Your full Aoraki/Mt Cook guide below ⬇️ 📌 Save this post so you don’t forget it when you plan your trip! 🗓️ When to go: November to April is ideal—longer days, clear skies, and lupins blooming everywhere in November/December. Winter brings lots of snow-capped peaks, but trails can be icy and weather is less predictable. 🛻 How to get there: It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Christchurch or 3.5 hours from Queenstown. There’s no public transport, so you'll need to rent a car or camper. 🥾 Top tips: Hike the Hooker Valley Track for the best bang-for-your-buck views—3 hours return, super flat, and the suspension bridges are epic! For a tougher challenge, Sealy Tarns or Mueller Hut will get you those unreal alpine views. Weather changes fast here, so always check conditions and pack layers. Follow @getlostwithliam for more hiking tips and NZ hidden gems! #connecttonature #travelnz #newzealandtravel #bucketlisttravel #adventuretravel