Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Aoraki Mount Cook?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Aoraki Mount Cook?

Many travelers spend two to four days in Aoraki Mount Cook during their visit. After all, the scenic mountain has plenty to explore such as the hiking and the gorgeous scenery.

Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand and it offers a stunning setting with beautiful views and world class hiking trails. There are challenging routes for expert climbers as well as beginner trails that cater to the masses.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Aoraki Mount Cook? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in the area. This would give you just the right amount of time to take in the natural scenery and enjoy the hiking and the gorgeous scenery. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the scenic mountain.

How to spend 3 days in Aoraki Mount Cook

Known for it's hiking, Aoraki Mount Cook sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

A few tour suggestions include:

Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown ($152)

Aoraki Mount Cook is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Don't miss the Hooker Valley Track during your trip to Aoraki Mount Cook, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

After you've explored most of Aoraki Mount Cook, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 4 days enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to the scenic mountain, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Get out into nature and take in the beautiful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel and use it as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

Mount Cook, New Zealand

How to spend 4 days in Aoraki Mount Cook

With 4 days in Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the mountain has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Aoraki Mount Cook. Plenty of amazing options are available.

Is 5 days enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything in the area. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to get out into nature and take in the beautiful scenery at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the region.

Aoraki / Mt. Cook, New Nealand

How to spend 5 days in Aoraki Mount Cook

With 5 days in Aoraki Mount Cook, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the mountain has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this mountain looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Aoraki Mount Cook, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.