Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's tallest mountain and helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest.

The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields.

Although it encompasses 19 peaks over 3000 metres high, this park is very accessible.

State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village which is situated beside scenic Lake Pukaki and provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.

Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while less skilled adventurers find plenty of satisfaction with the mountain walks that lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views.

At 27 kilometres in length, the mighty Tasman Glacier is a powerful piece of landscaping equipment. While it slowly carves the valley sides, it provides a landing place for small ski planes and helicopters. Surreal, milky lakes are a feature of the park - suspended, glacier-ground rock sediment makes the water opaque.

Legend

According to Ngai Tahu legend, Aoraki and his three brothers were the sons of Rakinui, the Sky Father. While on a sea voyage, their canoe overturned on a reef.

When the brothers climbed on top of their canoe, the freezing south wind turned them to stone.

The canoe became the South Island (Te Waka o Aoraki); Aoraki and his brothers became the peaks of the Southern Alps.

Mountain walks

There are 10 short walks beginning near the village. All tracks are formed and well marked.

Encounters with the cheeky "Kea" (mountain parrots) along the tracks are part of the fun.

The Red Tarns Track, Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Track each take around two hours return.

For more experienced alpine hikers, there are three mountain pass routes - over the Mueller, Copland and Ball passes.

Glacier viewing and skiing

Helicopters and ski-planes provide access to the park's fabulous glaciers.

The Tasman Glacier is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, while the Murchison, Darwin and Bonney glaciers promise excitement for advanced skiers.

Landing among spectacular ice formations and caverns is the start of an unforgettable experience.

From October until May, you can explore the Tasman Glacier's terminal lake by boat.