Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 meters including New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The combination of heavy glaciation, tremendous vertical scale and unpredictable weather means that they are not readily won. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (70,696 ha) is New Zealand’s great alpine park, boasting the highest mountains and the largest glaciers in the country. Cook National Park or stroll the village during free time. [24] Sebastopol offers one of few view points taking in both the Hooker Valley and the Tasman Valley. The only true alpine bird is the tiny rock wren/piwauwau, which survives the winter in high rock basins. The jewelled gecko lives in the park but is rarely seen. Mount Cook National Park will leave a lasting impression but capturing these moments to share is the best way to keep the experience with you forever! Mt Cook Lodge is located in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park in New Zealand's South Island. – European discovery of New Zealand – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand", "Mount Aoraki (Mount Cook) rock avalanche", "Height of NZ's tallest peak Aoraki/Mt Cook slashed by 30m", Otago-led study revises height of Aoraki/Mt Cook, "Ngai Tahu Settlement Section 3: Aoraki/Mount Cook", Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Education Resource 2010. Mountaineering on the Aoraki / Mount Cook massif is a hazardous activity.[23]. Under normal circumstances, forest grows to about 1,300 m, however, most parts of the park are either at higher altitudes above the tree line or in the proglacial valleys such as the Hooker Valley and Tasman Valley, where the rocky soil of the valley floors and moraine walls do not support forest growth. Mount Cook National Park, Cooktown: See 10 reviews, articles, and 27 photos of Mount Cook National Park, ranked No.12 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Cooktown. [34], . Park Policies", "Deadly Mt Cook lures Australian climbers", "Mueller Hut Route: Walking and tramping in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park", "Government sees dollars in national parks", "Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre", Aoraki/Mount Cook Expedition | Summer 2014/15, "NZ study pinpoints the final cold snap of the last ice age", "2. Take only pictures and leave only footprints is a good rule to follow.. Get in []. Although covered with rock material in its lower reaches, the ice of the Tasman is about 600 metres deep near the Hochstetter Icefall. , List of mountains of New Zealand by height, "Aoraki/Mount Cook, Canterbury – NZ Topo Map", "Aoraki/Mount Cook Village: Long-term Community Plan", "Data Table – Protected Areas – LINZ Data Service", "Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: Places to go in Canterbury", "Nature and conservation: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park", "Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan – 4. https://www.alltrails.com/.../canterbury/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park Find out about avalanche danger in Aoraki/Mount Cook. Fast forward to now, and I’ve visited the national park countless times. The mountains of the Southern Alps in general are young, less than ten million years old, and are still building. Over 300 species of plants are found in the park. According to Ngāi Tahu legend, Aoraki and his … This is one of my favorite photo locations on the South Island! Another mountain popular for mountaineers of intermediate skills is Sebastopol, the closest mountain to Mount Cook Village. [20], Mount Cook Village is the start of several walks ranging from easy walking tracks such as the popular Hooker Valley Track to tramping tracks like the steep track to the Sealy Tarns. Among the most spectacular of these are many varieties of mountain buttercup (Ranunculus) and daisy/tikumu (Celmisia). At 3,724 m, New Zealand's tallest peak is known as Aoraki by Māori. Uplift in the region of the national park is at the rate of 5–10 mm per year. Read more about 'Pack it out'. This relatively flat hike takes you along the Hooker River between mighty peaks, over 3 picturesque suspension bridges until climaxing at the Hooker Glacial Lake showcasing the sheer rawness of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook.. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. As a result, the only pockets of forest and native bush in the park are along the southern edge of the Hooker Valley and the lower slopes of Sealy Range. We have reviews of the best places to see in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu). Glaciers cover 40% of it. The national park boundaries encompass an area of 278.6 square miles (721.6 sq km). Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is the starting point of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail to Oamaru. Together they form part of Te Wahipounamu South Westland World Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding natural values. Best Dining in Mt. Helicopters can take experienced skiers to a number of locations in the park for some wilderness experiences. Mount Cook National Park is a magical place full of great ways to get adventurous BUT there is still risk involved in doing these hikes. This is part of a formal intentions process that operates in the park and is used to initiate formal search operations. … The south wind froze them and turned them into stone, creating the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the South Island is home to the highest peak in New Zealand and is a playground for nature lovers. Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre for help with outdoor plans and to explore the artwork collection, interpretation exhibits and watching DVDs about the area. Aoraki/Mount Cook and the other high peaks attract mountaineers from around the world. [6][7], Of New Zealand's 20 peaks over 3,000 metres, all except Mount Aspiring / Tititea lie in the park. Some of these tracks also offer guided walking tours, and the nearby Tasman Lake hosts boat trips for tourists. Another small road leads to a car park near Tasman Lake, the start of a short walking track and the Ball Hut Route. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, but you don’t have to scale the mighty peak to enjoy the views. We didn't make it as far as the Hooker Lake as cloud rolled in blocking the view but we did get a clear view just past the 2nd swing bridge - that's about 75 mins in from the car park… Alpine experience is required. The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village, New Zealand, is a hotel located inside the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, 65 kilometres north of Twizel. [16], Rainfall is similarly variable, with the driest months receiving around 300 mm (12 in) precipitation per month, but recorded maxima of 537 mm (21.1 in) in one day and 1,447 mm (57.0 in) in a single month. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. We are a Learning Experiences Outside The Classroom (LEOTC) provider operating within a unique alpine environment extending from Aoraki/Mount Cook to the Mackenzie Basin. According to legend, Aoraki was a young boy in the canoe Te Waka a Aoraki, which was stranded on a reef and tilted to one side. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is in the South Island of New Zealand, near the town of Twizel. Road access into the park is via State Highway 80, along the western shore of Lake Pukaki. Your adventure begins here. The only road access into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is via State Highway 80, which starts near Twizel, at 65 kilometres (40 mi) distance the closest town to the park, and leads directly to Mount Cook Village, where the road ends. About 40 species of birds are found in the park, and perhaps the most distinctive of these is the kea, a mountain parrot well known for its mischievous antics. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), New Zealand on Tripadvisor: See 5,161 traveler reviews and photos of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) tourist attractions. This park is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. Mt Cook: Does reaching summit outweigh risks? The area was gazetted as a national park in October 1953 and consists of reserves that were established as early as 1887 to protect the area's significant vegetation and landscape. Ski touring is possible around the Tasman and Kelman huts. The hike is really easy to follow and very well maintained. All of these routes still require significant alpine mountaineering experience. [1], Even though most of the park is alpine terrain, it is easily accessible. Most people fall in love with Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park as soon as they drive in – the road is famous for its stunning views of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. Other mountaineering routes include crossing the Aroarokaehe Range via the Copland Pass, the Mount Cook Range via the Ball Pass, and routes crossing the Tasman Saddle further north. Mount Cook National Park is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for tourists, and I can see why. Guided ski trips, suitable for intermediate skiers, can be taken down the Tasman Glacier. It's estimated that approximately 25 km of uplift has occurred, however the rate of uplift has been countered by erosion. The park is also part of Te Waipounamu - South Westland World Heritage Area in recognition of its outstanding natural values. In 1851 Captain J. L. Stokes, sailing down the West Coast, gave the mountain its European name, Mount Cook, in honour of the English navigator Captain James Cook. At the highest rocks of Aoraki / Mount Cook, around 14 species of lichen have been found. The majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an expanse of untouched, awe inspiring alpine landscape sprawled out over more than 700km in the Mackenzie region. Getting to Aoraki/Mount Cook from Christchurch is half the fun on this private day trip. These are mostly contained in the valley floors of the Tasman and Hooker Valley, since they are the most accessible parts of the park. Glaciers cover 40% of the park. Snow falls on about 21 days per year.[16]. The huts range from basic shelters to serviced huts, with the most accessible hut being Mueller Hut, which can be reached from Mount Cook Village within 4 hours. Learn More. Get a look at New Zealand’s tallest mountain and dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. [1] All of these plants flower in the warmer months from November to February – early in the season in the valley floors, and late at higher altitudes. The Department of Conservation administers activities in the park, including the White Horse Hill camping ground. The braided riverbed of the Tasman is home to the kakī/black stilt, one of New Zealand's rarest birds. At 1,468 m height, it is only 750 m above Mount Cook Village, with the lower half of the ascent following the Red Tarns tramping track. The towering snow-capped mountains and turquoise waters are iconic images of New Zealand and a perfect addition to a South Island road trip. To climb successfully here requires skill, fitness, patience, and a great respect for the mountains. There are 19 peaks over 3,000 m including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Climbers are encouraged to pack out their waste. Walking tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park brochure (PDF, 4,461K), Walks around Aoraki/Mount Cook Village brochure: Chinese (PDF, 1354K) | French (PDF, 1145K) | German (PDF, 1144K) | Spanish (PDF, 1145K). If you want to see Aoraki Mount Cook at its very best, then there is no better a view than from up the Hooker Valley. A black alpine wētā known as the Mount Cook flea is found above the snowline. [2] The village is situated within the park, however, it consists only of a hotel and motels, as well as housing and amenities for the staff of the hotel and motels and other support personnel.[3]. Other prominent peaks include Mt Tasman, Mt Hicks, Mt Sefton and Mt Elie de Beaumont. The area was gazetted as a national park in October 1953 and consists of reserves that were established as early as 1887 to protect the area's significant vegetation and landscape. A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land. After visiting Mount Cook for the first time, I just couldn’t wait to head back! The park follows the Southern Alps for about 37 miles (60 km) with the park occupying the southeastern side of the range. However kea, falcons/karearea and black-backed gulls/karoro can be found soaring in higher areas. The national park is studded with stunning mountains on every side, grand glaciers surrounded by everpresent snowfields. There are 19 peaks With no cities or even small towns close by, and the village with all downcast lighting, the night sky is crystal clear and ringed by mountain ranges. Experience the awe of Aoraki/Mount Cook With fine and casual dining, a variety of accommodation, unique activities and genuine kiwi hospitality, the Hermitage Hotel is your base to explore the natural wonders of New Zealand’s Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The jewelled gecko lives in the region but is so secretive that it is rarely seen. The park stretches for about 60 kilometres (37 mi) along the southwest-northeast direction of the Southern Alps, covering 722 km2 (279 sq mi) on the southeastern side of the main spine of the Alps. Between 1,300 m and 1,900 m and in the valleys, the vegetation is predominately snow tussock grassland, as well as golden speargrass, large mountain daisies/tikumu (Celmisia semicordata, Celmisia coriacea), and Mount Cook lily, (Ranunculus lyallii), the largest buttercup in the world. The park is renowned for its natural environment. I loved the resteraunt, food was very well presented and flavourful. Photo: Wikimedia , CC … [1] Introduced red deer, chamois and Himalayan tahr can be hunted. Aoraki/Mount Cook village lies within the park with Twizel the nearest town outside. Always check the weather and be extra careful in winter as avalanches are more common. On the opposite side of the Hooker Valley, Mt Ollivier was Sir Edmund Hillary's first major climb, in 1939, and since the establishment of a tramping track to Mueller Hut, not far below the summit, is now one of the easiest accessible mountains in the park. Read about history at Aoraki/Mount Cook. [4] The valleys of the Tasman, Hooker, and Godley glaciers are the only entrances into this alpine territory that lie below 1,000 m (3,300 ft). This park is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. Very good receiptionists and information given. Use the telescopes at the Hermitage Hotel to view Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, Magellanic Clouds and the various constellations that make up the night sky. Aoraki and his brothers climbed to the high side and sat on the wreckage. Situated in the southern alps, the park is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain– yup you guessed it, Mount Cook. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. [1], The park is home to many invertebrates, including large dragonflies, crickets, grasshoppers, 223 recorded moth species and 7 native butterflies. [14] A black alpine wētā, also known as the Mount Cook flea is found above the snowline. The Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest and longest glacier, is clearly visible from the main highway at the entrance of the park. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. Critical Ecosystem Pressures on Freshwater Environments, Biodiversity inventory and monitoring toolbox, Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, Find out about avalanche danger in Aoraki/Mount Cook, Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre. The landslide carried with it another 40 million cubic metres of rock and ice.The impact caused an earth quake of 3.9 on the Richter scale. [1] Eight of the twelve largest glaciers in New Zealand lie within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, all of which terminate at proglacial lakes formed in recent decades due to a sustained period of shrinking. At the end of the most recent ice age, around 13,000 years ago,[25] the Mueller Glacier, Hooker Glacier, and Tasman Glacier were all tributaries to a much larger glacier covering all of Hooker Valley and Tasman Valley in hundreds of metres of ice and reaching as far as the extent of today's Lake Pukaki,[26] up to 40 km (25 mi) south of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. [5], In the area surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, Hooker Glacier, Murchison Glacier, and Mueller Glacier all terminate in lakes, while further north in the park, the Godley Glacier, Classen Glacier, Grey Glacier and Maud Glacier also end in proglacial lakes. [21] The park contains close to twenty huts, mostly in alpine terrain. [15], Temperatures in Mount Cook Village range from −13 °C (9 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F), and typically fall just over 1 °C for every 200 metres of altitude. [1], More than 400 species of plants make up the vegetation in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which include more than 100 introduced plant species such as the colourful Russell lupin, the wild cherry and wilding pines. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. The weather conditions in the park, in particular at higher altitudes can be unpredictable and change rapidly. [18], The park is popular for mountaineering, hunting, tramping/hiking, skiing and ski touring. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is located on the western side of the South Island of New Zealand. Mount Cook airport is down the road from the village. The dramatic nature of these mountains provides a rare challenge. Tasman Lake and Hooker Lake are easily accessible via walking tracks and are the only two of these lakes that have official names. The glaciers that have helped shape the park's landscape include five major valley systems: Godley, Murchison, Tasman, Hooker and Mueller. At an area of 7 km², Tasman Lake is the largest of the proglacial lakes and hosts boat trips for tourists. Rising to 431 m, rugged Mount Cook provides a scenic backdrop to Cooktown. [18], A visitor centre in the village features interpretation exhibits about the area's natural environment and history as well as an artwork collection. The 7 spots mentioned above are just the beginning of an experience that will have you both breathless and speechless. Then take a walk in Mt. From unbelievably blue lakes and wide open skies, to jagged mountain ranges piercing the clouds, exploring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers an off-the-beaten-track adventure that will leave you amazed. The black stilt or kakī, rarest wading bird in the world, lives in the braided riverbed of the Tasman. Its 27 km long, up to three km wide and 101 sq km. Situated in Mount Cook National Park and offering beautiful mountain views, Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge is a 5-minute walk from Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Avalanches can occur in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in any season. The famed Mount Cook lily, Ranunculus lyalli, is the largest buttercup in the world. Best Dining in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mackenzie District: See 2,398 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 7 Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Rainforest and tropical woodlands with a heath understorey cover the upper slopes and sheltered gullies. [11], The native vegetation continues to be under threat by introduced plant species ranging from non-native trees through to lupins, broom and non-native grasses. The tiny rock wren/pïwauwau, a threatened species, is the only permanent resident high on the mountains. Set in Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel features a range of rooms and suites all offering majestic mountain views, and most with views of Mount Cook. The park is rich with invertebrate fauna, including large dragonflies, grasshoppers, distinctive moths and butterflies. As of 2016[update] the cycle trail still includes 15 kilometres along public roads. This 35-minute ski plane ride takes in the highlights of the Mount Cook National Park, soaring over the Tasman Valley, swooping past the Hochstetter Icefall, and touching down on theTasman Glacier. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is in the South Island of New Zealand, near the town of Twizel. Small insectivores such as the riflemen/tïtitipounamu and the New Zealand fantails/pïwakawaka live in the low forest and scrub, along with small numbers of two larger birds, the wood pigeon and morepork. [17] Anyone venturing further than the walking tracks is strongly advised to notify their intentions at the Visitor Centre on the day you start. This  park is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. [9], The park borders Westland Tai Poutini National Park along the Main Divide. During the coldest months of the year, Mueller Glacier Lake, Hooker Lake, and Tasman Lake usually freeze over at least partially. To Ngāi Tahu, Aoraki represents the most sacred of ancestors. [33] A small airfield, Mount Cook Aerodrome, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Mount Cook Village has been served by the Wigley family's New Zealand Aero Transport Company and successor Mount Cook Airline sporadically since 1921. Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre for help with outdoor plans and to explore the artwork collection, interpretation exhibits and watching DVDs about the area. [22], The spectacular peaks of the Aoraki / Mount Cook region have attracted climbers from all over the world for the last 100 years. [10], The plant life in the majority of the park consists mostly of alpine plants. Start your evening at the purpose-built planetarium at the Hermitage, before venturing out to see an amazing sparkling display. Introduced species such as finches and sparrows live throughout the bush near Mount Cook Village. The area was formally established as a national park in 1953 and is a harsh land of ice and rock. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aoraki_/_Mount_Cook_National_Park&oldid=984089361, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2016, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 1770 – Captain Cook named the Southern Alps, 1884 – First Hermitage built under the direction of Frank Huddleson, 1894 – First ascent of Aoraki / Mount Cook, on Christmas Day, by, 1911 – The vital swing bridge is built in the Hooker Valley, 1913 – First ascents of the footstool and Mt Sefton made by Freda du Faur's climbing party, 1913 – Hermitage first ravaged by floods in January, then destroyed beyond repair by floods two months later, 1914 – First fatal accident, when three men caught in avalanche on Linda Glacier, 1914 – Second Hermitage opened, on different site, 1957 – Second Hermitage razed to the ground, 1958 – Third Hermitage built (later extended to become the current, 1960 – First school opens, Aoraki Mount Cook School, 1975 – State Highway 80 is sealed, improving access to the national park, 1991 – Avalanche of 10 million cubic metres of snow and rock causes 10 metres to be lost off the top of Aoraki / Mount Cook, This page was last edited on 18 October 2020, at 03:01. There is virtually no forest in the park. The road ends at Mount Cook Village, with a connecting road leading to the White Horse Hill camping ground. Rodolph Wigley's Mount Cook Motor Co was formed in 1906 to provide services to the area from the railhead at Fairlie. From Twizel there is an all weather sealed road to the Mount Cook village. [8] These include New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, at 3,724 metres. It offers guests 5GB of free WiFi per device, per day, a self-catering kitchen and BBQ facilities. Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/. Cook Village restaurants and search by … The Mount Cook National Park, or the Aoraki National Park, is home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook and is populated by 23 other peaks measuring over 3000m. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu): See 2,334 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 6 Mt. [12], There are about 35[13] to 40 species of birds in the park and include the kea, the only alpine parrot, and the well-camouflaged pipit. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is one of the best places in New Zealand to view the night sky, either by yourself or with a guide. We offer a range of accommodation options to suit everyone. The view from the room was spectacular. The park is a harsh land of ice and rock. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has a rich cultural and industrial heritage. They should only be attempted by experienced climbers/mountaineers. Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and Aoraki/Mount Cook Village lie within the park. Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and Aoraki/Mount Cook Village lie within the park. As the glacier retreated, it filled the hollowed out valleys with rocks and gravel, leaving behind the flat-bottomed valleys seen today. Mount Cook National Park is world-renowned for its scenery and is popular among hiking and walking enthusiasts. [13] It is unrelated to the rock wren of North America. Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand. The 300 kilometre cycle trail has been constructed from 2010 onwards by the New Zealand Cycle Trail project. Glaciers cover 40% of the park area, notably the Tasman Glacier in the Tasman Valley east of Aoraki / Mount Cook. Glentanner Park Centre is located 15 mins drive from Mt Cook Village on the main road into Mt Cook. Instead the park is alive with the most wonderful alpine plants.