New Zealand offers so much spectacular beauty, and our second visit back to the south island included a stop to an area we hadn’t previously visited, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook! The drive down from Christchurch was a little over 3 hours (see our stay in Christchurch here), and we spent a few great nights in Lake Tekapo. We visited mid Autumn, in the middle of a temperature drop (yes it even snowed overnight one of the days). However, despite the cold and a little rain, this didn’t dampen our experience. Such was the natural beauty, we are keen to return, particularly in the famous lupin season.
The drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook National Park is spectacular, and takes a little over an hour. We spend a day in and around Mount Cook, doing a few of the easier hikes (we had little Luca in tow.. we’ll have to return for the harder ones). Overall, the entire region is beautiful, mountains everywhere, road trips to die for, and lake views that will make you stop for a photo. Check out a few of our thoughts, recommendations and more below!
A visit to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo in Autumn
The road trip – driving near Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo
When driving any of the road down from Christchurch, or up from Queenstown/Wanaka, the views of Mount Cook (New Zealands highest peak) and surrounding mountains will make your jaw drop. These views were truly spectacular, even with our less than optimal weather. Prepare for many stops to check out the view, and make sure you soak up the drive, definitely one of our more impressive road trips!
Hiking in Mount Cook National Park
The hikes around Mount Cook have long been recommend to us and added to our to-do list. While many do the iconic Mueller Hut hike, this 5.2km (1800m elevation) trail seemed a little much to do with little Luca just yet. We opted for a few easy, shorter trails, soaking up the views. In particular, we did the Kea Point and Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Tracks. Both are very family friendly, well mapped trails, and very scenic despite their relative ease.
A few things to consider when hiking in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park:
- The weather: Like many mountain regions, the weather can be unpredictable, and change rapidly. Be prepared for all climates.
- Hike difficulty: You can do everything from flat and easy (Hooker Valley Track) to hard (Mueller Hut Hike).
- Parking: Parking at the trailhead is paid, however many people park just beforehand on the road for free.
- Where to stay: See below for our recommendations here, we stayed in Lake Tekapo.
- Trial access passes: Unlike many hiking towns around the world, the trails are free without a need for a pass.
- The views: 10/10 spectacular!
Things to do near Lake Tekapo
Overall, a stay at Lake Tekapo is about the views, nature, and the proximity to Mount Cook. Soak up the lakeside views with a walk along the edge of Lake Tekapo. Dark Sky Project has a restaurant with the best views of the lake (good place for a coffee or post hike aperitivo), the best coffee is from a little van, Dawn Coffee, and your best take-away is from Better Batter on the hill. There a little church to check out, a hilltop observatory, some spa facilities, and a few touristy restaurants, however overall, the views and nature are the real “drawcard” here.
Should you stay in Lake Tekapo, Twizel or Mount Cook?
In short, it depends on your goals and what you want to do. Lake Tekapo has more accommodation options and more varies price ranges, but is ~ 1-1.5 hours drive from Mount Cook. Stay in the Mount Cook town itself if much closer to the hikes, and would be advisable for those doing longer or overnight type hikes. However, there is less to do in the town, and the main focus is for hiking (unless you have the cash for the Hermitage Hotel). Staying in Twizel is also an option, with a more local feel and slightly closer to Mount Cook, however without the impressive lake view of Tekapo.
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