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| Mt Cook National Park, Vacations, Tours and Travel Packages |
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Mount Cook National Park is part of the World Heritage Area and protects some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the Southern Alps. Within the park's boundaries are five major glaciers
and more than 140 peaks over 6,560ft (2000m). But rising above them all, at a height of 12,313ft (3,753m) is Mt Cook, the highest mountain not only in New Zealand, but in all of Australasia.
Only a few years ago Mt Cook was even higher, but in December 1991 a gigantic landslide removed more than 32ft (10m) from the peak. The mountain acquired its European name in 1851, when the captain of a survey ship named it after the explorer Captain James Cook. However, to the Maori it has long been known as Aoraki, after a figure in Maori mythology whose name translates as 'cloud in the sky'.
Walks from Mt Cook Village
In spite of the rugged alpine character of the park there are a number of short walks in the vicinity of Mount Cook Village that can be undertaken by most people. Starting from the Hermitage Hotel are the Hooker Valley (4 hours), Kea Point (3 hours) and Sealy Tarns (4 hours) walks. The popular Hooker Valley walk leads to a lake at the terminal face of Hooker Glacier whereas both the Kea Point and Sealy Tarns walks impress with dramatic views of glaciers and mountain peaks. An added attraction of the Sealy Tarns track is the abundance of alpine flowers in summer. The most famous of these flowers is the Mount Cook lily, the world's largest buttercup. Keep an eye out also for keas, New Zealand's mountain parrot.
Longer Excursions
Full day or overnight trips in the park are generally restricted to those with mountaineering experience, but the tracks to Mueller and Hooker huts can be attempted by the fit and properly equipped. Anybody doing an overnight trip should inquire first at the Visitor Centre as to the degree of difficulty and make sure they sign the park intentions book. Note that the Copland Pass Track over the Alps is definitely not for the inexperienced.
Glaciers
From the end of the Tasman Valley Road there is a track along the side of the mighty Tasman Glacier to Ball Shelter. With a length of 16 miles (27km) this glacier is the longest in New Zealand and one of the largest anywhere in the world outside the polar regions. Though walking the track allows some excellent views of the glacier's lower reaches, it is only by taking a scenic flight that one can appreciate its beauty to the fullest. Some of these flights include a landing on the glacier whereas others also take in Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in neighbouring Westland National Park. Those who want to combine a scenic flight with a bit of adventure can ski the Tasman. This all-day tour is an unforgettable experience and one does not need to be a champion skier to take part.
However the more sedentary among us need not fear: it is neither necessary to walk, climb or fly to get a wonderful view of mountain scenery. All one needs is a seat in the air-conditioned comfort of the Hermitage Hotel?s Panorama Room.
The vista of snow-capped peaks, including Mt Cook, that greets the eye through generously proportioned windows, is perhaps compensation enough for the rather expensive menu they set before you.
Where to stay
Accommodation within Mount Cook Village is provided by the luxury Hermitage Hotel, the slightly cheaper Mount Cook Travelodge, Mount Cook Chalets and the Mount Cook Youth Hostel. Cabins, camping and caravan sites are provided at the Glentanner Park motor camp, about 12 miles (20km) from the village on the shores of Lake Pukaki. Heliskiing trips also start from here.
Cheapest of all is the White Horse Hill camping area, to the north of the village, where the facilities are accordingly basic; running water
and toilets but no electricity or showers. |
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