Home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers
The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping
peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields. Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest
mountain, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation
for the conquest of Everest.
According to Ngai Tahu legend, Aoraki and his three brothers were the sons of
Rakinui, the Sky Father. While on a sea voyage, their canoe overturned on a reef.
When the brothers climbed on top of their canoe, the freezing south wind turned
them to stone. The canoe became the South Island (Te Waka o Aoraki); Aoraki and
his brothers became the peaks of the Southern Alps.
Key Highlights
| New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook. |
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Although it encompasses 19 peaks over 3000 metres high, this park is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village which is situated beside scenic
Lake Pukaki and provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.
Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while
less skilled adventurers find plenty of satisfaction with the mountain walks that
lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views. Encounters with
cheeky kea (mountain parrots) are part of the fun.
At 27 kilometres in length, the mighty Tasman Glacier is a powerful piece of
landscaping equipment. While it slowly carves the valley sides, it provides a
landing place for small ski planes and helicopters. Surreal, milky lakes are a
feature of the park - suspended, glacier-ground rock sediment makes the water
opaque.
Accommodation
In the park
The Department of Conservation provides 17 huts in the park. Most are positioned
to provide accommodation for mountaineers, and you need climbing skills to reach
them. Non-climbing visitors can enjoy the attractions of Aoraki/Mount Cook Village,
which offers everything from backpacker lodges and camp sites to luxury hotels.
The Hermitage Hotel is famous for its barstool views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Around the park
The nearest towns are Twizel and Lake Tekapo. They both offer a range of restaurants,
cafes and accommodation options.
Key Activities
Mountain walks
There are 10 short walks beginning near the village. All tracks are formed and
well marked. The Red Tarns Track, Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Track each take
around two hours return. For more experienced alpine hikers, there are three mountain
pass routes - over the Mueller, Copland and Ball passes.
Glacier viewing and skiing
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| For big alpine views, nothing beats a stroll in Mount Cook National Park. |
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Helicopters and ski-planes provide access to the park's fabulous glaciers. The
Tasman Glacier is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, while the Murchison,
Darwin and Bonney glaciers promise excitement for advanced skiers. Landing among
spectacular ice formations and caverns is the start of an unforgettable experience.
From October until May, you can explore the Tasman Glacier's terminal lake by
boat.
Mountaineering
Climbing Aoraki/Mount Cook remains the ultimate challenge, but there are many
other peaks to tempt experienced climbers. Tasman, Malte Brun, Elie de Beaumont,
Sefton and La Perouse are local favourites.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Other Sites
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AORAKI/MT COOK NATIONAL PARK
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
The season for extreme climbing in the alps, when the ice is hard and avalanches less likely. Glacier skiers are making the most of the ample snow. The weather is often fine, but can change suddenly.
Key Tips
- Climbers don't require permits, but are requested to complete a trip intentions form at the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre.
- Local guides are available for climbing, walking and glacier skiing.
- Winter climbing is an extreme sport - only recommended for well-prepared, experienced mountaineers.
- The weather can change very suddenly - be prepared for heavy rainfall, snow and/or high winds.
- The park has an airport serving domestic commercial flights and scenic flight operators.
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