Mt. Cook National Park, situated in the Mackenzie region of South Island is a World Heritage Site extending across an area of 70,700 hectares for 45 km.

Part of the eastern flank of the Southern Alps, it has 26 peaks of over 3000 m and many glaciers that are responsible for making this an area of spectacular natural beauty. The parent range runs from Hooker Glacier, west of theTasman Glacier and can be seen in its full glory during an aerial tour of the region. The glaciers are an integral part of the high altitude alpine park and Tasman Glacier is the largest amongst them.

The park demands superlatives - it has the highest mountain in Australasia, Mt. Cook (3754m) and the dramatic snow fields of the great Tasman Glacier, all in close vicinity.

The mountain was named after Captain James Cook but the Maoris call it 'Aorangi' - 'sky cloud' or 'cloud piercer' mainly because it always seems to have its head in the clouds.

Ancient Maori lore has it that the mountain is the greatest offspring of the Maori sky-father, Rangi, and the earth mother, Papa. Part of the summit fell away in 1991, the ensuing landslide and avalanche was felt more than 7 km away. Mt Cook is a challenging peak and only few climbers such as the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary, have accomplished the feat of conquering it.

First climbed in 1894 by George Graham, Thomas Fyfe and John Clarke, Mt. Cook offers a number of climbs, the most popular amongst them being the route on its north east face which actually involves conquering all three peaks. The perfect way to see the area is by air -air tours are laid on by many tour operators in helicopters and small planes, some of whom even land skiplanes on the Tasman Glacier itself. In an aviation technique pioneered in this very area, skiplanes provide access to skiers to the ski slopes on the Tasman Glacier.

You could sightsee on your own or join one of the many tours by bus or on foot. Boating on a glacial lake, horse treks or 4WD rides... many options await you.

The Tasman Glacier is the just a white ice sheet though due to global warming its starting to retreat. But since its horizontal, its retreated backwards so the top parts of the mountains are bare and the lower parts are covered with ice!

Still the ice is 600mm thick and is next to the Pukaki Lake, pay homage by going to the memorial of three mountaineers who were killed in an avalanche 13 years ago. That should give you an idea of how dangerous this place can be if you challenge nature.

Climate: The weather is always on the chilly side in the Mt. Cook region with average winter temperatures of around 2° C while summers are warmer with temperatures averaging a balmier 14° C.

Activities: The Tasman Glacier has more than 12km of skiable terrain - a true test for enthusiasts. Activities at the Mt. Cook National Park include walking on mountain trails, mountain biking, camping, exploring the glacial lake beds, 4WD drive safaris, cross-country and downhill skiing, climbing, hiking, horse riding, camping and golf. Short and long walks take trekkers past some fabulous panoramic vistas of mountain peaks, glacier lakes and moraine. The Department of Conservation Information Centre will assist with guides and other information on routes or contact the Mount Cook Visitors Centre, PO Box 5, Mt. Cook, New Zealand. Kindly inform them of your route so they can come looking for you in case something happens. The long walks and tough mountain expeditions should be avoided by inexperienced mountaineers. The weather changes before you can blink and many have died in the area.

Heli-Skiing and Heli Hiking are extremely popular and there are courses on them. Skiing can be just amazing here so long as the weather permits. The one thing you must do is take an Aerial Tour. There are glacier landings and fabulous views comparable to going to the Grand Canyon on a plane. Don't even think about giving it a skip. Mt. Cook Airlines (435 1849) will give you a ride of a lifetime. Helicopters are also available.

When to go: Depending on what you want to do, you can come in at all times of the year. The summer months are from November to April, peak season is December, February and March. This is not only because of foreign tourists but also domestic travellers who have holidays from 20th December to late January when schools close. Easter weekend and late October are also vacation times. So if you visit in this season, book in advance because it’s not so easy to find accommodation. We trust you love the cold, as the most of the park is always under snow throughout the year!

Getting there: The Mackenzie region is just under three hours away from from Christchurch, which is connected via daily bus/coach services to the main Mackenzie towns and villages. Mt. Cook has its own airport for domestic flights. Flights come in daily from Queenstown and Christchurch with passengers bound for the Mt. Cook Village and there are scenic flights to the West Coast. Whether you see anything or not, all depends on the weather!

Buses do ply from Mt. Cook to most towns on the island. Call the Mt. Cook Landline at 435 1849. Conveyance - limos to taxis, air services to shuttle buses, coaches and bikes - are available at the airport to the Alpine Village complex.

Accommodation is available in the Mt. Cook Alpine Village in a variety of guises - holiday homes, cottages and backpacker hostels, hotels, motels and lodges or in  NZ style farmstays in a High Country farm or the luxurious resortcomplex in the village.   There are lots of places to stay in the park too from chalets and lodges, log cabins, hostels, backpackers hostels, camping grounds at the Hermitage, motor camps about 23 km from the park on the shores of Lake Pukaki – take your pick. Do try and book ahead if you're coming in the peak season in both the summer and winter, that is. However, more than 70% of the park is permanently under snow, so don't take ‘summer’ too literally.

Cafés, restaurants and takeaways provide visitors to the region with a choice of fine food in the most picturesque surroundings - al fresco or inside elegant dining rooms with great view of thesnow clad mountain peaks.

For detailed country and visitor information, see New Zealand.