Mount Cook Hotels
Mighty Mount Cook
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand – and the entire Australasian continent, for that matter. It is situated within Mount Cook National Park, much of which is permanently covered in snow and glacial ice. The Maori people refer to the mountain as Aoraki, which means ‘cloud piercer’ – and it certainly lives up to that name, standing an impressive 3,755 metres tall.
While the mountain reaches for the stars, the park itself is a great place for mere mortals to watch on with some stargazing – and we don’t mean celebrity-spotting! Having said that, though, if you take the Lord of the Rings Tour, you will get your Hollywood fix. Mount Cook is one of the most breathtaking parts of New Zealand and indeed the world. Soak up the natural beauty and let yourself be enchanted. ... Read more »
MOUNT COOK’S TOP 10
| 10. Mountaineering You can go on an introduction course, or a guided ascent of Mount Cook itself (if you are really fit!) | 5. Glacier Sea Kayaking The best views you are likely to have while kayaking – just don’t fall in the water! |
| 9. Old Mountaineers Café, Bar and Restaurant Before sitting down to enjoy a meal or drink, be sure to take in the old photos and memorabilia. | 4. Kea Point With great views of Mueller Glacier and Mount Cook itself, the walk is definitely worthwhile. |
| 8. Hiking With so many trails in the park, hiking will keep you busy for pretty much ever. | 3. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre The centre was opened just before the great man’s death and his voice can still be heard here – literally! |
| 7. Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake Take a boat trip and see the only icebergs in Australasia. | 2. Tasman Glacier Visit New Zealand’s largest glacier. |
| 6. Helicopter Flight Let’s face it – you probably aren’t going to climb the mountain, but this way you can still enjoy the view. | 1. Mount Cook It is hard to miss, but you can’t come all this way and not visit the mountain itself! |
MOUNT COOK EVENTS
Come and see the Tekapo Bull Tahrs. The local ice hockey team play at the nearby stadium on a Friday night.
The Ben Ohoo Highland Games are held in August. For a taste of Scotland, there is bagpipe music, haggis and even a caber toss.
In August, the Roundhill Eighties Day takes place at nearby Lake Tekapo and sees everything tragic about the ’80s pushed front and centre.
The nearby Twizel Airshow in September is nicknamed ‘Wings Over Water’ – there is a boat show below as the planes fly above.
Also in September in Twizel is the Ohau Snowball fancy dress party. Don’t expect to get home until very late.
WHEN TO GO
- The region experiences vastly varying weather throughout the year, but it depends if you prefer the heat or cold.
- In summer, the temperatures can rise above 30ºC (86ºF).
- At the height of winter, the maximum temperature is about 6ºC (43ºF), and the days are crisp to say the least.
Glentanner Park Centre Mount Cook
3.5 Stars$23
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Mount Cook Road State Highway 80 Aoraki Mount Cook 7946
Travellers looking to discover the great outdoors of the South Island of New Zealand find suitable base Glentanner Par... More hotel details
