Aoraki Mount Cook National Park has this “Je ne sais quoi” that reminds me of my birth country. It’s like the mountain is welcoming me home.
The first time we tried to visit, there was a storm, and we had to run to Tekapo Lake. But this time, the weather was awesome. My husband and I settled in our cool Airbnb in Ben Ohau and decided to hike Mount Cook.
The scenery was breathtaking, and we felt one with nature.
Why Is Mount Cook So Famous?
Aoraki is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, and it helped Sir Edmund Hillary get ready to climb Mount Everest. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park has the highest mountains and the longest glaciers in New Zealand, making it a trendy spot for folks who love exploring the outdoors.
The park has wild and rugged scenery perfect for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. If you’re an adventurer at heart, you should definitely check out Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park!
About Aoraki Mount Cook
The Mount Cook Village is a sweet little town in the heart of Mount Cook National Park. You’ll find plenty of cozy places to stay, delicious restaurants, small shops, and even a gas station.
It’s the perfect place to call home while you explore all the amazing things the national park has to offer, like the best hikes in Mount Cook.
Road Trip South Island
Ready for an adventure? Mount Cook road trip is something you just can’t miss. It’s one of the best road trips on the South Island, with stunning views you’ll never forget. I’ve driven this road many times and can tell you it never gets old.
You can do it on a day trip from Lake Tekapo! There are so many unique places to stop and explore along the way. So, get ready to be blown away by the beauty of New Zealand!
Lake Pukaki
The water has a stunning turquoise color that makes you feel like you’re in a dream world.
But the truth is that this color comes from fine silt particles called glacial flour, which come from glacial erosion. These particles are so fine that they stay in the water and don’t settle to the bottom quickly.
Unfortunately, We cannot boat on the Lake. This is because the lake can be a bit unpredictable at times, with sudden wind changes that can be dangerous for boaters.
Hikes
Mount Cook has got heaps of activities to do, but hiking is the most popular of all. But, some hikes are riskier in winter and are only for the pros.
A few hikes listed could be better, but the hikes are mostly safe all year round.
In summer, it’s a total blast to hike around.
