* Aoraki: This is the most widely recognized and accepted name, and it is the one used by the Department of Conservation. It is believed to have originated from the legend of the great ancestor Aoraki, who was a chief and navigator who was believed to have become the mountain after his canoe overturned at sea.
* Aorangi: This name is a variation of Aoraki and is also commonly used. It means "cloud piercer" or "heaven-piercing cloud" and refers to the mountain's towering height and its frequent cloud cover.
* Pīke: This name refers to the mountain's resemblance to a spear or pike.
* Te Tini-o-Aoraki: This translates to "the multitude of Aoraki" and refers to the range of mountains surrounding Mount Cook.
* Te Maunga: This name simply means "the mountain" in Maori.
While Aoraki is the most widely accepted name, other names like Aorangi and Pīke are still used and have their own historical and cultural significance.
It's important to note that using the correct name is a matter of respect for the Maori culture and their connection to the land.