Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain and her distant peak always dominates the South Island backdrops. Here are the best Mount Cook viewpoints across the island.
Today, people flock from all over the world to catch a glimpse of this impressive 3,724-metre peak. And nobody is asking “why“?– This mountain is absolutely incredible and easily the most beautiful peak in the country.
After exploring the South Island’s best hikes and viewpoints, I’ve written this guide sharing some of the epic lookouts and viewpoints I’ve found to see Mount Cook in all her glory.
Where Can You See Views of Mount Cook?
Mount Cook's faces are visible from the interior and from the West Coast, meaning you'll get a different view depending on where you are. My personal favourite viewpoint is at Peter's Lookout on the road to Mount Cook National Park, however there are plenty more below.
In a rush and prefer to have your trip to Mount Cook organized in advance? Check out these three unmissable Mount Cook experiences!
1. Mount Cook Small Group Tour
The best way to experience the best of Mount Cook National Park on an epic day trip from Queenstown and includes the Hooker Valley Track.
2. Mount Cook Ski Plane & Helicopter
A surprisingly affordable experience including a thrilling aerial tour by both ski plane and a helicopter!
3. Tasman Glacier Heli Hike Top-Pick
See the Tasman Glacier from above and land on the Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier for an epic Glacier Hike (all gear provided)
1. Hooker Valley Track
Known as one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, the views from the Hooker Valley track simply has to be seen to be believed.
Following the Hooker Valley, this hike leads to the very edge of the Hooker glacial lake, where Aoraki/Mount Cook stands tall above its glacial lake. The best part is, you'll have epic Mount Cook views along the entire length of this hike!
Did you know? Aoraki/Mount Cook was recognised for its splendour and beauty by both traditional Maori settlers and European explorers. Due to Mount cook being significant to both parties, the official name has been combined to reflect the unified history that is shared by all New Zealanders.
2. Mount Cook Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing
You can't really beat a helicopter flight and snow landing when it comes to epic views of the New Zealand Alps.
This helicopter tour on Get Your Guide is very affordable and flies directly past Aoraki Mt Cook, over the icebergs of Tasman Terminal Lake and the Tasman Glacier before landing on an adjacent mountain.
The aerodrome is conveniently positioned just 5 minute's drive from Aoraki Village. I'd suggest taking the first flight of the day after breakfast at one of the hotels nearby.
3. Mueller Hut Route
One of my personal favourite hikes in New Zealand also arguably offers the best views of New Zealand's tallest peak!
This popular overnight tramping route leads to the Mueller Hut, which is widely considered as one of New Zealand's most scenic alpine huts. It departs from Mount Cook National Park and climbs the Sealy Range, directly opposite Aoraki/Mount Cook and the glacial lakes and valleys below.
The best part is you'll get Aoraki as a onstant backdrop during the entire hike!
Tip: Freedom camping or staying in the Mueller Hut overnight is the best place to see Mount Cook during sunset. Read my guide linked above to find out how.
4. Sealy Tarns Track
If the Mueller Hut route is too long or steep for you, then I'd suggest climbing up halfway to the Sealy Tarns. This track actually makes up the first section of the Mueller Hut hike and therefore offers a very similar view (albeit from a lower point).
The tarns themselves are also a great place to capture Mount Cook in the alpine lake reflections! Aim to get here just after sunrise or just before sunset to get the clearest reflection photos and to avoid the crowds. Oh, and prepare for a steep ascent of over 2,200 stairs!
5. Kea Point Track
Another shorter and much easier, family-friendly hike in Mount Cook National Park is the Kea Point Track. Departing from the main hiking area in the National Park, this roughly 1-2 hour hike leads to an impressive viewpoint looking over Mount Cook and the Mueller glacial lake and moraine.
Although views are arguably more impressive from the steeper and higher hikes, the Kea Point track is a good option for those with little time, or if you want a decent Mount Cook view for limited effort!
6. Peters Lookout
Ahh, the iconic Mount Cook road photo. Peter's Lookout on the road to Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki is arguably the most scenic view of Aoraki that you'll get.
The lookout is perfect for those on a New Zealand road trip, since it's just a simple matter of pulling up to the lookout car park. The frame from here is absolutely amazing, with the crystal clear blue Lake Pukaki on the right, and the winding road leading into the park.
7. State Highway 80
Driving the Pukaki to Mount Cook Village road along State Highway 80 offers so many amazing viewpoints of Mount Cook superimposed above Lake Pukaki.
While Peter's Lookout above is arguably the most famous, you can get creative and find some amazing spots along the way. Just remember to be safe and keep a look out for traffic.
Not only is the road itself incredibly scenic, it also ends at Mount Cook National Park. This is the area where you will need to come for some of the best hikes in New Zealand including the Hooker Valley track and the Mueller Hut route!
8. Tasman Valley
The Tasman Valley runs from the Aoraki/Mount Cook range on the other side of the Hooker Valley.
Although the Hooker Valley is much more popular, the Tasman Valley hike is also one of the best places to see Mount Cook in all her glory. Furthermore, there are a few short hikes that allow visitors to check out the largest glacier in New Zealand; the Tasman Glacier!
9. Lake Matheson
Located on the South Island's West Coast, Lake Matheson is very popular due to its perfectly positioned reflections of Mount Cook.
During a short walk around the lake, you'll find a wooden viewing platform known as Reflection Island.
From here, Mount Cook reflects magnificently in the calm waters of the lake. Again, for the clearest reflection photos, make sure to visit during golden hour, either just after sunrise or just before sunset.
10. Fox Glacier Village
Besides opportunities to spot the Fox Glacier, the village and surrounding countryside also offers great views of Mount Cook's western face.
If you have a car or camper, I highly recommend driving towards Lake Matheson, just outside the village. There are multiple spots along the road where you can see Mount Cook's Western face, which might seem unrecognizable to you if you've just come from the interior!
This area is great for the amazing and unique countryside views with Mount Cook backdrops.
11. Mount Fox Route
My personal favourite hike in New Zealand is the Mount Fox route. This challenging and steep climb to the summit of Mount Fox ends with breathtaking views of Mount Cook and the Fox Glacier.
Similarly to Lake Matheson, this Mount Cook view location is located on the West Coast. Therfore, a good itinerary idea is to hike up to the Mount Fox summit for sunrise, and finish the day with a sunset at Lake Matheson.
Tip: For the best chances of having a clear view, leave before sunrise to avoid midday and afternoon fog.
Tip: How to Get Around in New Zealand
Rent a car! New Zealand is very safe for motorists & driving is the best way to explore the country.
I always DiscoverCars to get the best deals. Or, if you want a camper, I've had good experiences in NZ with Spaceships & Travellers Autobarn.
12. Lake Pukaki Lookout
The most beautiful lake in New Zealand - the otherworldly turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki is the perfect foreground to complement New Zealand's tallest mountain.
The lookout at Lake Pukaki is also a large campsite that is completely free for self-contained campers. You'll find it along State Highway 8 between Lake Tekapo and Twizel. We stayed here overnight during our recent road trip around the South Island and the sunset views did not disappoint!
13. Twizel to Pukaki Road
Another great location to see Mount Cook from the road is the road from Twizel, SH8 (Tekapo-Twizel Road). I've taken this road several times during my visits to New Zealand and every time the views have blown me away.
Then again, cloud cover tends to spoil the view in the afternoons. For the best road views, I'd suggest heading here in the early morning.
Where to Stay Near Mount Cook Village
With so many amazing hiking opportunities in Mount Cook National Park, it's worth staying at least a night in the nearby Mount Cook Village. Below are the 3 top-rated options with links to check availability & pricing.
A spacious motel offering small, affordable rooms and large, two-bedroom apartments in the Mount Cook Village.
2. Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge Top-Pick
A beautiful lodge with spacious rooms accommodating everyone from couples to large families, just a 5-minute walk from the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
An incredible hotel with mountain views & a warm fireplace, just a drive to the start of the Hooker Valley Track.
Alternatively, if you'd like to camp you can stay at the White Horse Hill Campsite near the Mount Cook National Park walking tracks.
Here, there are 60 unpowered sites and you’ll need to arrive early in peak season to secure a spot. It’s not possible to book online as it operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.
I hope that you have enjoyed this quick guide to the best Mount Cook (Aoraki) viewpoints in the South Island. If you find some new lookouts, share them with everybody in the comments! Otherwise, check out my guides below for more New Zealand travel inspiration.
- 36 Amazing Places to Visit in the South Island - my most comprehensive travel guide that is useful to help you find the best places to visit on your trip to the South Island
- Top Things to Do in Queenstown: Explore Queenstown's top hikes, epic adrenaline activities, and hidden gems.
- South Island's Best Hikes: I hiked over 50 trails in New Zealand. Here's my curated list of the most breathtaking hikes across New Zealand's South Island.
- Arthur's Pass Travel Guide: Dive into the heart of Arthur's Pass with my guide to the best places to visit.
- Epic Things to do at Milford Sound: Explore 21 unique ideas get inspired to visit Milford Sound!
- Catlins' Hidden Gems: Uncover the Catlins' best-kept secrets, from waterfalls to wild coastlines.
- Accommodation Resources: Plan where to stay in Queenstown and discover the amazing Tekapo Lake Hotels.
