Mount Cook Road is a scenic highway in the South Island of New Zealand that runs from of Lake Tekapo town to Mount Cook Village. The road follows the shore of Lake Pukaki, offering stunning views of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

The beautiful town of Lake Tekapo is where you’ll start your road trip to Mount Cook. Lake Tekapo is also a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve meaning it’s one of the best places in the world to go stargazing. You can stargaze from a hot tub here at Tekapo Springs and watch the clear sky night. Luckily, there are plenty of great options for hotels and hostels in Lake Tekapo town.

Next, you may recognize Lake Pukaki from your Instagram feed – the bright blue lake with Mount Cook as a backdrop. This bright blue lake is one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. It is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk is the most famous here. This is a great stop on the drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook where you can stretch your legs.

Close to the end of the Mount Cook road sits two detours — one to the Hooker Valley (where one of New Zealand’s best short hikes is located) and one through the Tasman Valley. Definitely drive down these roads. There are shorter walks near the Hooker Valley Track and the walk to see Tasman Glacier is easy and rewarding.

Mount Cook Village signals the end of the road. You can stay the night there if you want or grab a bite to eat. There are some nice walks which start in Mount Cook Village, including the Red Tarns Track, which is one of the favorite short hikes in New Zealand. Even if you’re not planning on doing any hikes the drive to Mount Cook is still worth doing.

The road is open year-round, but it may be closed due to snow or avalanches in winter. It is advisable to check the road conditions before you travel.

According to the Internet