|
|
| Mount Cook and Mackenzie, New Zealand Vacations, Tours and Travel Packages |
|
The Mackenzie Region is one of the jewels in New Zealand's crown. Studded with stunning lakes, and spectacular mountain scenery, this breathtaking region is home to the South Island icon Mount Cook and is the perfect playground for the outdoor enthusiast.
Shaped by the giant forces of nature, massive glaciers have scoured the land leaving a trail of lakes and rivers across the landscape.
Today you will see awesome mountain ranges - the snow capped Southern Alps stretching across the western horizon. Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,754 metres above sea level, towers over the expansive countryside. Hidden in the mountains are magnificent glaciers including the famous Tasman Glacier which, at twenty-seven kilometres in length, is one of the longest glaciers in the world to be found outside the polar regions. Flightseeing over the mountains and glaciers is a very accessible thrill for all but many will aspire to a closer connection with these wonders. Cross-country and downhill skiing, guided climbing, hiking, horse riding, camping, golf or mountain biking are just a few of the options for those who wish to take in some alpine air.
Melting snow from the glaciers and mountain peaks gives the lakes their distinctive turquoise blue colour. Lake Tekapo lies in the centre of the region and it is here that the hydro electric canals begin to channel the water into electricity for New Zealand. Canals built throughout the 1970's link the lakes with the dams and also provide fresh water for the farming of salmon. Rivers wind through the high country plains to the Waitaki River system and offer great opportunities for fishing and four wheel drive safaris.
In the lush pastures of the Fairlie area and the tussock-land of the Mackenzie Basin pastoral farming is the main industry and many of the sheep and cattle farms (or stations as they are called here) cover hundreds of acres. These wide open spaces and a very small population contribute to a tranquility that is a feature of life in the Mackenzie Country and is a welcome inspiration to anyone that wishes to relax here- thousands of feet above worry level!
The Mackenzie region is scenic New Zealand at it's best! Unique features of the area include: Aoraki Mt Cook; glaciers; glacial lakes and golden tussock lands; the Church Of The Good Shepherd and other historical landmarks.
The Aoraki Mount Cook region offers many adventurous ways to experience the wonders of its lakes, high country and breath-taking alpine scenery.
Scenic flights from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook afford breathtaking views over the Southern Alps and countryside, with ski-plane landings on the Tasman Glacier providing an unforgettable experience. All ski options are available, including heli-skiing and ski touring, and guides are available for climbing, mountaineering, tramping, snowboarding and glaciers exploration.
With so many things to see and do, it is important to allow plenty of time to explore the area.
Wilderness
The vastness of the Mackenzie Country - an intermontane basin, stretching from Fairlie to the Lindis Pass was largely shaped by the last Ice Age and is the true heart of the High Country.
It is surrounded by tussock and grassland, big river valleys, endless hill country and awesome mountains, the largest of which is the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook.
The climate here is one of extremes - hot dry summers and clear crisp winters with the clearest air in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mount Cook National Park is made up of over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking scenery which is preserved in its natural state for visitors to enjoy. In 1986 it attained World Heritage status. All but five of the 27 peaks in New Zealand over 3000m are within the park and Mount Cook itself reaches a height of 3764 metres.
The jewel-like turquoise colour of the lakes and canals in the Mackenzie Country is caused by "Rock Flour", glacial silt from the large glaciers that grind through the mountains at the head of the lakes.
Recreation
Whether looking for a relaxing walk in native forest, a more demanding hike into alpine vastness, or simply a quiet place to sit and enjoy the view; the Mackenzie region has it all.
Glorious mountain walks to suit every degree of fitness show off the park's rich flora, including the Mount Cook "lily", the largest buttercup in the world. Naturalists the world over come to view the wondrous variety of flowering native plants and the unique insect and bird life in the area.
The region also offers a wide range of water sport activities and is a popular venue with sports people from all over the world. |
|
|
|
|
| Full Service Mount Cook, Mackenzie Vacation Planner |
| Click here to start planning a great New Zealand vacation, tour or cruise with our Virtuoso Travel Advisors. You may call us too, but we'd really appreciate it if you complete a vacation planner first so we can determine which destination specialist to introduce you to.Thank you very much! 1 800 330 8820 or 415 446 5252 to book your New Zealand vacation. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
   
We accept credit cards:   
|
|
During this time of price volatility in the Mount Cook, Mackenzie vacations, travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked.
Disclaimer: We've worked hard to make all the New Zealand vacations, cruise and travel packages information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
Travel Agent Career Opportunities
State of California seller of travel License No: 2061139-40
We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll.
© 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Mount Cook, Mackenzie Vacations, Cruises and Custom Travel Packages Dept. All rights reserved. | |
|
|
