Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is the alpine heart of New Zealand's South Island and protects Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country's highest mountain at 3,724 metres (12,218 ft). The park is renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery, featuring rugged peaks, vast glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, and an extensive network of hiking trails. Highlights include the Hooker Valley Track, boat trips among the icebergs of the Tasman Glacier, and exceptional stargazing within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. As part of the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, the park combines unspoiled wilderness with world-class outdoor adventures, making it one of New Zealand's premier destinations for hikers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts.