Mt Cook National Park (New Zealand)

New Zealand's highest mountain is a set of three icy peaks, the highest being 3754m above sea level, dominant in the tussocky McKenzie Country in the South Island.

Mount Cook is the central point of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and it's also prominent in the Southern Alps, grand to view when you drive along the Tekapo to Twizel long straight roads, or alongside the hydro canal which takes water to the Upper Waitaki district ...
.../> Whether you fly over this natural wonderland in fixed wing or helicopter aircraft, or view it from a tour bus window, your own vehicle or a hired automobile you will never drive the length of the huge valley without stopping in awe and wonder.


You leave the main highway near Pukaki Dam, it is clearly signposted and once you drive alongside Lake Pukaki you have about an hour of true bliss: looking towards Mount Cook in all ... more

New Zealand's highest mountain is a set of three icy peaks, the highest being 3754m above sea level, dominant in the tussocky McKenzie Country in the South Island.

Mount Cook is the central point of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and it's also prominent in the Southern Alps, grand to view when you drive along the Tekapo to Twizel long straight roads, or alongside the hydro canal which takes water to the Upper Waitaki district network of lakes, canals, rivers and hydro dams.

Whether you fly over this natural wonderland in fixed wing or helicopter aircraft, or view it from a tour bus window, your own vehicle or a hired automobile you will never drive the length of the huge valley without stopping in awe and wonder.

You leave the main highway near Pukaki Dam, it is clearly signposted and once you drive alongside Lake Pukaki you have about an hour of true bliss: looking towards Mount Cook in all its majesty. Make sure you stop along the way to really appreciate the scene before you: the highest mountain and the second highest, Mount Tasman - memorable beauty , a tantalising hint of what is to come.

Where to start when describing the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a problem so lets ``climb in'' in with the history. It was first recognised as a national park in October 1953 from a long history dating back to 1887 when reserves were created to protect the area's most significant, and I am sure some of it is unique, landscape and vegetation.

It's not for a Sunday afternoon stroll this great alpine park where you will find New Zealand's highest mountains and large, stunningly beautiful but oh so dangerous glaciers. It's ice and rock with 40 percent of its surface covered by glaciers where you may experience some of the 19 peaks over 3000 metres.

Such is its importance in New Zealand and internationally that it has received recogniition as part of the Te Waipounamu - South Westland World Heritage Area because of its many amazing natural values. In summer seek out the Mount Cook buttercup, its bright, shiny face looks up at you from a rocky bed as do large, white mountain daisies which have been icons of the area for travellers and locals alike over many decades. If you are really lucky you may spy one of the countries rarest birds, the graceful black stilt or its Maori name, kaki. It goes without saying that I do not have personal experience of this little creature, sad to say I have never seen it in the `flesh'.

These peaks and icy caverns have attracted famous climbers; Sir Edmund Hilary, a Kiwi icon, who was the first European to conquer Mount Everest in 1953 (I think that was the year) trained in and on the Mount Cook peaks. Early climbers must have suffered dearly for their challenges upon the formidable peaks in this national park. Sadly some have been claimed by the aeras weather and icy conditiions - to die a cold, lonely death. Due to inaccessability, and danger to rescue crews, some have never been recovered.

Maori people (New Zealand's indigenous people) have a special feeling for the Southern Alps - The Tangata Whenua - the Ngai Tahu people, see the peaks as their ancestors so it's their belief that it is not a good idea to climb onto what is the head of their ancestors. But, climbers from all over the world see the area as a challenge and do so, some successful and as already mentioned, some not.

I've visited many times, having lived in the nearest town to Mount Cook village, Twizel, for four years and know it as an ideal summer and winter destination. Summer time walks are just superb, it's quiet, but you may occasionally hear massive icy walls crash onto rocks below, birds sing, and other walkers chat away as you pass. Each tme I go I find different flora and fauna I've not seen before. It pays to take your time and look at the pathways because if you don't you miss some tiny little treasure plants. Heaven on earth.

Winter it is of course much colder and walking is still possible but it is a cold place to be and you must wear the proper clothing. If you are going off the normal Department of Conservation walking tracks you must record your planned movements as this is not a Sunday stroll as I've already indicated.

Walks vary from an hour or so to many days on a mountainous climb - be sure to respect the environment whichever one you choose. I've been a little way into the Hooker Valley which is an area most people venture out on a morning or afternoon walk. Others may try the Kea Point walk, both are ideal if setting out from the Hermitage area. Last time I was there, summer 2005, I found out there are actually around 10 short or day walks you can go on from the Hermitage area.. I've never done them but serious walker/trampers who like alpine adventures could do the Copland, Ball or Mueller passes. We went on the Ball Hutt trip in a 4WD and had the most amazing views from the glacier (morain) walls up to the mountains, such a stark environment but so beautiful.

If you come to the park for skiing it is not a case of hopping on a ski lift and enjoying a day on the trails. You need to be helicopter lifted onto areas; popular is the Tasman Glacier and there are some other wild-outdoor areas to ski if you are extremely well experienced.

So, it is obvious this beautiful, stunning, amazing 70,696 hectares park, in New Zealand is not for the faint hearted if you really want to explore the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Avalanches happen often, you can hear them sometimes, so don't venture out without a trained guide and all the safety gear you would expect in such a harsh, hostile environment.

I read this on a website, but it's obvious once you've been there, that you must ,before you set out, go to the Deparment of Conservation Visitor centre to first learn about the area and to fill in the intention form before you set out. They will tell you that it is really important to visit them when you get back ,let them know you are safe and out of the area.

When I lived in the area there was a dreadful, dusty, windy, dirt road into Mount Cook Village and access into the national park but now the road is sealed and takes you to the heart of the park. There is an airport but nowadays there are no daily, regular , commercial flights but you can take scenic tours from there. Buses do go into the area but most people drive in their own vehicles or in mobile homes and stay in the informal camping grounds.

There is a variety of accommodation fitting all budgets. I have stayed at Glencoe Lodge and the Hermitage; they are beautiful but you can also stay in chalets, motels, cabins in the village; there are lots of huts in the park but unless you are climbing you won't be sleeping there.

If you don't want to stay in Mount Cook Village you can book accommodation in nearby Glentanner Park, or the townships of Twizel, Tekapo or Omarama; Twizel is closest and the other two within an hour's drive away.

Hopefully you won't need it, but there is a comprehensive emergency service set up as you would expect in such a rugged, dangerous mountain area. These dedicated people go out in all weathers to assist those who have had difficulties, which ,when you experience the area, you know are inevitable for the amount of people who visit to pit their wits against the challenges of this wilderness, recreation area.

You can visit this area without spending any money, just walk, explore the formal walkways into heavenly scenery or have a picnic as the mountainous icy cliffs hang above you. If you want to spend some travel dollars/pounds then take a helicopter or fixed wing ride up to the Tasman Glacier, get out and have a walk around or ski the magnificence, hire a guide for a more indepth look at the environment, dine at the Hermitage or Glencoe Lodge for morning or afternoon tea or an evening meal with fine New Zealand food and wine. Be sure to pick up some local souviners for an Aoraki Mount Cook National Park memory.

I think the memories you take away in your camera and your head will far out shine the souviners - but buy some anyway.

Finally, my favourite part of this stunning national park is the view up to Mount Sefton - it is more prominent than the view of Mount Cook when you are in the village area. You peer in wonder at an amazingly steep faced mountain; huge, white, icy cliffs hang precariously off the side. Sometimes you hear bits crushing down to a lake in front - a wonder to behold. I exaggerate NOT.

A little tip: important in any New Zealand national park: leave only your footprints in the park - take out all you bring in! That way it will go some way to preserving it for many generations to come.

Hope you one day may visit Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, certainly don't visit New Zealand without including this on your itinerary.

 

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