Most Beautiful Mountains in New Zealand

New Zealand is a mountain country. Snowy peaks, glacier-fed lakes, trails that make you stop every five minutes just to look around. The Famous Mountains in New Zealand include Mount Cook, Mount Taranaki and the Remarkables, and people come for the views, the photos, the hikes and the skiing. The mountains are in both the North and South Islands, and each one feels different. Some are proper hard hikes. Others are more “sit back and enjoy the view” places. Here are eight destinations worth adding to your New Zealand holiday with Travel Junky.

1. Mount Cook (Aoraki), South Island

Mount Cook, or Aoraki, is the tallest mountain in New Zealand at about 3,724 metres. It is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with glaciers, alpine valleys, and scenery all around. The Hooker Valley Track is the one most people do. You get Hooker Lake at the end, and the Tasman Glacier viewpoint is close by too.

Things to do:

• Walk the Hooker Valley Track.
• Visit the Tasman Glacier viewpoint.
• Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
• Take lots of photos. You won’t be able to help it.

Pro Tip: Pack warm clothes and check the weather before you set off. It turns fast up there.

2. Mount Taranaki, North Island

Mount Taranaki is a dormant volcano in Egmont National Park. It’s almost perfectly symmetrical, which is why people compare it to Mount Fuji in Japan. Around it you’ll find green forest, waterfalls and some lovely walking trails. The Pouakai Circuit is a favourite. The best bit is the Pouakai Tarns, where the mountain shows up in the water on a calm day.

Things to do:

• Walk the Pouakai Circuit.
• Visit Dawson Falls.
• Wander through the native forest.
• Stop at the viewpoints for photos.

Pro Tip: Don’t try the summit without mountaineering experience and the right gear.

3. The Remarkables, Queenstown

The Remarkables are a mountain range near Queenstown, looking over Lake Wakatipu. The peaks make it one of the easiest mountain views in New Zealand to recognise. Winter is the big season for skiing and snowboarding. In summer it’s quieter, and people come for the views, photos and scenic drives.

Things to do:

• Ski or snowboard.
• Check out the scenic viewpoints.
• Photograph Lake Wakatipu.
• Add the range to your Queenstown sightseeing trip.

Pro Tip: Check road conditions in winter. Snow and ice can make the drive tricky.

4. Mount Ruapehu, North Island

Mount Ruapehu is the highest mountain on the North Island at about 2,797 metres. It’s an active volcano in Tongariro National Park, with crater lakes, volcanic ground and alpine views. In winter, skiers and snowboarders head to the Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas. Summer is better for hiking and sightseeing.

Things to do:

• Ski or snowboard.
• Explore Tongariro National Park.
• Visit the Whakapapa area.
• Soak up the mountain views.

Pro Tip: Check volcanic alerts and the weather before you go.

5. Mount Aspiring (Tititea), South Island

Mount Aspiring is in Mount Aspiring National Park, near Wānaka. It has a sharp, pointed summit, glaciers and wide valleys, so nature lovers and adventure types tend to love it. The Rob Roy Glacier Track is a popular hike here. You get waterfalls, glaciers and alpine views on one walk.

Things to do:

• Hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track.
• Drive through the Matukituki Valley.
• Try a guided hike.
• Photograph the mountains around you.

Pro Tip: Check road access and track conditions before you plan your visit.

6. Mount Ngauruhoe, North Island

Mount Ngauruhoe is a cone-shaped volcano in Tongariro National Park, about 2,287 metres high. It looks rugged and a bit otherworldly, and film fans know it as Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings. Most people see it while doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a hike with volcanic terrain and bright crater lakes.

Things to do:

• Do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
• Explore the volcanic landscape.
• Take mountain photos.
• Learn about the cultural significance of the region.

Pro Tip: The Alpine Crossing is tough. Bring proper footwear, water and warm clothes.

7. Ben Lomond, Queenstown

Ben Lomond is a popular mountain near Queenstown. From the top you can see Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and the Southern Alps all at once. The Ben Lomond Track is a hard hike through forest and then open alpine ground. If that sounds like too much, go for the Skyline Queenstown area instead and enjoy the views from Bob’s Peak.

Things to do:

• Hike the Ben Lomond Track.
• Enjoy the views from Bob’s Peak.
• Explore Skyline Queenstown.
• Photograph the mountain ranges around you.

Pro Tip: Start early if you want the summit. It takes several hours.

8. Mount Tasman, South Island

Mount Tasman is one of the Highest Peaks in New Zealand, at about 3,497 metres. It’s in the Southern Alps near Aoraki/Mount Cook, and it’s all glaciers, steep slopes and rough alpine country. Only experienced mountaineers can reach the summit. Everyone else can still enjoy it from a scenic flight or from the viewpoints nearby.

Things to do:

• Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
• Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• Join a guided sightseeing tour.
• Photograph the glaciers and peaks.

Pro Tip: Summit attempts need advanced skills and a professional guide.

Best Time to Visit the Mountains in New Zealand

The best time to explore the Best Mountains to visit in New Zealand depends on what you want to do.

Summer is the usual pick for hiking and sightseeing. Winter is for snow sports. Whatever the season, check the local weather forecast before heading out.

Conclusion

New Zealand has mountains for every mood, from the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps to the volcanoes of the North Island. Hike around Mount Cook, ski at the Remarkables or wander through Tongariro National Park, and each one feels different. Plan it well, and these mountains will make your New Zealand holiday one to remember.