The drive to Mount Cook is easy and scenic. This is especially so at the last stretch leading to the alps.
It was one of our most memorable drives in the South Island.
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Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki
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We chatted with few locals and understood that the lovely colour in the lake is the silt formed by the melting glaciers. The lake is so, so beautiful. It is so calm and you can see reflections of Mount Cook and the alps mirrored in the waters. You will enjoy this beauty for miles and miles until you approach the grandeur of Aoraki Mount Cook. We were too awestruck by the snowy alps right before our eyes. This experience will far exceed those who do not have a rental car in New Zealand – true! This is a picture photographed while driving towards the majestic alps! Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain. This alpine village is surrounded with such dazzling backdrop, a favourite with trampers and international visitors. You should stay here long enough for a walk or hike, there are many different levels of walks/hikes to choose from. This is a fantastic way to get close to the majestic alps. And if your budget allows, a scenice flight, some includes glacier landings, will promise an unforgettable ‘once a lifetime’ experience. We did a walk with Clayton on his pram at the Hooker Valley – it was challenging on those unpaved roads – we could only make it to the first bridge! Despite that, we had a lovely time and the views were awesome, more superior than just viewing it from the hotel room. We can never be more thankful for the clear skies and perfect weather that very day. The grandeur of Aoraki-Mount Cook on a clear day at Hooker Valley. Mount Cook village has limited choices when it comes to accommodations. Nevertheless, there are still options to suit every traveler, from budget dorm beds, affordable chalets and motels and New Zealand luxury travel. Dining is limited to the Old Mountaineer’s Café and Bar or the restaurant in The Hermitage Hotel. Another stop for amazing views of Mount Cook and the jade-green lake is the Lake Pukaki visitor centre. A must-stop for some photo moments with majestic Mount Cook as the dramatic backdrop.
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The majestic of Mount Cook viewed at the Hooker Valley
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Mount Cook Salmon Farm, the first fresh water salmon farm in New Zealand. This is ‘de’ place to savour fresh raw/smoked salmon. And the salmon are free from chemicals! In Lake Tekapo, don't miss the Church of the Good Shepherd, an important landmark in this region. Nearby, you will also spot the bronze statue of a sheepdog standing tall.
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Picturesque of Lake Pukaki with the backdrop of Aoraki-Mount Cook
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The majestic of Mount Cook and the jade-green waters of Lake Pukaki. The views were simply mesmerizing, truly awesome!! I will never forget the light jade-green waters of Lake Pukaki! I have never seen anything like this before!
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The sacred spot - Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
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Witness the beautiful jade-green waters of lake Pukaki.
Lake Tekapo - where you will spot the Church of the Good Shepherd
Another best thing to see the glaciers would be to do a helicopter scenic ride or heli-hike!
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The view of Mount Cook from our room at The Hermitage hotel.
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The Hermitage Hotel
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Our short hike with Clayton at Hooker Valley. Awesome!
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A hike to the Glaciers. There are various hikes (for beginners to advanced trampers) in the Mount Cook area so you really don't need to be a 'pro' to do it.
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Published on Saturday September 16th, 2006
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Fri, Oct 06 2006 - 07:11 PM
 by mistybleu
| An enjoyable read, I only saw Mount Cook en route to some where else. Nicely done. |
Sun, Sep 24 2006 - 02:07 PM
 by st.vincent
| Nice photos, it looks a really beautiful place |
Sun, Sep 24 2006 - 05:12 AM
by marianne
Doris,
A very good and informative first section, then it fizzles out a bit. If you click on: edit this report you can add more sections.
Marianne |
Sat, Sep 16 2006 - 10:25 AM
by mrscanada
The mountain pictures look more like the Rocky Mountains in Canada than the Alps.
Nice review.
Lyla |
Sat, Sep 16 2006 - 06:28 AM
by davidx
| Your enthusiasm is infectious and your photos are fine. Overall the information is a bit thin to merit 5*. |
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