Aoraki / Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak and the heart of a raw alpine national park, so expect dramatic mountains, glaciers, and changing weather rather than a typical tourist town. For an easy, unforgettable walk, the Hooker Valley Track is a must, wide paths, swing bridges, and glacier-fed lakes right in front of the mountain. If you want something quieter but just as impressive, the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Walk gives you a close look at the glacier and terminal lake with far fewer people. For real glacier access, book a scenic flight or heli-hike well in advance, as spots are limited and weather-dependent. Conditions can change fast, so bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, fuel up before entering the park, and stick to marked tracks, glaciers and moraines are dangerous without a guide. And if the sky is clear, stay out after dark, this is one of the best stargazing spots in the country.