NZ Mount Cook Hiking Routes: Ultimate Guide to Trail Differences and Tips
[Thumbs up] Family, we’ve come to Mount Cook, and of course, hiking is a must.
Hiking routes:
1. 📍Tasman Glacier:
Address: 🏠 You can drive or walk directly to the Tasman Glacier Car Park, Tasman Valley Road, Mount Cook National Park 7999, as indicated in the last picture.
Duration: 25 minutes one way, 50 minutes round trip.
Highlights: You can get up close to the glacial river and enjoy the ultimate Tiffany blue that Tasman offers 💯. You can also find blue diamonds floating on the water [Thumbs up], and along the way, we encountered wild rabbits and ducks [Wow][Wow][Wow].
Tips [Smile]: The left route is for panoramic views, which is farther from the glacial river, while the right route allows you to get close to the glacier.
Personally, I prefer the view on the right.
Recommended attire: Windbreaker + base layer wool sweater. It’s not very cold, just a bit windy, so it’s recommended to bring gloves.
Recommended time to visit: In winter, come around 4 PM, and by 5 PM, you can see the sunset on the golden mountains, which looks stunning on the ice.
2. 📍Hooker Valley:
🏠 Address: Navigate to the White Horse Hill car park, as shown in the second-to-last picture.
Duration: ⏰ 1.5 hours one way, 3 hours round trip. The starting point of the hike is indicated in the third-to-last picture.
Highlights: The snow-capped mountains are within reach, and you will pass through three bridges.
Taking photos on the bridges with the mountains in the background is great. You might also see Quokkas, which are super cute and adorable [Wow][Wow][Wow] 💯.
Tips: 🙈🙈🙈 If you come in winter, there are four slippery sections, so be careful. My friend slipped and fell, and many others did too. Since it’s in the mountains, it’s colder and shadier than Tasman.
Recommended attire: Wear a down jacket with a windbreaker, gloves, hiking shoes, and anti-slip ice cleats (if you don’t have them, crouch and slide slowly on the icy sections).
Recommended time to visit: It’s better to come in the morning during winter (the sun ☀ is the best). There are clear and bright reflections, and the entire snow-capped mountain reflects on the Tiffany blue lake, making every shot beautiful.
[Shy][Shy][Shy] Personally, I prefer the Tasman hiking route.
[Heart eyes][Heart eyes][Heart eyes] This is Yueyue, who loves “The Wandering Earth.” I will continue to update on all the fun, beautiful, and delicious things from around the world. If you like, please follow me! [Flying kiss][Shy]
