Day 19: Glenorchy → White Horse Hill (Aoraki/Mt Cook)
2026-11-20 · Glenorchy → Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
201 mi · 324 km · 5h 2m @40mph
Leave by 9am: an optional stop in Arrowtown, then Cromwell, the Lindis Pass and Omarama to Twizel, and up SH80 along Lake Pukaki. Peter's Lookout for the classic Pukaki-to-Aoraki photo and fresh sashimi at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. Camp at White Horse Hill with an evening Kea Point walk and dark-sky stargazing.
Stops
- Arrowtown~10:09townGold-rush village of restored cottages, a Chinese settlement and autumn colour.
- Lindis Pass~13:02viewpointGolden tussock saddle between Central Otago and the Mackenzie; an iconic alpine highway pass.
- Lake Pukaki Lookout~15:02viewpointPull-off with the postcard view up the turquoise lake to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
- Peter's Lookout~16:14viewpointThe classic Lake Pukaki lookout framing turquoise water and Aoraki/Mt Cook on the horizon.
- Mt Cook Alpine Salmon (Lake Pukaki)~17:16foodFresh glacier-fed salmon sashimi from a roadside kiosk, with Aoraki/Mt Cook on the horizon.
- Kea Point Track~18:55walkEasy walk to a viewing deck facing the Mueller Glacier moraine and towering Mt Sefton.
Tonight: Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
No place picked for this night yet.
In Aoraki/Mount Cook Village base plan
- White Horse Hill Campground (DOC) DOC-campsite
DOC camping right under Aoraki at the Hooker Valley trailhead — non-powered, toilets and water only. Book online in advance (it fills year-round; unbooked arrivals pay a service charge). Spectacular and cheap.