Dawn provides a clear view of the ever-changing Aoraki (Mt Cook). Picture: Louise Browne
ANYONE who’s ventured across “the ditch” knows that it is true what they say about New Zealand — it’s like having the whole world right next door.
With that in mind, Aoraki, (also known as Mt Cook) is New Zealand’s version of Everest.
At just over 3700m, it’s the country’s tallest peak and the national park created around it and the surrounding range and glaciers is a playground for serious mountaineers, hikers (or trampers as they say there) and nature lovers of all fitness levels.
And for us Aussies, it’s so close.
Paddling around the icebergs on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Picture: Louise BrowneSource:Supplied
The tracks from and around Aoraki all offer something different.
One of the best known is the Hooker Valley walk which meanders toward the mighty mountain to the base of the Hooker Glacier and lake.
Along the way, there are amazing views of Aoraki while you crisscross the Hooker River gushing with stunning blue water created by the glacial melt.
Along the Hooker Valley, you'll watch the blue glacial melt water dance across the river rocks. Picture: Louise BrowneSource:Supplied
At the end of the walk you are rewarded with a view of the moraine-topped glacier and a moody lake covered in icebergs. You might even see some avalanche snow dropped down into the lake the night before that has frozen into puffy ice blocks under the surface.
The Mueller Glacier walk offers views of bright-blue glacial moraine pools and mountain reflections. Stand awhile and listen to the glacier move.
This whole place is still under construction.
Even on a still day, the Tasman Glacier will surprise you with an amazing avalanche. Picture: Louise BrowneSource:Supplied
A trip highlight would be the snowshoe trek down the Tasman Glacier. At 27km long and up to 3km wide, its New Zealand’s longest and largest glacier.
A chopper drops you and your guide near the top to explore ice canyons and meringue-like formations, seracs and crevasses.
Kayaking on Tasman’s lake among the bergs is a great way to view the glacier at the calving end.
Whatever awesome activity you do in this heavenly part of the world, make sure you are ready and dressed for weather conditions that can change in a heartbeat. It’s wild.
Welcome to another planet, inside the Tasman Glacier. Picture: Louise BrowneSource:Supplied
GETTING THERE
Fly into Christchurch and hire a car. The drive to the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park takes about four hours via Tekapo. You can pick up supplies in Christchurch, or pop into the gorgeous town of Twizel (the last town before heading to the park). On the way you’ll pass by the amazingly blue Lake Pukaki.
STAY
Accommodation in the village includes the famous Hermitage Hotel, the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge and the YHA Mount Cook. Check out mtcooknz.comfor ideas.
Sun on the meringue-like serac at the top of the Tasman Glacier. Picture: Louise BrowneSource:Supplied
TO DO
Hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, snowshoeing, birdwatching, heli-hiking, glacier skiing and heli-skiing (seasonal) and scenic flights. We explored Tasman Glacier and kayaked on the glacial lake with guide Charlie Hobbs, who is based out of the Old Mountaineers Café Bar & Restaurant (which is a great place to eat, too).
For more info go tomtcook.com
Louise travelled to New Zealand at her own expense.
Twitter @LouiseBNews
Instagram @l_browne
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