Arthur's Pass or Mt Cook??
 

If you had only time to do (1) a 1-day trip from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass and back (for hiking/views) or (2) a 1-day trip to Mt Cook area (for same thing), which would you choose? Which is more scenic? Thanks.

Weather permitting, I'd go to Mt Cook for the scenery, without question. It is a significantly longer drive, however, and in just a day trip, the time you will have for hiking will be a lot less.

Thanks! If we do Mt Cook, we would do it on the way from Tekapo to Queenstown.