Is Aoraki Mount Cook worth visiting?
Yes, Aoraki Mount Cook is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a mountain that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this mountain has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great hiking.
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.
Mount Cook, New Zealand
1 Reasons to Visit Aoraki Mount Cook
1. Hiking
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.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Aoraki Mount Cook
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Aoraki Mount Cook with a lively nightlife scene. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.
Food: Aoraki Mount Cook doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Aoraki Mount Cook might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Aoraki Mount Cook here or see if Aoraki Mount Cook is expensive here.
Related
What is Aoraki Mount Cook most famous for?
Aoraki Mount Cook is most famous for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. People visit this impressive mountain for its great hiking. It is often described as breathtaking, world renowned, scenic, and dramatic.
What is the most famous sight in Aoraki Mount Cook?
The most popular sight in Aoraki Mount Cook is the Hooker Valley Track. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Aoraki Mount Cook on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Hooker Valley Track and other attractions here.
How touristy is Aoraki Mount Cook? Is it a popular mountain to visit?
Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular mountain for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Day Tours from Mount Cook: $120
- Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo: $108
- Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown: $150
- Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier lookout Small Group Tour from Queenstown: $150
- Half-Day Self-Guided Ride and Wine Bike Tour from Arrowtown: $60
- Queenstown Highlights Tour: $90
- Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way): $108
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Cave Tour: $17
How long should I spend in Aoraki Mount Cook?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Aoraki Mount Cook is two to four days. Since Aoraki Mount Cook has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Aoraki Mount Cook? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Aoraki Mount Cook?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.