Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is in the South Island of New Zealand, near the town of Twizel. Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and Aoraki / Mount Cook Village lie within the park. The area was gazetted as a national park in October 1953 and consists of reserves that were established as early as 1887 to protect the area’s significant vegetation and landscape.

Even though most of the park is alpine terrain, it is easily accessible. The only road access into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is via State Highway 80, which starts near Twizel, at 65 kilometres (40 mi) distance the closest town to the park, and leads directly to Mount Cook Village, where the road ends. The village is situated within the park, however, it consists only of a hotel and motels, as well as housing and amenities for the staff of the hotel and motels and other support personnel.

User reviewed online profile of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: Canterbury region, New Zealand. Plan your adventure holiday to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park armed with information and reviews provided by experts and by users. Find out about when to go, how to get there, what to do, best season to visit, its wildlife, habitat and much more…

What to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park:

Wild Life: Himalayan Tahr, Red Deer, Kea, Rock Wren, Falcon, Black-backed Gull, Large Dragonfly, Grasshopper and Pipit, Chamois
Adventure: Air Safari, 4WD Safari, Tramping, Skiing, Mountaineering, Fly Fishing, Kayaking, Climbing, Walking, Hunting, Mountain Biking

Where is Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park:

Region: Located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps.
Location: Mackenzie district, Canterbury region, New Zealand

When & how to get to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park:

Best Time to Visit: to
Getting There: From Twizel a sealed road leads right into the park. Aoraki / Mount Cook Village lies at the end of the road just below the terminals of the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers. A regular bus service operates to Aoraki / Mount Cook Village.
Nearest Town: Twizel
Nearest Airport: Mount Cook
Nearest Railway Station:

Where to stay (Lodges / Guest Houses / Camps / Resorts / Hotels):

Accommodation: The Department of Conservation provides 17 huts in the park. Most are positioned to provide accommodation for mountaineers, and you need climbing skills to reach them. Non-climbing visitors can enjoy the attractions of Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which offers everything from backpacker lodges and camp sites to luxury hotels.

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Climate & Weather conditions in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park:

Temp: -10 c to 30 c
Rainfall: 4000 cm
Altitude: 3753 m

Other details about Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park:

Established: 1953
Area: 707 sq km
Language: English and Maori