Trip in Mount Cook and its Surroundings
General
Lovers of snow-capped peaks can enjoy pleasant spending in the summer months on the South Island of New Zealand (during the Northern Hemisphere/Israeli winter months). One of the most popular destinations is Mount Cook.
Mount Cook is called "Aoraki" in the Māori language, which means "Cloud Piercer".
It is the highest mountain in New Zealand, rising to a height of 3,754 meters. The mountain is located in the Southern Alps range of New Zealand.
UNESCO declared Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park a World Heritage Site in 1990.
The mountain is named after James Cook, the English explorer who was the first Briton to discover New Zealand in 1769.
The first ascent to the mountain summit was in 1894.
Tours and Attractions in the Mount Cook Area
♦ Book helicopter flights over the mountains and skydiving from Viator:
At the foot of the mountain, near the visitor center, sits an impressive and luxurious hotel named The Hermitage Hotel, from which several hiking trails depart.
A short and recommended trail is the Kea Point Track. Walking time is about half an hour each way. Along the way, there is abundant and unique vegetation, and at the end, you reach an excellent viewpoint over the Hooker Valley, the edge of the glacial lake, and the snow-capped peaks.
Recommended trail: Tasman Glacier View Track (about 40 minutes round-trip) passes near the "Blue Lakes" and reaches an impressive viewpoint overlooking the glacier.
If you are interested in a rewarding full-day trek (5.2 km), take the Mueller Hut Route.
However, it is important to emphasize that this is a difficult trek involving a steep climb of more than 1,000 meters in about 3–4 hours.
An easier 3–4 hour trek is the Hooker Valley Track: an easy flat route of 3–4 hours along the river to a frozen lake, crossing 2 suspension bridges with beautiful views of the mountain and surrounding glaciers.
A wonderful experience is the amazing boat tour among icebergs and ancient landscapes organized by Glacier Explorers.
You can also combine a tour in a unique four-wheel drive vehicle to view the walls of the Tasman Glacier: Tasman Valley 4WD & Argo Tours.
There are also scenic flights from Mount Cook. Flight duration ranges from 20 minutes to an hour, and prices are also sky-high (starting from 200 NZD per person for the shortest flight).
It is recommended to combine a visit to The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, adjacent to the visitor center and The Hermitage Hotel. On-site is a small museum recounting the story of New Zealand's famous mountaineer, along with a 3D movie about mountaineering and the scenery of Mount Cook.
Astronomy enthusiasts will be delighted to join a night stargazing tour with powerful telescopes: Big Sky Stargazing tours.
At the foot of Mount Cook lies Lake Pukaki. This is a stunning turquoise-colored lake in whose waters Mount Cook is often reflected in all its glory. Along the lake, there are various viewpoints, including views of Mount Cook. It is recommended to have a picnic on the lakeshore. Near the lake (about a 15-minute drive east), it is worth visiting the salmon farm Mount Cook Salmon Ltd, where you can take a self-guided tour (for a fee) among the fish ponds. In the small visitor center, you will receive information sheets and food to feed the fish.
Further along the road east towards Christchurch, it is worth stopping for a trip at another turquoise lake called Lake Tekapo. The lake is well-known for its variety of active sports and recreation options. Near the lake stands a sheepdog monument, erected in tribute to the shepherd dogs—the most essential helpers for New Zealanders in herding the country's many sheep (outnumbering people in New Zealand by more than 10 to 1)—as well as a small church called the Church of the Good Shepherd, from which a wonderful view of the lake unfolds.
