Aoraki Mt Cook Regional Information

Aoraki Mt Cook | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

In this alpine paradise you can hike the high trails or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps. Aoraki/Mt Cook is a larger than life experience.

Aoraki Mt Cook Overview

The Aoraki/Mt Cook region is sometimes called the Mackenzie Country—it's the high inland basin beneath the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook, south west of Christchurch.

At 3,753 metres Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain. It towers above a splendid cast of massive snow-clad peaks that make up the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Nudging one side of Aoraki/Mt Cook is the mighty Tasman Glacier, a 30 kilometre giant and one of the longest outside the Himalayas.

Aoraki Mt Cook Highlights

Mt Cook village is an easy five hour drive from Christchurch. We recommend visitors take the route from Christchurch to Fairlie, gateway to the Mackenzie Country (the Mackenzie Country is named for Jock MacKenzie, an infamous Scottish sheep rustler). From here the road passes through a land of lakes, vast open spaces and golden, tussock-covered hills rolling towards the towering Southern Alps.

On the way you will pass turquoise glacial lakes such as Lake Tekapo. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on its shores and has a spectacular and famous view of the Southern Alps framed by its altar window.

At Mt Cook Village you can experience high country life at its best. There's plenty to do within the village and surrounding areas—from glacier skiing in the winter to hiking and fishing in the summer. As well as awesome alpine scenery, Aoraki/Mt Cook can surprise you with some of the best cuisine you could possibly imagine.

Aoraki Mt Cook Flights

There is a small airport located at Mount Cook, and a number of charter flights and airlines offer flights to and from the mount. Scenic flights over Mt Cook are very popular and rewarding.

» Mt Cook Air Charters
» Mt Cook Scenic Flights

Main Centres near to Aoraki Mt Cook

• Fairlie - gateway to the Mackenzie Country and Aoraki/Mt Cook
• Lake Tekapo Village - scenic lakeside town on the shores of stunning turquoise-coloured Lake Tekapo
• Mt Cook Village - Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Headquarters
• Twizel - southern Mackenzie country town, home to excellent sporting and fishing

Useful Aoraki Mt Cook Links

To help plan your Aoraki Mt Cook holiday choose from the main categories below

• Aoraki Mt Cook Accommodation
• Aoraki Mt Cook Tours
• Aoraki Mt Cook Attractions and Activities
• Aoraki Mt Cook Transport
• Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Information

Aoraki/Mt Cook Region Information

Aoraki/Mt Cook Tourism Operators