Mount Cook Road is easily one of the most scenic drives you’ll take in New Zealand. It’s also one of the most photographed roads here, too.
This post may contain affiliate links. Your purchase through these links supports me with a commission, at no added expense to you.
It’s no surprise that as Mount Cook Road lives within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park it serves at a gateway to numerous hiking trails, unbelievable stargazing and exploring glaciers. But, if you’re wondering why on earth someone would suggest to add a road to your New Zealand bucket list, I’ll explain below.
MOUNT COOK ROAD LOCATION AND PARKING
Mount Cook Road is located in the South Island of New Zealand. In the region of Canterbury you’ll find some incredible mountain ranges with some of the best views in the country. It’s pretty much a given considering this is also where you can find Mount Cook, the highest peak in Aotearoa.
There are a few designated parking spaces along Mount Cook Road. However, if you are keen for some uninterrupted views there are plenty of places to spontaneously pull over. Other vehicles do travel at speed down this road though, so just be careful of other traffic.
MOUNT COOK ROAD VIEWS
Mount Cook Road stretches 55km (34 miles), which means 55km of unrivalled views of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki.
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous ‘unofficial’ places to pull over and take in the incredible views. Some of my favourite spots have been random stops along the way.
However, if you’re looking for the Instagram spot that was made famous, it’s best to have Tapataia Mahaka/Peter’s Lookout set into Google Maps. Once you park, the spot is easy to see. It’s understandable why everyone wants this photo, as it captures Mount Cook Road, Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, all in one.
Speaking of Lake Pukaki, the views are absolutely stunning. Fun fact: the lake’s striking blue colour comes from glacial silt carried into the water by surrounding rivers. If you have time, make sure to drive around the south end of the lake, these are some of my favourite views of Mount Cook. On a blue bird day, you can’t beat it.
If you fancy a different perspective of Mount Cook Road, there is always the option to see it via helicopter. These tours are quite popular in the area and it’s understandable why when you get to experience the National Park from the sky. You’ll fly over glaciers, mountains, and for those who feel extra adventurous you can also book to do a heli hike which includes landing on a glacier and exploring glacial ice.
WHERE DOES MOUNT COOK ROAD LEAD?
Mount Cook is a one way road which leads to Mount Cook Village and trailheads of many impressive walks and hikes in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Mueller Hut and Sealy Tarns are particularly popular and worth considering. Or, if you’re short on time, the Hooker Valley Track is the most popular and the easiest. It’s a flat track, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. If you’re wanting more info on Hooker Valley Track, I go into a little more depth in this blog post, otherwise if you’d like to explore more hikes in the area, click here.
CANTEBURY
Stretching along most of the East Coast is the largest region of the South Island, Canterbury. It encompasses Timaru, Christchurch, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
This region is one of my favourites, offering everything from city vibes to amazing hiking and walking trails. And if that doesn’t appeal to you, the vibrant hues of lupins in full bloom during summer surely will.
I’ve been lucky enough to explore a large majority of Canterbury and the South Island so if you plan on sticking around for while, I’ve got you covered with 20 incredible locations that you should definitely have written down.
ACCOMMODATION
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has plenty to offer, and that includes options for accommodation. In Hooker Valley Village you have the Hermitage and the Alpine Lodge which provide amazing views and can be booked through booking.com. Alternatively, if on a budget, Haka House is available through Hostelworld. There are also some unique gems a bit further out in Twizel or Lake Tekapo on Airbnb.
In this blog post we have explored that Mount Cook Road offers one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. It also serves as a gateway to stunning landscapes and hiking trails. I hope on your New Zealand adventure you get to explore this road and everything it has to offer, from incredible views to unique experiences.