Aoraki Mt CookExciting Alpine Activities and Spectacular Scenery!Mt Cook....or Aoraki as it is known in Maori, is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3754 metres or 12, 349 feet.....and located in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Part of the Southern Alps which has 19 peaks over 3,000 metres.... there are many other impressive mountain peaks in the Southern Alps range with numerous glaciers including the Hooker, Mueller, Murchison and Tasman Glaciers, Tasman being New Zealand’s largest glacier. Aoraki Mt Cook National ParkVISITORS CENTREThe Visitors Centre for the area is at Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. As is the famous Hermitage Hotel which sits facing out to the mountains with glorious views ....a wonderful honeymoon destination with beautiful scenic mountain activities. The area which includes Twizel... the nearest town, Fairlie, Omarama and the beautiful Lake Tekapo offers a wide range of accommodation from backpackers through to luxury accommodation. Most of the 17 huts in the park are located for mountaineering use so you need climbing skills to reach them.You can get information on huts, fees, weather and in winter avalanche conditions from the Visitor Centre. Mountain Activities in the AreaWith a plethora of mountain activities you can enjoy
Popular Must Do ActivitiesTasman Glacier – Take a guided tour across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake in a custom-built MAC Boat. Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand. Mount Cook Encounter Day Walk 4 WD – Enjoy a unique 4WD & Argo adventure with close-up views of the Tasman Glacier and its huge moraine walls. It stops at several vantage points overlooking the Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lake and provides some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Big Sky Star Gazing - Mount Cook has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand being a large open area with no artificial lights to interfere with the night sky making for perfect for viewing! There is also a spectacular night sky viewing at Mt St John at Tekapo. This dark sky area is in the process of being the first Night Sky Reserve in the world and a Heritage Site. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – In honour of New Zealand’s most loved “son” – mountaineer and climber, the centre features a spectacular state-of-the-art 3D movie, New Zealand's first full dome digital Planetarium and Museum telling the history of the area and the impressive Hillary Gallery. Climate in Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkBeing an alpine area the climate in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and surrounding areas can be very changeable. Being well prepared for bad weather, regardless of the weather forecast predictions is essential. It is also VERY IMPORTANT if you plan to take longer walks or tramps to always register at the nearest Department of Conservation (DOC) office, so that someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return. Do remember to let them know you have returned! Walks and Climbing in Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkCLICK HERE for a popular selection of walks you can do in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.Climbing in the National Park is a popular activity and hundreds of climbers enjoy the Southern Alps each year. However these are challenging mountain peaks and you do need to be extremely fit and experienced in alpine conditions...and the use of mountain climbing equipment such as ice axes,crampons and techniques such as fixed rope belaying. If you are unsure about any of these things, it is wise to hire a guide.Even experienced mountaineers get into trouble on these mountains. One of the most popular alpine adventures in the National Park is the Ball Pass Crossing, which crosses the Mount Cook range between the Hooker and Tasman Valleys..... and is a demanding 2-3 day route. Where to Stay Around the AreaMt Cook, Fairlie, Tekapo, Omarama, Twizel, Lake Ohau are all within a reasonable distance to the Aoraki Mt Cook National park offering a wide range of accommodation to choose from.The Hermitage, Mt Cook - The Hermitage is the stunning local hotel and will offer a memorable holiday with spectacular alpine mountain views restaurants and bars, beautifully appointed rooms and areas to relax and enjoy the many alpine activities in the area. Camping Glentanner Park - is the holiday park, flightseeing and activity centre and the only fully equipped campground for the Mount Cook region, New Zealand. 18km from Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Glentanner is the complete Mount Cook experience. On the shores of Lake Pukaki. Cabins, backpackers, campervan facilities
Mt Cook and Glacier ToursHave a browse. You can book tours for Mt Cook and the glaciers HERE MORE SOUTHERN LINKSAoraki Mt Cook National Park Walks Skiing New Zealand Snow Report Heli Ski in New Zealand Ski or Snowboard Insurance Queenstown Queenstown Hotels Wanaka Mt Cook to Holidays in New Zealand - Home Sign up for the RSS feed so you are updated when new pages are published. Exchange Links With Holidays in New Zealand |
A Walking Guide to New Zealand's Long Trail: Te Araroa
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