Introduction
Mt Cook, or Aoraki the Cloud Piercer is the highest mountain in New
Zealand, standing 3754m (12,316ft) high. The mountain, which attracts
climbers from all over the world to its snow-covered peaks, stands in
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, on New Zealand's South Island. Aoraki means
'Cloud Piercer' in Maori and the mountain is so called due to its
breathtaking peaks which tower high above the clouds. Mt Cook is a national
icon and perhaps represents the ultimate adventure in a country renowned for
its high adrenalin exploits. Awarded 'World Heritage' status in recognition
of its qualities and rare beauty, the Mount Cook National Park covers an
area of nearly 7,000 hectares of majestic alpine scenery with more than one
third being in permanent snow and glacial ice.
A special feature of this area is the mountain buttercup or Mount Cook Lily
with its multitude of white blossoms that grace the land through spring and
summer. The Park is also home to the mountain parrot, the kea, and also the
yellow-breasted tomtit, tiny rifleman and the native pigeon. Mount Cook
township provides a quiet base for this recreational extravaganza. Dwarfed
by a 'front garden' of high mountains and glaciers, the tiny village
clusters at the end of the road around the Hermitage Hotel.
Key Attractions
Lake Tekapo
Near Mount Cook and in the heart of the McKenzie Country, you'll find Lake
Tekapo. This lake has an astounding turquoise blue hue reflecting the
surrounding mountains, the beautiful blue/green colour of the lake is caused
by 'rock flour' which is finely ground particles of rock held in suspension
in the melted water from the glaciers that run into the lake.
Church of Good shepherd
Overlooking the lake is the Church of the Good Shepherd which was built
with locally gathered stone. From the altar window there is a beautiful view
over the lake to the magnificent center of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Mount Cook Ski Planes
Mount
Cook Ski Planes offer a number of scenic flights that include the chance to
experience the special thrill of landing on a glacier. The absolute peace
and tranquility of being on a glacier high in the Southern Alps is an
unforgettable experience. Here you feel close enough to touch the mountains
as you absorb the silence of this pristine alpine environment.
Other highlights include the smaller Hooker Glacier, Murchison Glacier
Mount Tasman and Mount Dampier. Outdoor activities include helicopter rides,
alpine flights, horse trekking, hunting and fishing, mountain biking and
hiking through the mountains. The park is also home to around 750 different
species of flowering plants, including the Mount Cook Lily and the world's
largest buttercup, as well as hundreds of different species of insects,
moths, butterflies and birds, such as the Kea, the only mountain parrot in
the world.
Mount Cook provides a wonderland for walkers, skiers and mountaineers. A
popular way to experience the grandeur of this mountain area is with a
helicopter or a fixed wing lightseeing trip.Be aware that weather conditions
change quickly in the Mount Cook National park, so planes are often
grounded.
