Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky.
According to Ngāi 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.
Although Aoraki / Mount Cook encompasses 23 peaks over 3000 metres high, it is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village which is situated beside scenic Lake Pukaki and provides a comfortable base for alpine activities. Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent - Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve.
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.
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.
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/Mt Cook Village, which offers everything from backpacker lodges and campsites to luxury hotels. The Hermitage Hotel is famous for its barstool views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Or for something a little more secluded try Lake Oahu Lodge.
The nearest towns are Twizel and Lake Tekapo. They both offer a range of restaurants, cafes and accommodation options.
There are plenty of walks that begin near Aoraki / Mount Cook Village for a range of fitness and experience levels. All tracks are formed and well-marked.
The Governors Bush Walk, Bowen Bush Walk and Glencoe Walk each take under one hour to complete and offer an easy meander through New Zealand native bush.
The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track, Tasman Lake and River Track and Kea Point track all take between 1-2 hours to complete. The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track starts at the Blue Lakes carpark and is a short climb up to a viewpoint over the Haupapa/Tasman Lake and glacier. The Tasman Lake and River Track offers an easy walk down to a viewpoint closer to the glacial lake. The Kea Point track can be started from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village (allow 2 hours return) or from the White Horse Hill carpark (allow 1 hour return). The track leads to a viewing deck that gives stunning views of surrounding glaciers, lakes and mountains, including Aoraki/Mount Cook.
For a longer walk with stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Hooker Lake, the popular Hooker Valley Track also starts from White Horse Hill carpark and takes 3-4 hours to complete (10km). The Red Tarns Track is a more challenging option which starts in the Village and climbs steadily to offer stunning views over alpine tarns (2 hours return). The steep climb to Sealy Tarns (3-4 hours return) offers spectacular views over the landscape and is the halfway point for suitably prepared and experienced alpine hikers continuing on to Mueller Hut.
All of these tracks require the right preparation including sturdy footwear, warm and waterproof clothing, sun protection, food and water. In winter months, walking poles and micro-spikes are recommended.
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.
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.
