Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, found in the South Island of New Zealand is perfect place for taking photos. No matter what time or season you visit, the scenery here is unparalleled.
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Below I have detailed four incredible locations that should be on your list for the next time you’re visiting this incredible national park.
AORAKI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to an incredible 23 peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and incredible scenery. Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain is one of the biggest draw-cards here. As you can imagine it’s quite a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers, photographers and visitors in general with its variety of incredible landscapes.
When visiting the South Island, this is one of my favourite places to visit. I’ve been lucky enough to see Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park during clear, bluebird days and star-studded nights so I’m excited to share with you these four locations that should be on your list to visit, especially if you’re driven to capture beautiful landscapes.
LAKE PUKAKI
Located in the picturesque Mackenzie Basin lies Lake Pukaki, renowned for being one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand. It has a turquoise hue as a result of the glacial silt carried into the lake by the nearby rivers.
Make sure to do a drive around the lake as there are plenty of lookout points scattered along the shore with amazing views. On a clear day, these spots are perfect to take photos of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park as the views reach over, through forests and peaks in the distance.
MOUNT COOK ROAD
Mount Cook Road stretches 55 kilometres, treating travellers to uninterrupted views of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki. One popular spot where most people stop is Tapataia Mahaka/Peter’s Lookout. This was originally made famous through Instagram due to its picturesque road shot which captures both Mount Cook and the lake. If you are attempting this please remember to prioritise safety, as traffic on this road can be traveling at speed.
Aside from Peter’s Lookout there’s plenty of places to pull over to get that ‘shot’ you’ve always wanted. Driving safely along this road is key but Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park photos along Mount Cook Road are very easy to come by.
This road also serves as the gateway to accessing numerous hiking trails within the National Park. Whether you’re keen on a leisurely stroll or alternatively, an exhilarating trek, at the end of this road, near Mount Cook Village you have plenty of trail options.
MOUNT COOK GLACIER
For a unique experience, a helicopter ride will get you to one of Mount Cooks glaciers. This is an incredible experience that if you have the funds, I would highly suggest you add to your list. Also, if landscape photography is your thing, this is perfect opportunity to capture Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park photos from a unique perspective.
Even if photography isn’t your prerogative, the experience itself will be a highlight. I chose a helicopter tour with Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters which lasted approximately an hour. This flight journeyed through the valley, circled by snow-capped peaks, and there is even a glacier landing included.
HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
I would confidently say that Hooker Valley Track is the most popular walk in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, especially for photos as it is an easy, flat track. It’s perfect for all ages and fitness types and provides some incredible views as the trail leads you to Hooker Lake.
I had previously walked this track in summer and even though it was busy, I would highly recommend. The scenes you see on this trail are nothing short of stunning. If you are wanting to avoid the crowds my suggestion would be to start on the trail early or alternatively before sunset.
OTHER HIKES
Additional to the Hooker Valley Track, there are numerous incredible hikes in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park perfect for photos. Mueller Hut and Sealy Tarns are particularly popular, too. For a comprehensive list AllTrails has a list of all hikes in the area.
ACCOMMODATION
If you’re wanting to stay close to the action Hooker Valley village has plenty of options for places to stay. Many of the hotels that offer amazing views like the Hermitage and the Alpine Lodge are available on booking.com. Or, if you’re on a budget there is also Haka House available to book through Hostelworld. Alternatively, you can also find some bespoke gems a little further out in Twizel or Lake Tekapo on AirBnB.
In this post, we’ve explored the incredible Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in photos. This place is a photographer’s paradise regardless of the season. Whether you’re capturing the turquoise Lake Pukaki, embarking on the scenic Mount Cook Road for iconic shots, or experiencing the thrill of a heli ride over glaciers, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views to capture. Enjoy!