Explore Mount Cook: Shuttle Bus for Hiking Adventures Departs Daily

📝On March 13th, we reached the pinnacle of our New Zealand adventure: a one-day hiking excursion at Mount Cook. Since we were without a car for this journey, we opted to join a shuttle bus tour from Tekapo after some thorough research. The bus driver would be our guide, taking us to the majestic Mount Cook for an unforgettable hike.

We met in front of the Four Square supermarket at 8:00 AM, eager and ready for the day ahead. The itinerary was well-structured:
– 9:00 AM: Peter’s lookout
– 9:45 AM: Tasman Glacier viewpoint
– 10:45 AM: Hooker Valley track
– 3:00 PM: Gather at Hermitage Hotel
– 4:00 PM: Lake Pukaki (with a stop at a salmon shop 🍣)
– 4:30-5:00 PM: Return to the starting point

The driver kindly arranged short photo stops at various picturesque lakes along the way, allowing us to capture the stunning scenery.

1️⃣ Our first hike was to the Tasman Glacier (photos 6-7). This trail was accessible to hikers of all levels. It took about 20 minutes to ascend, and with ample time for photos, the descent took around an hour. Don’t miss the Blue Lake; its unique beauty is truly captivating.

2️⃣ The second hike, the Hooker Valley track, was a highlight. As seen in photos 3-4, I documented the distance traveled. The scenic shots are in photos 1, 2, 5, and 9-13. If you power through without breaks, it can be completed in 3 hours, but with frequent photo stops, we spent 3 hours and 44 minutes.

For those with a decent fitness level, the hike is manageable. You’ll cross three bridges, and the round trip is exactly 10 kilometers. The milky green glacial waters, snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and azure skies create a breathtaking panorama. Every view is postcard-perfect! The beauty is so overwhelming that you might find yourself snapping countless photos until you’re exhausted, and then just want to head back as quickly as possible, laughing all the way.

We started our ascent at 11:25 AM and descended by 3:10 PM, as shown in the photos. Afterward, the driver treated us to a stop for lavender ice cream, priced at 10-11 NZD each. Then, we visited the famous salmon shop 🍣 (photos 16-18), but the driver was in a hurry. We barely had time to make a purchase before he was ready to leave!

[石化R] This is perhaps a downside of group tours. I wished for more time to take photos or enjoy a meal there.

⚠️ Notes:
✅ On a sunny day, the sun can be intense during the hike. Apply sunscreen generously to avoid sunburn. My companion learned this the hard way, ending up with a painful sunburn and swelling [捂脸R][捂脸R].
✅ Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. For conditions between 10-20 degrees, two layers should suffice.

✅ Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up.
✅ Be mindful of your water intake. There is a restroom near the third bridge, but it’s not in the best condition.

In summary, the Mount Cook hike is an absolute must-do! You’ll come away with a treasure trove of stunning photos. If you have the opportunity to drive yourself, you’ll enjoy even more flexibility and control over your experience.