Be on Top of the World at Mt. Cook New Zealand

If you find yourself in love with incredible scenery on top of the world in New Zealand you’re probably reveling in absolutely breathtaking sights of Aoraki Mt. Cook. The highest peak in the Southern Alps is found in this South Island alpine country, almost equidistant from Christchurch and Queenstown. “Aoraki,” Maori for “land sky” or “land heavens,” situated in the heart of Mt Cook National Park.

Maori considered Aoraki Mt Cook New Zealand sacred grounds. A government agreement requires that the Maori name get top billing, and it requires climbers to turn back before reaching the mountain summit.

What’s to do at Mt. Cook New Zealand? Adventure challenges galore. Tramping, hiking, and guided walks on Mt. Cook NZ tracks and trails are just the beginning of the high adventures that await. The mountain, and experiences you will find there, are larger than life. Mountaineering, of course, is the chief climbing thrill.

Gliding, paragliding, or plane flights offer other ways to experience breathtaking vistas on your New Zealand vacation. Air Safaris’ planes operate tours, such as flights to Milford Sound from Lake Tekapo, which may even include time for a boat cruise. Other unforgettable scenic flights pass over Mt. Cook New Zealand for an unparalleled photographer’s paradise of spectacular views and aerial photography of mighty glaciers (Tasman, NZ’s largest glacier is here) and coastal rainforests.

Mount Cook Ski Planes made aviation history with the first retractable ski landing on a glacier in 1955. Now these planes offer scenic flights over Tasman and surrounding glaciers. The aircraft shuts down the engine once it has landed on the snow for passengers to experience the mountain’s natural quiet.

Helicopter tours also offer aerial views of Mt. Cook Village within the National Park. Some offer guides that explain area lakes and glaciers, plant life,and history with an option to fly up/walk down or vice versa (heli-hiking), customized to the participant’s level of experience.

Star gazing offers an opportunity to learn about the universe while viewing the Southern Cross. Fly fishing and New Zealand style golf (with goals instead of holes) are still other diversions. For Mount Cook NZ trails “back to nature” backpacker accommodation, huts and camping are available rustic options.

Mt. Cook New Zealand offers plenty of opportunity for guided day walks and breathtaking views of stunning peaks. Even four-wheel drive vehicles are available for unique close-up views of the mountains and Tasman Glacier. Sea kayaking allows an up close and personal encounter with icebergs and glaciers. The experience may include nature’s silence or the roar of a nearby avalanche.

Tours offering guide services escort participants through adventures such as mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and fishing according to varying skill levels. Qualified alpine guides oversee mountaineering ascents during summer. Horse trekking provides scenic views through high country sheep stations for beginners through more experienced riders.

Naturally, you may want to investigate travel insurance before embarking on high risk adventures. There’s no lack of experiences to be had at Mt. Cook New Zealand. Almost literally, the sky’s the limit!