Mt. Cook NP or Arthur's Pass in mid-October
 

Hi,
I'll have 3-4 days to get away from Christchurch in mid-October and want to do some hiking and mountain photography. Trying to decide between Mt Cook NP or Arthur's Pass NP. I like Arthur's Pass because it's pretty close to CHC, but I also heard it can be quite rainy up there especially at that time of year. Would I do better at Mt Cook for weather, or much the same?
Which choice would give more opportunities for great mountain vistas driving to and hiking around, or both great?
Thanks for your feedback, first visit to NZ.

The weather in NZ is anyone's guess regardless of time of year, but both Mt Cook and Arthur's Pass get plenty of rain. Arthur's Pass is surrounded by mountains, so most tracks go up, and the sun doesn't reach the valley until late in the morning which can make it cold and dark. In my experience, it can be difficult to photograph from within the village as you're looking UP from below, but on a clear sunny day, there are endless photo ops on the drive to the village from Christchurch.

Mt Cook isn't much fun in bad weather, and can be completely obscured by fog more often than not, but on a beautiful day...well, you get the picture.

I personally prefer the tracks around Mt Cook, and the azure blue of Lake Hawea and Tasman Glacier is quite the photographic contrast even in the gloom.

Yeah, I know that' doesn't help much. Toss a coin. They're both good.

Excellent, thanks. It's helpful knowing I can't really go wrong at either location. I think it will come down to weather and time available. One thing that surprised me was the train fare from CHC to Arthur's Pass. I can rent a car for much less, and have the option to stop along the way for photography.

Yeah, and the train goes through tunnels, so you're missing the best bits. A car is the way to go for sure.

Hi,

While you are there, be sure to visit Hooker Glacier Lake in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. You can go camping there at the DOC hut and take in some of the most amazing views in the region. But be ready for the weather.

Here is some more information about this great attraction.

https://www.theor.com/content/5669569565818880