The CJ way Guide to Mount Cook Roadside View

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 AT A GLANCE 

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A road-side pullover with a great view of Aoraki/Mount Cook

Located in Mount Cook,

Right where you park – no walking time involved!

Easy access

Free

Best time to visit: anytime, but we suggest morning

Jandals/sandals are suitable

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 WHERE IS THIS EXACTLY? 

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• Coordinates: -43.849211, 170.110614

• On your way to Mt Cook, you’ll drive right past this roadside pull off.

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 best time to visit? 

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• All year round, although we think the morning is best as the light is nice and soft, making Aoraki have a warm glow.

• During Lupin season (approx. December) you can also expect to see lupins here.

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 cj travel tips 

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• We’ve debated the best time for this one; early morning puts the foreground and right face of Mt Cook in bright light, whereas late evening puts everything in shadow except for the left face of Mt Cook. In the end, we agreed the morning light was slightly better.

• Pull over for a coffee or lunch here. You can admire the view right from your car/van, or set up the picnic blanket!

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 cj photography tips 

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• Use a zoom lens and get as far back as you can (so you can zoom in as much as possible) to make Mt Cook really prominent in your image.

• If using the zoom lens as mentioned above, experiment with a low aperture to make your foreground (maybe you?) clear and Mt Cook blurred in the background, or vice versa. See what works for you and what you like. We were too late for the lupins to be in full bloom!

• If you have a car/van, park it in line with Aoraki so you can open the window and take a photo from inside.

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 what we found useful to pack 

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​In addition to the usuals (camera gear, suitable clothing, water and food, first aid, etc. we found the following items useful for this roadside stop:

• Picnic blanket/ table so you can take the time to sit down and really admire the amazing view.