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Aoraki/Mount Cook - National Park
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Welcome to New Zealand's great
alpine park. Here are the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. Aoraki
Mt Cook village and all visitors to the park are dwarfed by the immensity of
the landscape that surrounds them. |
Natural, cultural and historic
features
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The park is a harsh land of ice
and rock. Glaciers cover 40% of it. There are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres
including of course New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook or Aoraki as it
is also known. The park is also part of Te Wahipounamu — South Westland
World Heritage Area in recognition of it's outstanding natural values.
The mountains are seen as ancestors by the Tangata Whenua — the Ngai Tahu
people. Aoraki is sacred above all and Maori do not believe that it is
appropriate to climb onto what is effectively the head of such an ancestor.
Yet European immigrants and visitors alike have come to the area from the
earliest times of settlement with the intention of climbing the unclimbed
and their stories are the stuff of legends — given the primitive equipment
available to these early climbers.
There is virtually no forest in the park. Instead the park is alive with the
most wonderful alpine plants. In summer look for the striking Mount Cook
buttercup, the large mountain daisies and watch out for the fearsome wild
spaniard or spear grass! Birdlife is restricted to species that like an open
habitat. Birds like kea and the well-camouflaged pippit. The braided
riverbed of the Waitaki is home to the black stilt, one of New Zealand's
rarest birds. |
Recreation Information
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This 70,696 hectare park is
located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the
Southern Alps. Aoraki Mount Cook village lies within the park with Twizel
the nearest town outside. |
Getting there
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From Twizel a sealed road leads
right into the park. Aoraki Mount Cook Village lies at the end of the road
just below the terminals of the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers.
Aoraki Mt Cook village has an airport with a regular service.
A regular bus service operates to Aoraki Mt Cook Village. |
Where to stay
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Accommodation at Aoraki Mt Cook
Village ranges from backpackers through to luxury accommodation
There are 17 huts in the park. Most are located for mountaineering use and
you need climbing skills to reach them. |
The top few things to do
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Walking: There are 10 short or
day walks around Aoraki Mt Cook village and into the main valleys. The most
popular are to Kea point and the Hooker Valley.
For more experienced trampers there are 3 alpine routes; over the Mueller,
Copland and Ball Passes. |
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Skiing: Guided ski trips,
suitable for intermediate skiers, can be taken down the Tasman Glacier.
Helicopters can take experienced skiers to a number of locations in the park
for some wilderness experiences.
Ski touring is possible around the Tasman and Kelman huts. Alpine experience
is required. |
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Mountaineering: Aoraki Mt Cook
and the other high peaks attract mountaineers from around the world. They
should only be attempted by experienced climbers/ mountaineers. |
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Scenic flights: Regular scenic
flights leave from Aoraki Mt Cook airport. |
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Remember this important information
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The alpine tramping routes in
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park are not for the inexperienced. The weather
conditions can be severe and groups attempting the trips must be properly
equipped and well prepared.
Your group should have a capable leader and everyone must carry a sleeping
bag, sufficient high energy food (with some extra for emergencies), a
waterproof raincoat and over trousers, gloves, a hat, and several layers of
warm (wool or fleece) clothing.
Take sun cream and sunglasses, summer or winter. Your group will also need a
first aid kit, portable stove, fuel, cooking utensils and a map and compass
(along with someone who knows how to use them). Boots and specialised
equipment are necessary (ice axe and crampons are a minimum).
During and after heavy snow falls avalanches are possible. Please check at
the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre for up-to-date information on
weather and track conditions. Fill in an intention form and remember to let
them know when you have completed your trip. |
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