Kia Ora!
Travelling to the South Island of New Zealand? You just cant leave without visiting Mt Cook.
On this 2 day Itinerary you'll experience Picturesque Aoraki/Mt Cook via hikes and will visit Dark sky reserve to view Milky way up close.
This can be a choose your own adventure sort of itinerary with the following options of activities/stay.
New Zealand weather can be very dynamic, therefore please use apps like met service or windy to determine best times to visit.
Pack suitable clothes/shoes and be prepared for weather surprises.
We hope you enjoy your trip and get the most out of it.
This is where you can pick up your rental (car) and drive to Mt Cook Village which will take you 3.5 to 4 hr apprx, depending upon the weather conditions.
This is my favorite option to stay when in Mt Cook. But very hard to get reservations as availability is limited.
So think on your feet and book as soon as possible.
They provide buffet breakfast and dinner which can be part of your stay booking.
This is the Place we stayed as we could get a reservation. No regrets, this does its job as promised.
Warm, comfortable stay with option to cook in the community kitchen.
We took ready to eat meals with us and were very happy with the service/amenities provided.
Shout to the amazing lady at the reception who is very happy to help.
This is the 3rd and last option to stay in Mt Cook village. We did not get a chance to stay here but the motel looked nice and comfortable from outside.
This is a 10km (6.2 mi) flat trail walk that should take around 3 hours to complete. Remember to check the weather and carry necessities and proper gear.
Be safe and soak in the beauty that is New Zealand for you.
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Details
Day 1 will be a Hike (My most favorite) to Hooker Valley Track.
It is a 10 km(6.2 mi) flat trail and takes about 3 hours to complete(to Hooker Lake and back), that is if you can resist the urge to click pictures every other second .
Info
Time 3 hr return (add 1 hr if starting from the village)
Grade Walking track
Start place As for Kea Point Track, or start at the White Horse Hill Campground
and car park
Height gain 80 m over 5 km
Day 2
Marvel at the Night sky
Formally known as a dark sky reserve, a pollution free region provides the perfect backdrop for stargazing and astrophotography.
Hermitage hotel organizes stargazing trips upon request.
However, please note all activities are weather dependent and severe weather conditions can be expected in and around Mt Cook.
When its time to stop and smell the roses, well to stargaze on our case.
After a long day walking/hiking, you deserve to sit back and relax.
Perfect spot for Stargazing and astophotography.
Remember to choose a clear sky day. Happy stargazing.
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Below is a random phone click from outside The Hermitage
This is my favorite option to stay when in Mt Cook. But very hard to get reservations as availability is limited.
So think on your feet and book as soon as possible.
They provide buffet breakfast and dinner which can be part of your stay booking.
Kia Ora,
Ready to Explore the unexplored, untouched, picturesque outright stunning New Zealand?
We are an Expat couple living in New Zealand for 4 years now.
Originally from India but now living our New Zealand dream.
New Zealand is divided into 2 islands North and South, we’ve covered almost both of these and now bring to you the insights.
Located in Auckland, North Island, New Zealand we specialize in curating itinerary which are mostly budget and time focused.
Whether you're interested in adventure tours (Yes, we proudly call NZ Adventure capital of our region), exploring camping, hiking paths that give you out of this world feeling, discovering cafes (We’re a Coffee snob nation..Psst…and proud), or savouring 🍷wines from anywhere in between – We’re here to make your trip unforgettable. New Zealand’s relaxed and laid-back culture will be reflected in its lifestyle and its people only make it better. 🏔️Since We can't limit ourself to one niche, we’re also a huge fan of different cuisines and New Zealand will not disappoint you here with its Sea food, traditional Māori Hangi, fish and chips and the Winner” Kiwi Barbeque” . Shruti is vegetarian and Shri eats anything that moves (Oops) #JK. We both manage to find good quality food while travelling, there is something for everyone 😊We’ll share vegetarian food options as we go along.
This will include exploring cafes, restaurants, and precooked meals at times.
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