“I
am not sure that Mount Cook is not the
finest in outline of all the snowy mountains
I have ever seen. No one can mistake it.
If a person says he thinks he has seen
it, you may be quite sure that he has not
seen it. The moment it comes into sight
the exclamation is ‘that is Mount Cook’,
not ‘that must be Mount Cook’. There is
no possibility of mistake.”
Samuel Butler
The
Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie Region
Carved by glaciers, today the Mackenzie Region is
a magnificent area filled with lakes turned turquoise
from the glacial water, and some of the longest glaciers
in the world! On the drive up, stop at Lake Pukakai,
walk down to the still waters are turned blue from
the rock flour, and take some time to sit and enjoy
the tranquillity and stunning views!
Whether you choose to see the awesome views from
a helicopter or aircraft, or take in some fresh alpine
air while hiking, skiing or mountain biking, the
region has a wonderful climate any time of year –
hot summers and crisp snowy winters!
History
The legend of Mount Cook is the story of Aoraki and
his brothers. They were the sons of Rakinui (the
Sky Father) and were on a voyage around Papatuanuku
(the Earth Mother) and were on a voyage when they
became stranded on a reef. They climbed up to sit
on their capsized canoe, but the cold southern wind
froze them and the canoe became the South Island,
and Aoraki – the tallest of the brothers – became
the grand Mount Cook and his brothers and crew the
peaks of the Southern Alps.
Aoraki Mount Cook
The highest peak in the Southern Alps! Named Aoraki
- meaning “cloud piercer” – by the Maoris, Mount
Cook is in a stunning setting of glaciers and sparkling
lakes and at 3754m it almost does touch the clouds!.
Well worth a visit, stay in the Mount Cook village
where you can eat in the Panoramic Restaurant and
watch the peaks of the Southern Alps turn pink as
the sun sets while you sit by the roaring fire.
With many activities to choose from, one of the best
ways to explore is walking. For a short walk follow
the Hooker Valley trail across amazing swing bridges
suspended over rapids, past glaciers and through
moraine fields to emerge at the Hooker Glacier Lake,
where the icebergs and clouds rolling over the peaks
will be one of the most memorable sights you will
see!
Lake
Tekapo
At 710m above sea level, Lake Tekapo is the country’s
highest lake. The amazing turquoise colour is caused
by the rock flour created by the glaciers grinding
the rock into dust and carrying it to the lakes –
and it is hard to believe what a stunning colour
it is until you see it with your own eyes!
There is a calm atmosphere to the area, and it is
often thought of as the “spiritual centre” of the
county, with a popular landmark the stone Church
of the Good Shepherd, which is host to many weddings!
Fishing is a popular activity here, with excellent
rainbow and brown trout to be found in the lake,
canal and surrounding lakes. If you go out in the
evening, you will see the most spectaculay night
sky – with a Maori meaning of “night sleeping place”
Lake Tekapo has the clearest and darkest night sky
in New Zealand.
The
Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie Region
Lake
Tekapo