If you’re looking to wake up right in the middle of the mountains, White Horse Hill Campground is the spot. It’s just a short drive from Mount Cook Village and sits at the base of some of the best trails in the park, including the Hooker Valley Track.

The views are incredible in every direction. You’re surrounded by dramatic peaks, and if you’re lucky, you might even hear distant avalanches rumbling from the glaciers above. It’s a simple DOC campground, so don’t expect luxury, but it has everything you need: toilets, water, and plenty of space for tents or campervans.

At night, the stars are unreal. Being in a Dark Sky Reserve, the stargazing here is next level. Whether you’re camping for one night or a few, this place makes you feel like you’re right in the heart of Aotearoa’s alpine wilderness.