Hike 01 — Best Bang for Buck
Hooker Valley Track
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park · South Island
Distance
6.2 mi
Elevation
310 ft
Time
3–4 hrs
"Flat valley walk, three suspension bridges, and you end at a glacial lake with icebergs floating in it — with Aoraki straight ahead. One of the most dramatic easy hikes I've ever done."
Great for: All fitness levels. Flat the whole way — the payoff is completely out of proportion to the effort.
Don't miss: The icebergs in Hooker Lake are seasonal — best in summer when the glacier is calving. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Hike 02 — The Big Day
Mueller Hut
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park · South Island
Distance
6.2 mi
Elevation
3,380 ft
Time
6–8 hrs
"One of the best hikes I did in New Zealand. The view from the hut — Aoraki filling the sky, glaciers in every direction — is unlike anything else on the South Island."
The hut: DOC-managed hut at 1,800m. Book ahead if you're planning to stay overnight — the sunrise from here is worth it.
Conditions: Can be snowy even in summer. Poles and layers recommended. The scramble near the top gets steep.