Would you like to see New Zealand's highest mountain and do you know where is it located? Here is the answer: it is Aoraki/Mount Cook and it is located at New Zealand South Island. Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand stands at 3,754 M (12,316 feet) and is also a premier mountaineering destination. In 1894, New Zealanders Tom Fyfe, George Graham and Jack Clarke were the first one to climb Aoraki/Mount Cook. Aoraki/Mount Cook has it own fair share of interesting legend. Read on to find out about the legend.
Within the vicinity of Aoraki/Mount Cook mountain, the whole area is designated the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in 1953. This remarkable park has an area of 700 km square, has 19 peaks over 3,000m and furthermore, it has glaciers cover 40 per cent of the park. My visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park proved an exhilarating experience.
With such a mountainous national park, you must be wondering is there any accommodation here? Yes, however, there is only one hotel in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and it is the Hermitage that was first built in 1897 and rebuilt and expanded over the years.
Before I forget, here is the legend. Aoraki/Mount Cook is a sacred mountain to the Ngai Tahu tribe of New Zealand South Island. According to Maori legend, the mountain and its surrounding peaks were formed when a boy named Aoraki and his three brothers descended from the heavens to visit Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) in a canoe. Unfortunately, the canoe they were in overturned, and as they moved to the back of the boat, they turned to stone. Hope that the legend is interesting to you.
And what's more, if you like glacier, you are in for a treat. The Murchison, Muller, Hooker, Tasman and Godley glaciers dominate the valley pattern in the park. Believe it or not, the Tasman Glacier, being the largest in New Zealand, is 29km (18 miles) long and 1.6km (1 mile) wide and they are truly stunning. You might want to experience the glacier by Heli-skiing which is very popular and this experience could take your breath away.
If you want to experience the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park from the height, you can do a flightseeing to have a real panoramic view of the park. Flights operate from Glentanner Park Centre and Mount Cook airstrip. You will be flown over a range of the park, and many include a landing on a glacier. Can you imagine how great that feels?
If you have more time to spare and energetic, you may want to try some tracking. Within the vicinity of Mount Cook Village, there are several well formed walking tracks with signposts. These tracks are suitable for people who do not have any climbing experience.
There are shorter walking and longer walking tracks. While talking a walk along these tracks, you will enjoy the beauty of the national park, vegetation and birdlife. While these tracks are well formed, the ground is rough and thus it is good that you wear stout shoes or boots and carry a walking stick. Don't forget, because this is mountainous region, it can be windy and cool even in Summer, therefore, always bring along a sweeter with you.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers spectacular views and touring experience. You will definitely be rewarded with spectacular scenery. With the timeless mountains, lakes and glaciers, it is a place not to be missed. No wonder it is a dream destination for many travelers. For more information, please visit now Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park at: http://www.fibcool.com/cheap-flights.
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