If you are looking for a short hike that still gives your legs and lungs a good workout, Glencoe Walk is the right choice.
It is a well-paved, straight-forward walk that starts off flat but quickly turns into a steep climb with steps. While the Department of Conversation classifies it as easy, it is no walk in the park. However, it is well worth the climb for the stunning views at the top.
Once you start the walk, you will quickly find yourself surrounded by the totara trees that are native to New Zealand. You will be fully immersed in this dense forest as you make your way up the walk. When you emerge from it and go slightly beyond the water tanks at the top, the forest will open before you to reveal the mountains and the valley. The sun sets beautifully on the mountains on a clear that. This viewpoint is a great place to watch Aoraki turn from white to pink.
While the walk officially starts behind the Hermitage Hotel, you can extend the walk slightly by starting under the Bowen Road bridge, where the Glencoe stream runs. Simply follow the stream upwards.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Mt Cook, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 30-minute walk
- Distance: 0.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy, though steep
- Bikes allowed: No
- Route: Return
- Elevation: 40m
- Wet Feet: Yes, after heavy rain
- Toilets: There are no toilets on the track, though the Hermitage Hotel has toilets near the main lobby.
- Dogs: No, dogs are not allowed in the Mount Cook National Park
- Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
- Last Updated: April, 2020
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.
Summary points about this walk
Womens Hiking Gear
Guided Walking Tours
What sort of walking and hiking gear will you need
We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20.