Aoraki [Mount Cook]

Mount Cook, 3755m, is the highest peak in Australasia. It is surrounded by other mountains over 3000m high, but it is the dominant peak. These mountains are in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park which has been included with Fiordland, Aspiring and Westland National Parks in the World Heritage Area.

Mt Cook - Viewed across Lake Pukaki - Credit- Peter Hunt

Road distances to Mount Cook are usually measured to the Hermitage, the luxury hotel in the settlement. It is 333km from Christchurch to Mt Cook and it is a pleasant journey through well developed farmland to Geraldine and then Fairlie, and from there on the trip through the dry sheep country of the Mackenzie Country is in marked contrast.

As you approach Lake Tekapo and along the route to Mt Cook lupins line the road and add colour to the scenery when in flower. Tekapo is the first village after Fairlie, and many people stay there or at Twizel further along the main road, and go to Mount Cook for a day trip. Most accommodation in Tekapo is quite highly priced, but at Mount Cook Village almost everything is very expensive.

On the road from Tekapo to Lake Pukaki you get a first glimpse of Mount Cook. At Lake Pukaki, the turn off to Mount Cook, the mountain can be photographed mirrored in the lake, and the views from the village are impressive - if the weather is clear, but of course as in all mountain areas some visitors leave the area disappointed.

From the village there are a number of undemanding walks for day visitors , but if you consider cllimbing on any of the mountains in the Park you should go to the DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook visitors centre for information and advice.