Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park [5] is dominated by the peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain as well as Mount Tasman. There are several other high peaks of the South Island's, Southern Alps nearby. Understand[edit]The park is renowned for its natural environment. Take only pictures and leave only footprints is a good rule to follow. Get in[edit]From Twizel there is an all weather sealed road to the Mount Cook village. Mount Cook airport is down the road from the village. Glentanner Park Centre is located 15 mins drive from Mt Cook Village on the main road into Mt Cook. Get around[edit]Walking is a popular way to get around the park. There are a number of formed tracks and recognised walking routes. For those who want to see or ski the mountains, there are light aircraft and helicopters that can get you to places in minutes that would otherwise take hours or days of walking. See[edit][add listing]These are high mountains, so close up that it will put a crick in the back of your neck. Air Safaris [6] provide scenic, fixed wing flightseeing tours flying from both Glentanner Park and Lake Tekapo. The Grand Traverse scenic flight from here offers the big picture with an exciting and comprehensive aerial sightseeing tour of all the major mountains and glaciers in both the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and the Westland National Park. Ph: +64 3 680 6880 or 0800 806 880 (NZ only) Fly From Queenstown with Glenorchy Air [7] Do[edit][add listing]
For walking options refer to Dept of Conservation website [8] Tramping options include an excursion to Mueller Hut (refer to Department of Conservation website above) and the Ball Pass Trek. For the Ball Pass crossing you need mountaineering experience, crampons and ice-axe, or go with a guide. For the guided option see [9] or phone +64 3 6806736. Skiing options include day skiing on the Tasman Glacier with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Alpine Guides, or heliskiing in the Ben Ohau and Liebig Ranges, or ski touring based at high alpine huts. See [10] and [11]. Mountaineering options range from Introductory Climbing Courses to guided ascents of Mount Cook.
Aoraki / Mount Cook village is surrounded by beautiful nature walks for all abilities, For a bird’s eye view take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to the West Coast and some planes will even land you on top of the Tasman Glacier. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is in Mount Cook Village and has a fascinating museum, planetarium and 3D movie theatre. There are climbing courses and stargazing tours which can also available. Situated right in the centre of the Southern Alps of the South Island, Aoraki / Mt Cook village is located near the popular tourist spots of Lake Tekapo, Omarama, Twizel and is a 3 or 4 hour drive from Queenstown and Christchurch. Eat[edit][add listing]
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Stay safe[edit]Travelling in this mountain area requires preparation and some experience of mountain country. Even in summer, day-walkers should carry warm clothing and some high-energy food, as the weather in this area can change rapidly. Tramping and Climbing parties should be prepared to stay overnight in the open in an emergency. Intention plans should be lodged with the Park Rangers. Be aware that weather conditions may delay Search and Rescue efforts, so parties should be self sufficient and competent in all aspects of mountaineering. Local advice and guidance should be sought on any proposed activities. Motorists should keep to the paved roads and not venture onto unsealed roads or 4 wheel drive tracks unless they are sure of their driving abilities and the suitability of their vehicle for the terrain and road surface. Some (notional) roads in this area are so dangerous they are excluded from vehicle insurance policies. In winter, chains should be carried and used when the roads become snow covered. Get out[edit]
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