The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre in the heart of Mt Cook Village beside the Hermitage Hotel is a must see.

As well as hosting the Visitor Information Centre for the Aoraki National Park there is a museum, planetarium and 3D movie theatre on site. A combination ticket will allow you access to all three activities. There is also a cafe and bar which even conducts wine tasting and beer appreciation sessions in the evenings during the summer months. For more info about the Alpine Centre see www.mount-cook.com .

In summer, the fit and adventurous may consider an overnight experience at either the 30 bunk Mueller Hut above Mt Cook Village or the smaller (6 bunk) Ball Shelter above the Tasman Glacier. Each takes about 3-4 hours to reach, the Mueller Hut route rising about 1,000 metres in elevation. Refer: Mueller Hut Route Part 1 pdf (483KB) and Part 2 pdf (340KB)

Proceeding further is not recommended without a guide, however, Mt Ollivier can be clambered up just behind the Mueller Hut. A 7 hour day walk past the Ball Shelter toward the Ball Pass could be judiciously undertaken in perfect weather conditions with the right equipment. Refer: Day trip from Ball Shelter

The weather can change rapidly at any time of the year and extreme care is required at all times.

Hut bookings are essential and trip details should be left with the DOC Visitor Centre.

A number of licensed guiding operators provide alpine instruction courses and lead expeditions of varying degrees of difficulty. Options range from mountaineering, glacier exploration,alpine crossings such as the Ball Pass or Copeland Pass through to back country skiing or snow-boarding. Contact the DOC Visitors Centre at Mt Cook Village for further information.

Aorangi National Park and the MacKenzie Country below are far from city lights and therefore have some of the darkest skies in New Zealand  - perfect for viewing the night sky. Organised options include:

The Hermitage at Mt Cook Village

On clear evenings, an expert astronomy guide helps visitors explore the southern sky  from the Hillary Deck of the Hermitage Hotel.  Telescopes, binoculars and star charts are available. Be fascinated by a close look at stars, planets, moon craters and distant galaxies. Prebookings essential by contacting the Hermitage.

Planetarium at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

A 360 degree cinematic experience. Three different space films screen at various times during the day.

Mt John Observatory near Tekapo

An hour and a quarter from Mt Cook, Mt John overlooks Lake Tekapo and is located by turning off SH1 just south of Tekapo township. You can drive up or you can walk up from the shore of Lake Tekapo. The Observatory at the top of the mountain is world renowned for the quality of  images obtainable and scientists travel from across the globe to undertake research here. There is a cafe at the summit and they can arrange day tours of the observatory or night viewing of the stars from outside the observatory (it is usually only accessible by the scientists at night). Contact  www.earthandsky.co.nz for further information and bookings.

 Glentanner Station offers horse trekking. Located about 25 km down SH80 south of Mt Cook Village.

Operators offer kayak trips on the Mueller Glacier Lake and raft-style boating on the Tasman Glacier Lake.

 Various helicopter, ski-plane and other small plane operators offer scenic flights from Mt Cook airport, a short drive from Mt Cook Village and Glentanner Station.

Guided ski trips, suitable for intermediate skiers, can be taken down the Tasman Glacier.

Helicopters can take experienced skiers to a number of locations in Aoraki National Park for some wilderness experiences.

Ski touring is possible around the Tasman and Kelman huts. Alpine experience is required.