The drive to/from Mt Cook NP runs along the stunning blue Lake Pukaki with opportunities to stop…read moreand take photos. Roads were sealed and in good condition. It was a 1 hour plus drive to reach the NP from the SH8 turnoff. The parking lots were pre-paid ($5NZD per hour) but you could park along the road for free. Parking lots were gravel and potholed in places so watch out. We visited in mid fall and had rain showers and low cloud cover the entire time we walked three different trails. While we couldn't see Mount Cook we did enjoy the beautiful scenery. There were multiple hiking trails from the main parking lot. The Kea Point Track was shortest one at one hour return. It was a relatively easy trail that took us to a lookout overlooking the rubble left behind by the Mueller Glacier which had receded out of view. Views of Mt Sefton and Mt Cook would've been nice. The Hooker Valley Track was the most popular but not open fully. However the new bridges and reconstruction of the trail should wrap up later in the year. We reached the first swing bridge (guideline no more than 20 people at a time) and continued until the fenced off portion to see the other side of Lake Mueller. The Tasman Glacier track was our final hike and was separate drive to a much smaller lot (free parking). It was short, around 30 minutes one way to the lookout, but the hardest part were the many stairs up. This trail brought us the closest to the glaciers (relatively speaking) and a few chunks of ice were floating nearby (separate track to go down to the beach). The final stop was the visitor center in the village, another drive away. It contained some very informative exhibits on Mount Cook, native plants and animals, as well as becoming a park and destination. Definitely a must see when you're in NZ. We would come back again for a repeat in sunnier weather.

If you so happen perchance to be on the South Island in New Zealand …read more... Visit the Mount Cook National Park it is a spectacular place to visit, hike, and just marvel in the majestic mountains. The Hooker trail is the most prevalent trail and it is an easy 7 mile back and forth journey. The end is an unbelievably beautiful glacial lake and you can even see the glacier at the end. Gets insanely crowded. Pack a lunch, water, and sunscreen

In A Nutshell: -The…read moreSouth Island of New Zealand, has some of the most beautiful lakes in the world and Lake Pukaki is just one of many. -You will drive by this lake if you drive on Highway 8. -There is a pretty big parking lot where you can park and walk down the rocks to the clear water. -It's breathtaking to see. Overall, I was very glad to see no boats in the water - as a matter of fact I don't recall seeing boats in any big body of fresh water on the South Island, maybe that's the secret to keeping them so clean and clear.

Lake Pukaki is one of the beautiful lakes in the middle of New Zealand's South Island. This one…read morehas beautiful blue water and it backs up to Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. It's really a beautiful lake. If you're short on time, pull over on the side of the road and take in the view of the lake. If you have more time, drive up to the village of Mount Cook. The drive will take you the entire length of the lake, plus you'll see the national park, a lavender farm and if you're there in December, you might see some lupines. Either way, if you're in the area, you have to stop and check out this lake.

Another hike that might not be top of your list ( Milford and Routeburn the tops) but if you want…read moreamazing views of Mt Cook this is the one. Easy hike that crosses some really cook bridges and rivers. The end is a gorgeous glacial lake. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views

Of all the places to hike this is one you will want to get up early to do. We started our hike at…read more7:3am to miss the crowds and be able to see and hear God's beautiful creation. This place is totally amazing! Layer your clothes and take water. When your body warns up you can take off. There are toilets available before your hike. Campground is also located there if your the camper type. About an hour into the hike they currently have the trail closed due to repairs to the bridge. After the hike we drove over to the cafe for hot tea and coffee. Enjoy!

The Tasman Glacier is melting. It's breathtaking and heartbreaking all at the same time. Once a…read moremighty giant glacier easily carving its way through the Southern Alps, the glacier is now shrinking at an alarming rate. The turquoise glacial lake, speckled with floating icebergs, is undeniably beautiful, but it's impossible to ignore the sadness of what's being lost. Walking along the trails, you can see the glacier's power but you're quickly humbled by its fragility. Protect our planet please.

New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, is shrinking. In 1972, the lake didn't exist…read more The glacier used to reach all the way to where the viewpoint is today. New Zealand isn't one of the world's biggest polluters. But what happens thousands of kilometres away has an undeniable impact here. The trek up to the viewpoint from the parking lot takes a bit of physical fitness. A number of reviewers have counted the stairway steps. I have it at 329 steps. It can be gruelling, but thankfully there are many places to stop on the way up. The view along the way is extraordinary, especially of the Tasman River valley.

We walked to the trailhead from our room at Mt. Lodge Motels & Inn…read more The Red Tarns route was a 1.5mile steep stairs uphill trek to the top of mountain, then including a small Red Tarn Pond loop- The entire route took about 45min return. To be honest, we cared less about the actual Red Tarns Pond- the stair climb was an excellent cardio hike- and the view from the top was amazing- we didn't bother with the red tarn pond loop once up top, we just sat and enjoyed the view, rewarding ourselves for the climb.