Track, there are many short easy Mount Cook walks for those interested in hiking. We have added these 1-hour return walks to this list of Top 10 things to do in Mount Cook for those extra keen hikers who are raring to start their day at 6 am and complete everything! The Governors Bush Walk and Kea Point Track are easy walks offering views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

For longer walks, the Red Tarns Track (2 hrs return) and Sealy Tarns Track (3-4 hours return), also known as the Stairway to Heaven, are ideal for those with time for more hikes.

Adventure Activities

If you have more time and more budget, here is a list of some of the other fun things to do at Mt Cook National Park. Although many would rank these extraordinary activities first, we have not placed them at the top of our list since they are not affordable for everyone. Additionally, reservations often need to be made well in advance, sometimes up to 6 months or longer.

If you can afford it or simply want to treat yourself, consider taking a helicopter tour or scenic flight over Aoraki/Mt Cook, or enjoy a Tasman Glacier Heli hiking adventure or even a picnic on Mt Cook.

These experiences are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that will be your highlights of New Zealand.

Is Mount Cook worth visiting?

We think you should not miss one of the most extraordinary places you will get to visit in New Zealand. There are so many awe-inspiring Mt Cook activities. For those who adore natural wonders, unique experiences and iconic locations, Mount Cook is a do-not-miss destination.

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