The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to some famous walks such as Hooker Valley and Mueller Hut. However, there are also plenty of shorter walks to enjoy. The shorter walks are suited to those with young children, or those wanting to experience outstanding scenery without having to walk too far. Marvel at glaciers, icebergs in lakes, native bush, and of course mountains in every direction.

Governors Bush is ideal for those hot days where cooling off under the shade of native trees is just what’s needed. The 1.5km track goes through beech forest where fantail and kea are common. There are toilets, hot water, showers and a picnic area at the public shelter where you begin and end the walk.

Kea Point Walk is approximately 2.8km (one hour return) and in good weather, an all-terrain buggy can be pushed along this walk. The walk starts at Hooker Valley campground and car park and offers stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mueller Glacier and the Main Divide. It’s an exposed walk so walking it on wet or windy days isn’t recommended.

The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View walk offers great views of the lower Tasman Glacier and lake, icebergs and mountains at the head of the valley. It’s approximately 40 minutes return with a gradual incline (rock steps). A side trip to the Blue Lakes in summer offers a great swimming spot.

The Tasman Glacier Lake track branches off the Blue Lakes Track and leads to a viewpoint of the glacier’s terminal lake. Icebergs can usually be seen during summer, and in winter the lake freezes over. The track is relatively flat and leads to the glacier’s old terminal moraine (rock and stone debris when a glacier retreats). Another track branches off to take you to the source of the Tasman River. The track is approximately one hour.

Aoraki short walks – just one reason why you should visit the Legendary Mackenzie!