Tasman Glacier by moonlight, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook (70,696 hectares) is New Zealand's great alpine park. It has the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. Aoraki/Mount Cook village and all visitors to the park are dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape that surrounds them.
Aoraki/Mount Cook was formally established as a national park in 1953 from reserves that were established as early as 1887 to protect the area’s significant vegetation and landscape.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Walking, mountaineering, scenic flights, skiing and star gazing are popular activities in and around Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Accommodation at Aoraki/Mount Cook village ranges from backpackers to luxury. There are 17 huts in the park, located mainly for mountaineering and requiring climbing skills to reach.
Alpine tramping is not for the inexperienced and weather conditions can be severe. Groups attempting trips must be properly equipped and well prepared.
The majority of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park and surrounding terrain is serious avalanche country.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is the ideal case study area for students investigating the geography of the South Island glaciated high country.
This video introduces the Search and Rescue Alpine Rescue Team in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, who dedicate their working days to rescuing people off the dangerous Southern Alps.
Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Weather for Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
NZ weather
DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety