What is the highest mountain in New Zealand?

The highest mountain in New Zealand is Mount Cook, officially named Aoraki / Mount Cook. It stands in the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island and reaches 3,724 metres above sea level.

Aoraki / Mount Cook is the country's highest peak and the central summit of a heavily glaciated alpine landscape. The mountain lies within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where glaciers, ice fields and steep valleys attract climbers, hikers and visitors. The nearby Hooker Valley is one of the region's best-known walking areas.

The mountain has great significance for Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of New Zealand's South Island. Aoraki is a major figure in Māori tradition, while the name Mount Cook honours Captain James Cook, the British explorer. The official dual name recognises both cultural histories.

A common mix-up is choosing Mount Ruapehu or Mount Taranaki because both are prominent New Zealand volcanoes. Ruapehu is the highest mountain in New Zealand's North Island, but it is lower than Aoraki / Mount Cook. The first recorded ascent of the summit took place in 1894 by Tom Fyfe, George Graham and Jack Clarke.