Discover the Ultimate Accessible Photography Spot at Mount Cook, New Zealand

The must-visit destination in New Zealand’s South Island is the majestic Mount Cook. For photography enthusiasts, while hiking is a fantastic experience, some of the best spots to capture the beauty of Mount Cook are actually located outside the main scenic area.

Image 1 and 2: Search for Peter’s Lookout on Google Maps. This viewing platform, situated on the west shore of Lake Pukaki, offers convenient parking and a picturesque trail leading down to the lakeshore. You can also take advantage of the S-curve in the middle of the road for stunning shots when there are no cars around—just be sure to stay safe.

This spot is perfect for capturing the magic of sunrise, sunset, blue hour, and golden hour. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of flaming clouds, lenticular clouds, and the golden light illuminating the mountains.

Image 3 and 4: Another must-see location is the salmon shop, which you can find on the south shore of Lake Pukaki. From here, you get a direct and breathtaking view of Mount Cook, with its reflection shimmering in the lake. This spot is ideal for the golden and blue hours in the evening. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to capture the golden light casting a warm glow on the mountains.

Image 5-9: These images are captured along the scenic drive from Peter’s Lookout to the Mount Cook scenic area. Make sure to stop at any of the viewing platforms you come across; each one promises a unique and beautiful perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Image 10: Before reaching the first bridge on Hooker’s Track, take a detour to a nearby viewing platform. Here, you can frame both the snow-capped peaks and the glacial lake in a single, awe-inspiring shot.