Mount Cook
Mount Cook is the largest Mountain in the Southern Alps and is also known as Aoraki. It is located in The South Island 3 hours drive from Wanaka and 1 ½ hours from Lake Tekapo in the middle of the Mackenzie region. Mount Cook is a popular area for Mountain climbers and glaciers command 40% of its surface. Mount Cook Village lies at the base of Mount Cook 7km from the Tasman Glacier and offers a good choice of accommodation and a host of activities including heliskiing, scenic flights and snow landings. This is the only place in New Zealand and one of only three in the world where you can experience a glacier boat trip. It is unique in the fact the glaciers here end in the lake allowing accessibility right to the very edge from the water. Kayaking provides another rewarding view of these spectacular land forms. The beautiful colours of Lake Pukaki make for some stunning scenery. On a still day Mount Cook is reflected in its depths. There are a good variety of well marked walking tracks which take anywhere from 10 minutes to 4 hours. Alpine huts are available for the longer excursions providing welcome shelter and rest stops.
For a luxurious stay while visiting Mount Cook try the Hermitage Hotel and for award winning dining go to the Panorama Restaurant which offers top quality meals based around a seasonal menu. Across the road from the Hermitage Hotel is The Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, a fitting tribute to Sir Edmond Hillary’s contribution to the region and the country as a whole. The Centre includes a 3D movie theatre, planetarium and a museum filled with the history of the area and its people. The Hillary Gallery follows the story of Sir Edmond Hilary’s life and connection with Mount Cook, the Mountain he first learnt to climb on and his training ground for the historic conquering of Mount Everest. The nearby small towns of Twizel and Lake Tekapo offer alternative accommodation and dining options. Take a half day adventure, beginning with a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight and finishing with a downhill mountain bike ride through Mount Cook National Park’s awesome landscape.
These guided adventures are suitable for all abilities and provide plenty of time to rest and take in the scenery. The Mackenzie region is known for the clearest skies in New Zealand and you can experience spectacular views of the southern night sky through a telescope with the help of an astronomy guide at Big Star Stargazing. Other activities to enjoy are 4WD safaris, fly fishing, horse riding and snowshoeing. Locally produced meat and fish in and around Mount Cook include lamb, beef and salmon.
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