Things to Do in Mount Cook & Mackenzie
This is an incredibly scenic place of blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills, lorded over by Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Get close to the mountain with a visit to Mount Cook Village, a hiking expedition in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, or a flight-seeing adventure. Further east, small towns offer a slice of rural life. Spend your days fishing, hiking, and skiing (during winter), and your nights stargazing or soaking in a hot pool.
Mackenzie Country
Mackenzie Country is a spectacularly beautiful region of blue lakes, rolling hills, and soaring mountains. Iconic Aoraki Mount Cook, the tallest peak in Australasia, watches over the area, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park contains numerous glaciers, including the immense Tasman Glacier with its remarkable glacier lake.
You´ll
these great things to see & do…
- Take a flight-seeing trip over the mountain peaks
- Hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- Go mountain biking on one of the region’s many trails
- Ski or snowboard during winter months
- Stargaze under clear skies at Mount John Observatory
Useful Mount Cook & Mackenzie Resources
All South Island Regions
Christchurch – Canterbury Dunedin & Otago Fiordland Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs Marlborough Nelson Tasman Southland Stewart Island Mount Cook & Mackenzie Queenstown New Zealand Wanaka West CoastFind Your Perfect Activity
Welcome Dinner at Aoraki/Mt Cook
The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook Village Food & Wine
2.5 hours (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Dining Experience at The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mt Cook Village Join us for an unforgettable welcome dinner in the shadow of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook. This special evening marks the beginning of your South Island adventure with fine local cuisine and stunning alpine views. Event Details Location: The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mt Cook Village Duration:
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Explorer Tour
Mt Cook Walking & Hiking
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Discover the Alpine Paradise of Mt Cook National Park First, are you searching for the ultimate outdoor adventure to highlight your New Zealand vacation? If so, you absolutely must explore the breathtaking beauty of Mt Cook National Park. Specifically, this rugged landscape serves as a brilliant haven for hikers, climbers, and passionate nature lovers. Consequently,
Lake Pukaki Alpine Vista Tour
Lake Pukaki Walking & Hiking
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Lake Pukaki is a breathtaking glacial lake in New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Fed by glacial meltwater from the Southern Alps, its vibrant color and pristine beauty make it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re driving along the scenic highway, capturing stunning photos, or simply soaking in
Hooker Valley Track: Mount Cook’s Stunning Glacier Lake
Hooker Valley Track, Mt Cook National Park Active & Adventure Walking & Hiking
3 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
The Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and accessible walking trails, offering breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, glacial rivers, and a stunning glacier lake. This easy, well-maintained track is perfect for hikers of all levels, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families. Immerse yourself in the beauty of
Tekapo Star Gazing – Soak in the Stars
Tekapo Springs, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Active & Adventure
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking night skies of Lake Tekapo with the Tekapo Star Gazing experience. Relax in a hot pool under one of the world’s clearest night skies and marvel at the beauty of the stars in this UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. Key Facts Duration Flexible Departure Location Tekapo Springs, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Hooker Valley Track: A Scenic Alpine Walk
Hooker Valley Track Active & Adventure Nature Walking & Hiking Family & Kids
3 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Discover one of New Zealand’s most picturesque walking trails with the Hooker Valley Track. This easy yet stunning hike takes you through breathtaking alpine scenery, offering incredible views of Mount Cook, glaciers, and pristine glacial rivers. Duration 3 hours Distance 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) round trip. Starting Point White Horse Hill Campground, Mount Cook National
Tasman Glacier Explorer Heli Flight
Lake Tekapo & Aoraki Mt Cook Active & Adventure
35 minutes
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Experience the majesty of New Zealand’s largest glacier with the Tasman Glacier Explorer Heli Flight. This breathtaking adventure combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with an up-close exploration of the glacier’s stunning ice formations and surrounding alpine scenery. Key Facts Duration 35 minutes Departure Location Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Village, New Zealand. Highlights
Dark Sky Crater Experience at Cowans Observatory
1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo Nature Family & Kids
1hr 15 mins
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
The Dark Sky Crater Experience at Cowan’s Observatory offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of New Zealand’s world-renowned dark skies. Located near Lake Tekapo in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this guided stargazing experience provides breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and celestial phenomena. Perfect for
Mount Cook Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo – Heli & Ski Plane
Mt Cook Airport Scenic Flights Active & Adventure
45 minutes
Price:Included in your tour package
The Peak of Adventure: Mount Cook Ultimate Alpine Experience If you want the most comprehensive view of New Zealand’s highest peaks, the Mount Cook Ultimate Alpine Experience is the perfect choice. This unique adventure allows you to fly in both a helicopter and a ski plane. Specifically, you will depart from the Mt. Cook Airport,
Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier Grand Traverse Aeroplane Flight
Mount Cook National Park Active & Adventure Scenic Flights
50 minutes
Price:Included in your tour package
Soar Above the Southern Alps: The Ultimate Franz Josef Glacier Flight If you want to experience the true majesty of the South Island, a Franz Josef Glacier Flight is an absolute necessity. Known as the “Grand Traverse,” this premier 50-minute journey covers 200 kilometers of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery. Because you are flying

