Walks for families in Aoraki

Governors Bush Walk

Time: 45 min
Distance: 1.5 km

Start and finish at the public shelter at Aoraki/Mount Cook village. Children will enjoy this walk as it is a good place for them to run around in a natural landscape. The track goes through beech forest where fantail and kea are common. Babies and smaller toddlers may need to be carried in a backpack. There are toilets, hot water, showers and a picnic area at the public shelter.

Kea Point Walk

Time: 1 hr return
Distance: 2.8 km

In good weather an all-terrain buggy can be pushed along this walk, which starts at the Hooker Valley campground and car park. There is an open walk to view Mueller Glacier, with stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Main Divide on good days. As this is an exposed walk, don’t walk it on windy or wet days.

Hooker Valley Walk

Time: 30 - 40 min return from first viewpoint
Distance: 900 m

Start at the Hooker Valley campground and car park. There is wheelchair or buggy access to the first viewpoint across Mueller Lake (15 minutes). Beyond this, babies will need to be carried in a backpack.

Walk up this glacial valley for classic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mueller Glacier, Hooker Glacier and the Main Divide. The campground/car park has toilets and a public shelter.  This walk can be exposed and is not suitable for windy or wet days. On hot days, sunscreen and water is a must. 

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is in South Canterbury; turn off SH8 just past Lake Pukaki, onto SH80.