Discover the Governors Bush Track
Just minutes from Mt Cook Village in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, the Governors Bush Track is a short loop through native beech forest with fine views of the surrounding peaks. This is the easiest way to immerse yourself in a gorgeous area of native forest at Aoraki / Mt Cook. Perfect when the weather isn’t suitable for higher alpine walks.
The 1.2 km track climbs about 130 metres from Bowen Drive and loops through a mix of substantial, mature mountain beech and ribbonwood forest alive with korimako (bellbirds) and piwakawaka (fantails). A short climb leads to a lookout across the valley to Aoraki and the Sealy Range. After the viewpoint, it heads back down to Bowen Drive, with a short walk along the road connecting the two access points.
The track was named for an early Governor of New Zealand who visited the region in the 1890s.
Getting There
The track starts from Bowen Drive near the Mt Cook Village public shelter. Allow around 45 minutes to complete the loop.
You can combine this easy walk with the Red Tarns Track, which starts at the southern end of the Governors Bush Track loop and climbs 300 metres up the side of Sebastopol. The Kea Point Track and Tasman Lake Track are easier and provide contrasting views with the Mueller Glacier’s and Tasman Glacier’s terminal lakes and moraine walls. In contrast, Sealy Tarms Track provides superb views of Aoraki from high above the Hooker Valley.
