Discovery Tours Guided Wilderness Hikes Mt Cook

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is one of the best places in the world to witness the awesome power of the natural world.

Your friendly, NZ guide will bring the landscape around you alive with the hidden secrets of our glaciology, geology, unique alpine flora and fauna that you may otherwise miss.

Activity Options

East Hooker Valley Hike

• Imagine being surrounded by some of New Zealand’s tallest mountains and gazing at glaciers as you hike through beautiful native vegetation next to babbling streams.

• This stunning scenery will lead you up to the Hooker Glacier and leave you gazing up at Aoraki Mount Cook high above.

• You will be guided on a trail which breaks off from the crowds and meanders along an historic route that will lead you closer to Aoraki Mount Cook and leave you with the real feeling of wilderness.

• Effort level: Moderate fitness needed 200m (600ft) total vertical height gain

Wakefield Ridge Hike

• Picture yourself high above the valley looking down on glacial lakes and ice carved valleys.

• Your guide will take you where few visit, on an indistinct route to reach ice shattered peaks, with amazing alpine flowers and peculiar plants like vegetable sheep.

• This hike rewards your efforts with a feeling of solitude after hiking up a steep ridge-line, which gentles the higher you go.

• Effort level: Moderate to high fitness required 700 to 900m (2100 to 2700 ft) vertical height gain

Want a multi day hike?

• Our friendly staff can help you choose two or more hikes to suit your requirements. Spend your day hiking before going back to your accommodation for a hot shower, comfortable bed and a great meal, what could be better!

Departures

• Departs Mt Cook village at 8.45 am from October to May

Duration

• East Hooker Valley Hike: 5 to 6 hours including lunch and short breaks
• Wakefield Ridge Hike: 6 -7 hours including lunch and short breaks

Other Information

• Bookings are essential with a maximum of 7 people per hike
• As this is an alpine environment guides have the right to change hikes for safety reasons
• Minimum age 16 years
• Please advise when you make a booking if you have any medical conditions or reoccurring injuries which may effect your ability to complete the hike

Why should I take these hikes?

• Off the beaten track – get off the crowded walking tracks and get a totally different experience of the park with local guides who will share their favourite places with you
• Small groups – with a maximum of 7 people per hike you will experience the personal service which makes our hikes so special
• Conservation – you will be able to help conserve this beautiful environment by participating in, or having part of your hiking fee fund a conservation project
• Safety – conditions in alpine areas can change rapidly and there can be hidden dangers if you are not familiar with this area. Our guides are familiar with these possible hazards

What do I need to bring?

• You will need good balance, sure footing, hiking boots, waterproof jacket, rain trousers, day pack, sunscreen, 1 litre of water per person, hat and gloves.
• You can hire equipment if needed.
• Bring your own lunch or order a gourmet packed lunch for $25 each with different diet options. You must pre order lunch 24 hours in advance.

Location

The Corner of Ostler and Wairepo Roads, Twizel, New Zealand.